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

Today's Gospel: Luke 4:31-37

Have you ever met someone who speaks with authority? Or someone who has presence?

When Jesus spoke with authority in the synagogue—in a manner that “astonished” the people—He was giving them direct insight into the Father. They were getting a little glimpse of capital t Truth.

Astonishment can come when you find a pile of not-chocolate on the carpet or when you slide into your bed and feel something gooey and special on the sheet right where your hand rests. Astonishment can be equally a result of the home team scoring a huge win or the home team being beaten beyond belief. Astonishment jumps out at us, offering delight and disgust and something like pepper on the salt of life.

So when we read that the people were astonished, I can’t help but wond . . . were they also waggling their eyebrows and making meaningful eye contact? Were they wondering just who this guy from Nazareth thought he was? Were they questioning the wisdom and not hearing the Truth for the doubts they harbored?

And then, when the guy with the demon pipes up—well. Add to that the astonishing reaction of Jesus—calling out the demon, and the demon obeying. Ratchet up the astonishment meter and call it a day. Didn’t someone look at the stranger next to them and mouth, What is going on?

That would be the effect Jesus has on people—then and now. He’s not offering you more of the same.

So often, we see where we are as a way station to the next place, a pause in the life we mean to live. If only the baby slept through the night. If only we were in a better financial situation. If only [insert whatever has you throwing up your hands in frustration].

Jesus is offering us Truth, with a side order of astonishment. Let’s not water that down into something like a solution to our current situation. Let’s instead open our arms and lean in.

Only He knows what kind of astonishment He has in store for us.

 

Ponder:

 

How can you embrace the day today and allow Jesus to guide you to the Truth He has for you?

 

Pray:


Jesus, I want to delight in You, and I want to trust that You’re delighting in me. Help me and guide me closer to that reality.

 

Click to tweet:
Jesus is offering us Truth, with a side order of astonishment. Let’s not water that down into something like a solution to our current situation. Let’s instead open our arms and lean in. #dailygospel

Daily Gospel 2

 

Copyright 2022 Sarah Reinhard

About the Author

Sarah Reinhard

Sarah Reinhard

When she’s not chasing kids, chugging coffee, or juggling work, Sarah Reinhard’s usually trying to stay up read just one … more … chapter. She writes and works in the midst of rural farm life with little ones underfoot. She is part of the team for the award-winning Catholic Mom’s Prayer Companion, as well as the author of a number of books. Follow her writing at Snoring Scholar.