Daily Gospel Reflection for May 26, 2026

As a fan of Ignatian contemplation, I embraced Peter in today’s reading. His concern about what he had given up and the uncertainty of what that meant made me reflect on the lengths I would need to go to be like Peter.

Giving up everything to follow Jesus back then may seem easier than it is today. Imagine leaving behind your family, job, and home, especially with the comforts we have now, like social media, television, and shopping malls.

In praying with this passage, I felt a sense of duty when Jesus said how much would be given if I did this one simple thing: show others I am a follower of Christ. I feel the disciples were lucky to have Jesus in human form to literally follow. I’ve prayed about this quite often and come up with different excuses or reasons why I can’t let it all go and focus completely on Jesus — or can I?

Of course, I can, and in many different ways. Needing my job to pay bills and eat, I can’t walk away, but I can find ways in my work to show others I follow Jesus. God gave us the seventh day to rest and to worship Jesus within our communities. I can do this by setting aside work for the day, engaging in a church social gathering, or perhaps spending time in Adoration.

As Jesus called the disciples to leave everything and follow Him, we are called to show one another the love of Jesus Christ. As we enter into the throes of spring cleaning, perhaps it is a good time to truly take stock of what we allow into our lives and purge the things that hold us back from being true followers of Jesus.