Reflect on how we can be more open to God's message and better listeners to our children in today's Gospel reflection.
Today's Gospel: John 8:51-59
In today's Gospel, Jesus is trying to tell the Jews that He is the Son of God, and they in turn are questioning Him and not believing what He is telling them. The Gospel ends with them throwing stones at Jesus and driving Him away. They heard the words coming out of His mouth, yet they did not believe them. They did not listen to Jesus and instead sent Him away, angry at Him for what He was telling them.
How often are we the Jews depicted in this Gospel reading? How many times has Jesus tried to communicate with us or show us that His plan for us is greater than our own? And how many times have we sent Him away, angry that He interfered in our lives and our plans for them?
In our parenthood, this can also look like our children coming to us for help with a problem, and instead of listening to their words and their own perspective of what happened, we choose not to listen and focus on the bad part of the problem. They turn to us to see them and instead we send them away feeling worse.
The good news is that despite our sins, heaven is still an opportunity for us if we go to Confession and live holy lives. I am sure many of us have had bad parenting moments, but I am also sure all of us have had positive parenting moments where we successfully model God’s love to our children.
Ponder:
Are you opening up your heart to listen to God today?
Pray:
God, let us hear You and open our hearts and minds to receive You today. Let us open our ears and hearts also to our children so that we can guide them to You.
Pray Together:
At the beginning or end of the day, invite all family members to ask another person in the household how they can pray for them that day.
Copyright 2026 Michelle Nott
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