Daily Gospel Reflection for September 15, 2024

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

Today's Gospel: Mark 8:27-35

Having children challenges us and changes our lives, often in unexpected ways. Before our children arrived, we may have thought we could simply fit the lives we had been living between nap time and diaper changes without much difficulty.

But when we are with them day after day and care for them as they grow, we realize what an impact our children have on our lives and on what we do, and we realize how very challenging being a parent is. A blessing, absolutely, but a blessing that leaves us changed.

So it needs to be when we follow Christ. We can very easily say in response to the question Jesus posed to the disciples,“You are the Christ, the Messiah. You are the One who died for us and rose from the dead, who redeemed us. We know this. But does who He is make a difference in our lives?

Our faith must challenge us and change us. Jesus told us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him. The way of Christ is the way of the cross. It is radical love to the point of sacrifice and holy self-denial. It is conforming our will to His. It is daily prayer and daily conversion.

We cannot live as other people in the world do. If the fact that our God came to earth to show us the Father’s Love, to die a brutal death and redeem us, and to give us Himself does not make a difference in how we live, do we truly believe? Do we truly love Him?

And today, Christ comes to us in the Eucharist. “Who do you say that I am?” Do you see Me? Do you know Me?

Can you reply with faith, “You are the Messiah, the One whom I love?”

Ponder:

How does my belief in Jesus, the Son of God, challenge me? How has my life changed because I believe?

Pray:

Lord, I do believe. Help my unbelief. I do love You. Help me to love You more. Live within me and grow within me, and draw my heart to Yours.

Copyright 2024 Kimberly Andrich