Daily Gospel Reflection for September 4, 2023

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

Today's Gospel: Luke 4:16-30

Do you ever feel like a black sheep in your family? Or, maybe, a white sheep among black sheep? Maybe you’re the only Christian or Catholic, having converted after a lifetime of another faith (or no faith). Or, maybe you made some mistakes in your past that left you alienated from your loved ones. Maybe you feel like no one in your family really knows you.

Today’s Gospel passage shows us that in Nazareth, Jesus, the Good Shepherd, was something of a black sheep. When He returned to His hometown and proclaimed that He was the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy, He was met not only with disbelief but with fury. They literally tried to throw Jesus down a hill.

Was there anyone from Nazareth, outside of his Blessed Mother, who really knew Him? Who understood Him? Who loved Him? We don’t know, but we do know that Jesus was surrounded by friends—by disciples whom He chose to be His companions, to share His message after He was gone.

Similarly, no matter how your family of origin responds to your attempts to share the Gospel, no matter how they make you feel like you don’t belong, you have your chosen family—your husband, your children. You have your friends. And, most importantly, you have Jesus: the Good Shepherd Who loves all of His black sheep dearly.

Ponder:

When you’re feeling like a black sheep, what is a tangible reminder of the Good Shepherd Who loves you?

Pray:

Jesus, Good Shepherd, be with me even when I feel alone. Help me to make others feel like they are loved.

Click to tweet:
Jesus is the Good Shepherd, Who loves all of His black sheep dearly. #DailyGospel

Copyright 2023 Taryn DeLong