Daily Gospel Reflection for September 12, 2023

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

Today's Gospel: Luke 6:12-19

When I hear today’s Gospel, I think how I would have loved to have been able to observe Jesus in prayer and have a play-by-play of the conversation between Jesus and the Father. Not because I am nosy, but rather, to see what spurred the Savior to action.

All of us are called to enter into dialogue with God. Conversation is give-and-take, meaning prayer requires us to not just speak to God, but to also listen. Sometimes the listening is difficult; other times, the hearing is most difficult.

Yet just as we see in Jesus’ example in today’s Gospel, the power of prayer is that we are given the courage to act.

Every action Christ took started with prayer. Today’s example is no different. From His prayer session with the Father, He was able to choose the ones who would carry on the witness of the Gospel in their own ways. Even Judas, bluntly foretold as the traitor, was chosen for a purpose, a lasting witness of what it looks like to turn our back on, and sin against, the Holy Spirit.

Then, Christ and His followers didn’t shirk. Rather, as a group, they went out to face the crowds.

In community, they went out and ministered to those gathered.

Did everyone in the crowd believe? Were some of them perhaps swayed to join the multitudes, caught up in the energy and enthusiasm?

Most likely, everyone present experienced a conversion of heart that day – whether through a healing or witnessing a healing. The impact of what transpired changed everyone.

The root of that impact was based on prayer.

Because one Man prayed, we see the ministry form, which ultimately touched the hearts and lives of the world.

Ponder:

How will you allow your prayer time to spur you into action to minister to others?

Pray:

Most loving Father, thank You for those times in which I have had the opportunity to bring Your message of love to others. Help me to always find the holy friends and the courage to proclaim the Gospel to all I encounter.