Daily Gospel Reflection for September 16, 2024

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

Today's Gospel: Luke 7:1-10

"Therefore, I did not consider myself worthy to come to you; but say the word and let my servant be healed." Luke 7:7

These words are echoed by those we say before Holy Communion at Mass and, honestly, they touch my heart and stir up a heap of humility each time I say them. I’m pretty sure that’s the whole point! There are a couple of things from this Gospel that can help us all to prepare our hearts to be more like that of the Roman official's.

I used to get in my own head when I professed my unworthiness, like it was a checklist I could wade through and finally get to the “worthy part.” That feeling of defeat and hopelessness of never being worthy put it all on me, but the antidote is the next phrase: ”but say the word.” I can’t, but He can; it isn’t about me.

Instead of getting stuck in all that I’m not, I add a thought. O Lord, I am not worthy, but, gosh, I wanna be! We have to want it or we’ll stay stuck right where we are, not moving any closer to the Father and His infinite love. That simple line in my head and my heart catapults me to beg for the grace to do better, be better, and claim the truth that I am His.

If Jesus rang my doorbell today and wanted to come in for a cup of coffee, my first thought would be, “Holy cow! . . . Give me a minute, I’m not ready.” I would want to fancy up, pick up, fluff up, and even then I’d notice the thousand ways I wished I had more to offer the most supreme guest. I would be so in awe and, despite the lack in my home, I would absolutely invite Him in.

My friends, that is the Eucharistic story! We are the home the Lord Himself is entering, and we’re darn right we’re not worthy of such a perfect guest, but He wants to come in anyway.

In several words, the Roman official gives us a giant clue about growing in worthiness. ”For I too am a person subject to authority.” Perhaps this is a great place to start because His authority is meant to guide us to our sainthood. His authority needs to trump my plan and my stubbornness.

Ponder:

What attitudes and behaviors block my journey toward worthiness? Are there places in my life I can be more obedient to authority, knowing that will bring peace to my heart?

Pray:

Loving Father, thank You for loving me smack dab in the middle of all my mess. I ask for the grace to grow closer to You and receive You more fully in the Eucharist.

Daily Gospel 2