Daily Gospel Reflection for April 2, 2025

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

Today's Gospel: John 5:17-30

Today is the feast day of Saint Francis of Paola. Saint Francis lived a very humble life and wished to be the most humble and counted last among those who love and serve God. He wished to serve God in his own way but did not take into account for what God had in store for him. In today’s Gospel, John writes: “The Son cannot do anything on his own, but only what he sees the Father doing.”

We are called to be the examples to others that God has been to us. To live for God’s will rather than for our own. For Saint Francis, rather than shrink into his preferred life as a hermit, he ministered to the poor and the oppressed. When the pope called him to minister to the ailing King of France in the royal court, Saint Francis obeyed and lived there until he eventually died. In much the same way, we may be called to a life that is different than what we imagine, but living by the example that God is to us will allow others to see Him through our words and deeds. We are to be obedient to Jesus through our actions and our deeds. We are to be judged not by our intentions but by our actions.

Saint Francis’ actions showed him to be humble before God and others. And I hope that my actions show me to be humble and obedient to Jesus. The hour is coming when we will be judged, and we do not want to be found wanting.

Ponder:

Who do your actions show you to be? Do you believe that Jesus is pleased by them?

Pray:

Dear Lord, please help me to be the servant You wish me to be throughout my life. Allow me to be an instrument of Your purpose and to serve Your kingdom.

Daily Gospel 2