Daily Gospel Reflection for April 20, 2023

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

Today's Gospel: John 3:31-36

Back in 2006, our family embarked on the adventure of a lifetime. The boys were young - 2, 9, and 13 at the time, and since we were already homeschooling, we decided to go on the road and travel with my husband, who constantly had to leave town for work. Love was stronger than our fear of the unknown.

We sold our house in Florida, purchased a motorhome, and went on the road as “full-timers” for three years. We did not know what was ahead, but we trusted it would be good . . . and it was. And even now, thirteen years after we completed that chapter, we are still discovering graces we received then.

I ponder the difference between that uncertainty and the one we live with today. Why does one gives a sense of adventure, excitement, and even giddiness, and the other causes fear, worry, and anxiety?

Perhaps we had some sense of control when the choice to leave everything was ours. We weighed our options, our risks, and our reward. But when situations are thrust upon us, we struggle with our lack of control; perhaps we struggle with trust.

We do not know what tomorrow holds, but we know God is in control. Perhaps we are worried about finances, about having enough food, about just having enough, but we must remember that in our hearts, we hold the gift of God.

Today’s Gospel tells us,

“He does not ration his gift of the Spirit.”

No, He does not. God’s love is extravagant, abundant, and always more than enough.

“The Father loves the Son and has given everything over to him. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life . . .”

The same God that multiplies the bread always multiplies His love. And it is in that same love where we place our trust.

Ponder:

Think of one area in your life where God might be calling you to a greater trust in His love. Is there a concrete step you can take today in that direction? Is there one thing you are willing to let go of?

Pray:

Dear Jesus, present in every tabernacle, hear our prayer today. Fill our hearts with every gift of Your Spirit. May Your love overflow abundantly in and through us, casting away all worries and all fear. Help us to always trust in You.