Daily Gospel Reflection for August 2, 2024

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

Today's Gospel: Matthew 13:54-58

In today’s Gospel, Jesus visits his hometown, Nazareth, and it’s here they reject His words and teachings. What’s most surprising is that Jesus had followers from various towns and regions (even non-Jews), yet his own kin and community, who knew Him best, rejected Him.

The people in Nazareth did not see Him or know Him as the Messiah, and because they had already made up their minds of what He was, they could not see Him for who He is and could not open their hearts. Despite being rejected, Jesus did not force Himself on them, and He probably knew going into Nazareth that this would happen. He died on the cross for everyone, not just those who accepted Him.

This Gospel intrigues me. Has there been a time where someone close to you has turned a deaf ear? As mothers, have there been moments when you give your children advice and they act as if they don’t understand until a stranger presents the same message,  causing them pay attention? Or maybe someone has shared something with you and you could not hear the message?

We will never convince someone if they have already made up their mind. Jesus sends a clear message that we are all called to evangelize, but we do not get to choose whom we evangelize to. We are called to share and love, but we cannot show resentment and anger, the opposite of love. Jesus does not say “stop living the word.” We must continue to live how God intended, through love.

Ponder:

How can I show love even in times where it is not received?

Pray:

Lord, help me to love even in rejection. Help me to preach the Gospel through charity. Not for my will but for Your will.

Copyright 2024 Andrea Bear