Daily Gospel Reflection for April 10, 2025

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

Reflection by Kathryn Mulderink

Today's Gospel: John 8:51-59

Is Jesus the divine Son of God? 

Sometimes, it is said that Jesus was just a good man, or another prophet, or even the Messiah come to fulfill God’s promise to Abraham, but not God. But in today’s Gospel, we clearly hear Him say that he is God.

“Before Abraham came to be, I AM.”

If we read over His words quickly or forget that this is the title God Himself gave to Moses from the burning bush, we might miss the point, but we would be directed back toward them by the furious response of the Jews, who turn to stone Him to death for blasphemy.

Jesus is God. The Jews heard it loud and clear. But they hardened their hearts and rejected it.

With 2,000 years of tradition, theology, and doctrine supporting us (much of it around the very nature of Jesus Christ as God and man), it is in some ways easier for us to accept that Jesus is the Son of God. The Church teaches clearly that He is one person with two natures: human and divine. We call this mystery the hypostatic union. Jesus is one “who,” within whom are two “whats” - one person, who is both perfectly human and perfectly divine. 

But while we may not question Jesus’ divinity, we can still harden our hearts in many ways against what this God-Man is calling us to do or to be. The Lord of Heaven and Earth still speaks in a small voice that leaves us free - completely, perilously free - to reject it.

During Lent, we set aside the things that distract and disturb so that we can focus on remaining still to listen to God speaking in the quiet of our hearts and open our hearts wholly to hear and respond to Him. 

Ponder:

During this Lent, have I truly made an effort to open myself wholly to whatever the Lord might be saying to me in prayer, whether that is to call me to make a change in my life or to spend more time with Him?

Pray:

Mother Mary, you are the perfect model of complete openness and a ready yes from the heart to whatever the Lord moves within you. Go before the throne of grace and intercede for me, that I, too, might be open and ready to say yes to whatever the Lord asks of me.

Copyright 2025 Kathryn Mulderink

Kathryn Mulderink, MA is mother of seven, grandmother of 12, and president of the local Secular Discalced Carmelites. She has published five books. Over 30 years, she has worked in school and parish administration, and as a writer and voice talent for Catholic Radio. Currently, she serves the Church as a DRE, writer, and speaker, helping others encounter Christ. www.KathrynTherese.com