Daily Gospel Reflection for April 4, 2023

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

Today's Gospel: John 13:21-23,36-38

Peter's guilelessness and eagerness seem almost artless in this Gospel. Jesus knows - and we know - what happens next. Jesus will be executed, as will nearly all of the apostles (eventually). Peter will betray the Lord he loves not once, not twice, but three times.

Like Peter, we can only guess at how we will respond and react when our faith is tested. As with Peter, God knows how faithful or faithless we may be. And yet, knowing what He knows, Jesus does not send Peter away. He does not condemn Him. He allows Peter to act freely, then He forgives and allows Peter to repair his relationship with Him.

So too are we sometimes naive and overconfident. We are cowardly and faithless. But God welcomes us back too, repentant sinners and faithless friends that we sometimes are. No matter our sin, even our persistent sin and lack of faith, Jesus is ready to welcome us back to Himself.

Ponder:

Am I overconfident in my ability to remain faithful when put to the test? How can I better rely on the Holy Spirit, calling upon God to pour out His gifts to strengthen my faith?

Pray:

God grant me the fortitude to remain faithful to You at all costs. Give me the humility to return to You, repentant, when I fail.

Click to tweet:
No matter our sin, even our persistent sin and lack of faith, Jesus is ready to welcome us back to Himself. #DailyGospel

Copyright 2023 Carolyn Astfalk