Daily Gospel Reflection for May 20, 2022

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

Reflection by Meggie K. Daly

Today's Gospel: John 15:12-17

Jesus says,

“Love one another as I love you.”

That is a tall order coming from the One who died for our salvation in payment for our sins. Few of us are called to literally lay down our lives for a friend or a family member. Those called to such sacrifices are labeled heroes. And while we may never be a hero, each of us is called to make sacrifices or die “little deaths” every day.

What are those “little deaths?" For a mother, it could mean tending to a fussy baby when emotionally spent or patiently correcting a child for the tenth time. For a wife, it may mean making a gift of herself to please her husband when all she wants is sleep. For a grandmother, it might mean babysitting a sick grandchild when her own body is aching or she had other plans. For a sister, it could mean taking in a brother or a sister when they have nowhere else to turn. For a friend, it could mean changing a schedule cheerfully to accommodate others' needs.

In a traditional Byzantine Catholic wedding, the hands of the couple are tied together with a crucifix. To me, this symbolizes the many “little deaths” in Christ that each spouse will suffer as they enter into the marriage covenant and build a foundation of steadfast love.

In this same reading, Jesus calls us His friends, not slaves. This friendship was made possible through His sacrificial love, culminating in His death on the cross. Each day Jesus invites us to more deeply nurture our friendship with Him through our “little deaths” for others.

Ponder:

What are the “little deaths” that I struggle with most in my life?

Pray:

Lord, I wish to be Your best friend. Give me the strength each day for the “little deaths” that come my way.

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Thank you, Jesus, for calling me friend. #dailygospel

Copyright 2022 Meggie K. Daly

Meggie K. Daly, a retired research scientist, is the author of For the Sake of His Sorrowful Passion: Praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet with Scripture and Art and Bead by Bead: The Scriptural Rosary. She is the mother of six adult children and six grandchildren.