Daily Gospel Reflection for May 3, 2025

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

Reflection by Fr. Edward Looney

Today's Gospel: John 14:6-14

Jesus says in today’s Gospel,

“And whatever you ask in my name, I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything of me in my name, I will do it.”

We might read those words and scratch our heads a little bit. Why? Because we have all asked the Father for something in the name of Jesus and we have not received it. Groups of people have gathered in vigil praying for healing for someone and that person does not recover but succumbs to their illness. We pray that we will get a new job or a raise and it doesn’t happen. How are we to make sense of this teaching and statement of Jesus?  

A few thoughts come to mind. First, this teaching of Jesus emphasizes the importance of praying in His name, so that the Father might be glorified in the Son. Invoke the name of Jesus in your prayer. Second, our prayer must not be a list of demands of God: “God I demand you to do this.” Jesus is inviting us to change our perception of praying when we do so in His name. It is allowing our prayer to become “In Jesus’s name, may Your will be done.” An answered prayer glorifies God. Third, it may take some time, but eventually we will see how God answered our prayers, just in a different way. Many times when I demand God to do something, later, He has me realize, “My plans were better than yours.” Sometimes, we need to just wait for God to work. 

What should you do now? Make your prayer and petitions known to God by praying in the name of Jesus, so that He can accomplish His will. 

Ponder:

What is something you have prayed for, and how have you seen God answer that prayer, in the way you requested or in a different way?

Pray:

Thank You, Lord, for teaching us to pray. Hear my prayers today and every day of my life, as I pray in Your most holy and sacred name.

Copyright 2025 Fr. Edward Looney

Fr. Edward Looney is a priest of the Diocese of Green Bay, Marian theologian, author, and podcaster. Visit his website edwardlooney.com to learn more.