Dail Gospel Reflection for August 21, 2024

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

Perhaps you can relate—that feeling of dread when you are chosen last.

It happened to me in elementary school. It did not matter which athletic pursuit our class was engaged in—kickball, volleyball, softball, or soccer. I was always the girl who was chosen last. Dead last.

A feel of shame would wash over me in all my gawkiness and fourth-grade fumbling. I knew I was no athlete, but to be reminded of this week after week seemed degrading. I felt as if I were the perennial outsider, unable to experience the joy of being a cherished part of the team.

Then I would remember what my father used to say: “The last shall be first and the first shall be last."

At the time, I did not know my daddy had borrowed that line from Scripture. I just thought it was one of his homespun sayings—like, “Cream always comes to the top!”

But I clung to the idea that I was not destined to finish last for the rest of my life. I believed that God in His great benevolence had a plan for my life—and that, at some point, I would enjoy being at the top of the heap.

In today’s Gospel reading, our Heavenly Father is demonstrating the depth of His forgiveness. Even if we are late to the holiness party, He is prepared to welcome us with open arms. He honors death bed conversions with as great a love as He holds for His adopted sons and daughters who have been faithful since they were children.

So let’s not be jealous of latecomers on the path to holiness. In the end, we can all celebrate God’s care for us.

Ponder:

When has God surprised you with His abundant love?

Pray:

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You so much for the gift of forgiveness and Your beautiful plan for my life. Help me to trust in You and Your promise of eternal happiness.

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