Daily Gospel Reflection for May 6, 2024

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

Reflection by Leslie Lynch

Today's Gospel: John 15:26-16:4a

John places this passage during the Last Supper. Jesus has already washed His disciples’ feet, a tender demonstration of humility and service. He has condensed all the Law and Prophets into a new commandment: to love one another as He has loved them (and us). He tells them (and us) He is the vine and we the branches, and that He is the way, the truth, and the life.

“Do not let your hearts be troubled,” He says. “Peace be with you.”

And now this.

It must have been terrifying to the disciples, listening to Jesus speak of the world’s hatred of Him. Remember, they still thought He was going to release the Israelites from bondage to the Romans.

And then Jesus goes a step further and tells them they will be hated and killed.

We know this from history--so many martyrs, including all but two of the men hearing His words that night.

To be honest, being hated, reviled, or ridiculed (in our culture, erased or cyber-bullied) are not situations I seek out, never mind being killed!

But in order to receive these words from Him, we have to look at the foundation upon which He built them.

He is with us, always. He went first and knows how hard it is. He is our vine, our lifeblood. In this year of Eucharistic Revival, we are reminded that He is our lifeblood in a tangible and real way.

He has given us concrete images of our connection to Him, our dependence on Him. His unfailing grace and presence, no matter what.

And so we can go forth with courage into the world, grateful that Jesus trusts us enough to turn to Him and trust Him as we follow in His footsteps of humility, service, and love. No matter what.

Ponder:

In what ways do I seek the approval of the world or avoid its disapproval? What steps can I take to strengthen my instinct to turn to Jesus instead?

Pray:

Dearest Jesus, my Lord, my life, and my light, help me to follow in Your footsteps of humility, service, and love. Help me to trust You, no matter what.

Click to tweet:
And so we can go forth with courage into the world, grateful that Jesus trusts us enough to turn to Him and trust Him as we follow in His footsteps of humility, service, and love. No matter what. #DailyGospel

Copyright 2024 Leslie Lynch

Leslie Lynch lives near Louisville, Kentucky, with her husband and a rescued, feral-turned-sweetheart cat. She’s written three full-length novels: Hijacked, Unholy Bonds, and Opal’s Jubilee; and two novellas: Christmas Hope and Christmas Grace. She is an occasional contributor to the Archdiocese of Indianapolis’s newspaper, The Criterion, and holds an MFA in Writing from Spalding University. Learn more at www.leslielynch.com.