Reflect on Christ's ultimate sacrifice and the unnoticed acts of love in our daily lives, drawing parallels between biblical events and personal experiences.
Today's Gospel: Matthew 26:14-27:66
As a mother, I laid down my life daily for my family. Isn’t that what all parents do? Isn’t that love? Later in life, when one of our daughters asked if I could watch her two-year-old while she opened a business, I agreed. Once again, I became a full-time preschool mom. I taught and loved that little granddaughter as if she were my own.
Now, my adult children have what I affectionately call the “inner circle,” where they let their hair down with each other. They discuss life as they remember it. Not to worry. One daughter, whom I like to think of as the truth teller, inevitably spills the beans every time.
One day, she could not get the words out fast enough. “The girls say you never did anything for them; you hardly babysat.” Interrupting, I questioned, “Wait a minute, didn’t I watch one grandchild for three years?” Nodding, she said, “Yes, Mom, I remember. She ruined it for everyone,” and finished with the words, “But what did you ever do for me?” I wanted to shout, “I gave my all!” Trying not to show my disappointment, I added, “I hardly recognize myself when you all talk about me.”
This conversation must have bothered me. It came to mind one day and as I teared up, I brought it to Jesus. His understanding words were, “You know, Ellen, it happens to Me too. Many of my children ask the same thing: ‘What did You ever do for me, Jesus?’” Jesus trained Judas, loved him, then made him a disciple, yet Judas betrayed Him. I know it hurt Jesus's heart! Jesus chose Peter to be the Rock of the Church even though he denied Jesus three times. What did Jesus do for me? He gave His all. Isn’t that love?
Ponder:
How do you feel when you give your all and no one seems to notice?
Pray:
Dear Jesus, give us a grateful heart for all that You have done for us. Let us give our all out of love for You. Let us not count the cost nor be disappointed when no one notices, because You notice.
Pray Together:
At the dinner table, share what Jesus did for you that day.
Copyright 2026 Ellen Mongan
About the Author
.png?width=1806&height=731&name=CatholicMom_hcfm_logo1_pos_871c_2728c%20(002).png "CatholicMom_hcfm_logo1_pos_871c_2728c (002)"){kind=logo}
Comments