Daily Gospel Reflection for March 26, 2024

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Reflection by Colleen O'Dowd

Today's Gospel: John 13:21-33, 36-38

It’s Tuesday of Holy Week and I know we’re supposed to be getting serious, but I can’t help but consider what Jesus must have been thinking when those ding-dong Apostles and whoever else were looking all around at each other, and the ceiling, and their recently washed feet, and not making eye contact with Jesus when He announced one of them would betray Him.

I am reminded of what my mother must have seen when asking all of us who broke/ate/lost/flushed whatever thing we had broken, eaten, lost, or flushed down the toilet. Or of me asking my dogs when I come home to a mess, “Who did it?”

Even though Judas was the one who sold Jesus out , all the rest except John threw Him under the bus at some point. They all left Him.

Even inside a close relationship, whether we are talking about Adam and Eve, the Apostles, or me, when we know what is wrong and we choose it anyway that spot on the wall over there is suddenly very interesting.

Even after two-and-a-half years with Jesus, the twelve Apostles still don’t totally get it. They’re trying. But they’re still looking somewhere else instead of at Jesus.

They’re distracted by maintenance (“Who did it?”) instead of empowered by mission, which is more like, “Go, do it.”

Now, to be fair, the twelve have not yet received the mission of Jesus, and since we know how the story ends, we know they get there. But how about us? How long will we wait before making eye contact with Jesus? He is looking at me with such love. And this is a big week. When will I look back at Jesus?

Ponder:

When this week -- admittedly a busy week for me and for Jesus -- can I spend fifteen minutes looking at Him and Who He is in my life?

Pray:

Lord Jesus, I desire to really look at You and to stay with You this week. Show me how.

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How long will I wait before making eye contact with Jesus? He is looking at me with such love. And this is a big week. When will I look back at Jesus? #DailyGospel

Copyright 2024 Colleen O'Dowd

Colleen O’Dowd is a parish missionary at Our Lady of Ransom in Niles, IL. She loves being Catholic; her Converse All Stars, Crocs, and socks are always liturgically correct; and she is a super saint-geek! She blogs ultra-occasionally at www.ourheartswereburningwithin.wordpress.com and can also be found @catholiccolleen on Twitter and Instagram.