Daily Gospel Reflection for April 22, 2025: Tuesday in the Octave of Easter

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

Today's Gospel: John 20:11-18

Our children learn by watching us, mimicking us. Everyone has witnessed their child imitate something done routinely.  Mundane chores like sweeping the floor are cute when done by a toddler. Not so cute? When an inappropriate word pops out of their mouths at an inopportune moment, a word used when we thought they weren’t listening.

Letting them grow to the point they let go and stand on their own is imperative. In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells Mary, “Stop holding onto me.” He didn’t say “stop believing” or “leave me alone,” but He was telling her it was time to stand on her own and go teach others. 

As Catholic parents, we need to trust the lessons we have taught will grow as our children pursue their futures, as they become who God made them to be. And the most important lesson? We need them to be Christ’s face in this world.  They must see God in others, treating all with the same meek and humble heart Christ displayed.  

My granddaughter once told me she didn’t understand why I talked to people I didn’t know. I explained I learned it from my mom, who enjoyed making strangers smile whenever and wherever she met them. My mom taught me just one small compliment can change a person’s whole day. Now I witness my granddaughter imitating me. She makes it a point to make people feel as if they matter. 

Mary went from the grave of Christ to the Apostles and told them, “I have seen the Lord.” Can people see the Lord in you? That is what we have to do: We need to be the face of Christ to all. And that is a lesson our children need to learn. 

Ponder:

Can people see the Lord when they look at you? 

Pray:

Lord, help me to always strive to make others feel good about themselves. Help me be like You.

Copyright 2025 Carol Sbordon Bannon