Daily Gospel Reflection for May 1, 2025

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

Today's Gospel: John 3:31-36

When life throws curveballs, we often respond by swinging our bat to avoid a strike.  But curve balls are tricky and unpredictable. In today’s Gospel, John tells us,

“The one who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of earthly things. But the one who comes from heaven is above all.”

When life throws us curves, it's natural to respond in an earthly manner. We rely on comforts or reactions (alcohol, food, busyness, sex, or some other worldly pleasure) to get through hard situations. We often do this because we lack trust or fear the unknown. We do this because God hasn’t answered our prayer in the manner we want.

St. John tells us that instead of relying on the world, we should rely on our heavenly Father. He is trustworthy. He does not ration or limit His greatness. He shares openly and willingly  if we simply ask. Jesus says,

"Whoever believes in the Son will have eternal life, but whoever disobeys the Son will not see life . . ."

The devil knows that distraction keeps us from God. Making life convenient, taking the easy way, indulging in comforts, even keeping us distracted with good things is a way to divert us from God, essentially blinding us. He makes us think God won't come through.

How  can we avoid being blinded by the devil’s traps? By regular prayer and fasting. When we fast, we practice sacrifice. We become equipped to handle problems, so that when another curveball comes our way, we’re trained and can take a better swing, avoiding a strikeout. By fasting, we rely on God to handle  the harder pitches and know that He wins the game for us in the end. Those that try to do it on their own end up with a loss. 

Ponder:

Are there times when we take the easy route because we think God will come through for us? Do we put a time limit on God? 

Pray:

Lord, help me rely on You. Help me open my heart so fully so that all the space is filled by You. 

Copyright 2025 Andrea Bear