Daily Gospel Reflection for September 28, 2024

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

Today's Gospel: Luke 9:43b-45

While the people are caught up in marveling at the miracles Jesus performed, He brings them back to earth by warning them about His upcoming death. Yet they don’t understand and are afraid to ask Him about it. Abundance, health, power– this is what they hoped for in the Savior they had been waiting for. Why would they want to consider the thought of Him being handed over to evil men after they had seen Him perform such mighty deeds? Marveling at miracles is more comfortable than reflecting on suffering.

Yet the suffering was part of the story. Jesus, the Son of God, would be handed over to men, suffer excruciating pain and death, and then rise again to life as Conqueror and Redeemer, opening heaven for all. His greatest miracle was preceded by suffering.

This Gospel makes me think of St. Ignatius of Loyola and his principles of consolation and desolation. Our spiritual lives are not a constant stream of “amazement and marveling.” Suffering is inevitable and frequent, within us and around us. St. Ignatius urges us during times of desolation (difficult circumstances around us or feelings of discouragement within us) to stay steady in faith and prayer, knowing that consolation is coming. So too during times of great joy and consolation, he tells us to not get attached to those feelings but to remember that desolation will come as well, that we should use the times of spiritual consolation to prepare for the drier times in our faith life.

The miracles of Jesus were amazing and marvelous. But the cross was coming. And when the cross came, the joyful Resurrection would soon follow. Our lives are full of both crosses and miracles, consolation and desolation. May we learn to walk faithfully with the Lord through it all.

Ponder:

Do I struggle to remember God’s goodness and love during times of suffering and desolation?

Pray:

Dearest Jesus, help me be faithful and joyful during times of consolation and desolation, to see You both in miracles and in suffering.

Copyright 2024 Laura Range