Daily Gospel Reflection for September 23, 2022

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

Today's Gospel: Luke 9:18-22

Has there ever been a time where you wanted to prove something to someone only to realize your timing was off? You try to convince your boss you deserve the raise but must first complete the tasks, or you brag about a workout with your trainer but haven’t shed enough pounds to be convincing of its effectiveness. Waiting for the right time can be hard when you know in your heart your ideas or views are right.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus’ apostles gather with Him as He asks them to share what the crowds say of Him. It’s clear many had mixed views of who Jesus was, but the response from His apostles showed they knew immediately He was the Messiah. This could have been enough for Jesus, to know His closest friends recognized His divinity. But rather than shout from the rooftops He asks them to keep quiet. But why?

This reminds me of a phrase a friend shared. “God’s timing is perfect.” Sometimes waiting for the right time is the perfect time, rather than acting on what we know to be true. Still, its hard when there are moments in our faith we could be less vocal, or we feel we should speak up.

The rest of the Gospel passage explains Jesus’ need to be discrete. He goes onto say:

“The Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised.”

Jesus recognized that for others to truly know Him, He would have to first fulfill His Father’s will. Likewise, we must wait for God to line up things in our lives, even when our plans have the best intentions.

Today on the feast day of St. Padre Pio, the Gospel reminds us to discern God’s will and to wait for His timing even if we already have plans in store. St. Pio recognized this and we too must practice to recognize it.

Ponder:

What are ways can you practice to wait for God’s time? How can we show we trust God’s plan?

Pray:

Heavenly Father, help me to remember that Your time is perfect. Your plans are greater than my own. Help me hear Your voice and discern in all my actions each day. Jesus I trust in You.