Daily Gospel Reflection for April 5, 2025

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

Today's Gospel: John 7:40-53

In the days before cell phones were even imagined, we had a family picnic at the river. Everyone was there: grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins. As we finished supper, an argument began over which way the clouds were moving, east or west. While the small group argued about direction, everyone else packed up their car, because what the arguers failed to notice was that those were storm clouds.

As we drove home, every one of my relatives had hail damage to their vehicle. The truth was there--they were dangerous clouds--but confusion and chaos hid the truth.

In the Gospel reading today, the truth is again shrouded in confusion and chaos. Some say Jesus is the Prophet, others say that He is the Christ. Others argue, “The Christ would not come from Galilee.”

Things didn’t get any better when the guards returned to the Pharisees, who were expecting them to bring Jesus with them. The Pharisees were angry with the guards for being enamored at Jesus’ words; they called the crowd cursed. However, when Jesus was in town, the Pharisees were by His side, they saw His miracles and heard His teaching, and they, too, failed to see the truth: God was in their midst.

We can be the same. Not just confusion, but busyness can cloud our souls, preventing us from seeing where God is and what He is doing.

When we lose sight of the Truth, we should do what everyone else did in the Gospel: Each went back to his own house.

Not just a dwelling, “house” is also a sacred place. It can be our heart and mind, where we can look beyond the busyness and confusion and in the quiet, recognize the presence of God in our lives.

Ponder:

Getting things done is not a bad thing, but when “things” take priority over recognizing God in our midst, we lose sight of what is really important. What is one way you can remind yourself each day to look for God’s presence in your life?

Pray:

Jesus, please forgive me for the times I failed to see You in my midst and working in my life. I give You permission to help me remember to keep my eyes on You and not the clouds and busyness around me.

Daily Gospel 2