Daily Gospel Reflection for June 29, 2024: Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles

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

Reflection by Colleen O'Dowd

Today's Gospel: Matthew 16:13-19

I look forward to the cycle of Gospels and hearing things over and over again because I always feel like I am able to learn something new or consider the Good News in a different way than I heard it or understood it previously because of what’s happening in my life, vocation, family, etc.

But today’s Gospel, on the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul, is one of my favorites not because I learn something new about Jesus when I hear it – but because I get to BE the something new!

My answer to His question, my personal response, is different every single time Jesus hears it. And that’s encouraging – because even in the times when I struggle to answer Jesus’ question “Who do you say that I am?” or when I am embarrassed or ashamed or even dishonest about my answer – Jesus calls me to more. To maybe take another look. And He continues to draw near to me. And to you.

Not because He needs for me to know Him or because He’s hoping I come up with whatever I think is the right answer. Because He already knows me. Much better and much more authentically and intimately than even I know myself. And He loves me.

With my unpaid bills.

Fast food dinner.

Dishes in the sink.

Laundry on the floor.

Children screaming in the background.

Trash sitting in the can for two weeks.

All my stuff.

And He loves me.

Today’s Gospel is significant not only because we learn something new about Jesus but because Jesus gets to learn something more about us. And God delights in a friendship between me and Jesus.

Ponder:

Who do I say Jesus is in my life right now?

Pray:

Lord Jesus, I desire to know You more deeply. Help me to know and surrender that thing in my life that is keeping me from drawing nearer to You today.

Copyright 2024 Colleen O'Dowd

Colleen O’Dowd is a parish missionary at Our Lady of Ransom in Niles, IL. She loves being Catholic; her Converse All Stars, Crocs, and socks are always liturgically correct; and she is a super saint-geek! She blogs ultra-occasionally at www.ourheartswereburningwithin.wordpress.com and can also be found at @catholiccolleen on Twitter and Instagram.