Daily Gospel Reflection for April 8, 2025

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

Today's Gospel: John 8:21-30

I’ve got to be honest. When I read passages like those in today’s Gospel, I feel a bit sorry for the people confronting the confounding reality of Jesus in their midst. The puzzlement leads to troubling concerns: Is he going to commit suicide? Who is he anyway?

“They did not realize that he was speaking to them of the Father.”

Nope, they just didn’t get it.

I’m also one who needs things spelled out clearly. And I’m afraid I would have been among the confused, thoroughly befuddled by Jesus’ words. Thankfully, we have insight the Jews then didn’t, knowing better what Jesus meant when He said,

“When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will realize that I AM . . .”

Jesus is not playing tricks but offering helpful clues for later.

I find myself in a similar conundrum most days, not really understanding why I am suffering this or that earthly cross. I rarely can see the whole picture while in the middle of it. Only later does it make sense that what I had to endure was, indeed, for a greater good.

Jesus’ crucifixion was for a greater good, too: our salvation. We’ll experience much in this life that perplexes us, but Jesus gives us just enough of a clue to keep us hopeful:

“The one who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, because I always do what is pleasing to him.”

As with Jesus, God the Father won’t abandon us, and He’s especially near when we are malleable to His will. I draw much comfort in realizing that in seeking and doing the Lord’s will every day, God stays very near to me. This inspires a desire to be malleable to God’s plan, in trust, and to release my own tight-fisted will.

Ponder:

How can I live more freely within the ambiguities of life, trusting that God’s will always brings me and my family closest to Him, now and forever?

Pray:

Dear Lord, help me to be patient with the unfolding details in my life, which often confuse. Help me to never forget that even when I can’t see tomorrow clearly, You know exactly what You’re doing, and as long as I grip Your hand tightly, You will lead me, and my family, aright--thanks be to God!

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