Daily Gospel Reflection for September 30, 2025

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

Today's Gospel: Luke 9:51-56

My pastor recently told the story of his trip to New York City to see a Broadway production of The Lion King.

He happened to be seated by a family visiting from the UK, and they engaged in conversation. After the show, the boy in the family was furious and experienced a major meltdown. Why? He was disappointed that the production did not include real animals.

What on earth does this anecdote have to do with today’s Gospel reading? Expectations.

The boy was fully expecting a real, live lion to command the stage. When it didn’t happen, he was shocked.

In the Gospel reading, the disciples James and John have their own set of expectations. They thought the Samaritan village would, in a figurative sense, put out the red carpet for Jesus. But that did not happen, leaving them bereft.

They then thought their best bet was to call down fire from heaven to consume the village. After all, the villagers were rebuffing Jesus.

But once again, their expectations were not realistic. Jesus is not about revenge. He has a mission and, unfortunately, the disciples are not on the same wavelength. So, He rebukes them and they set out for another location.

How many times are we like these disciples—crafting our own narratives, apart from what Jesus wants? How often do we barge ahead, without consulting Jesus first?

The Lord surprises us—sometimes many times in the course of a day. He may be inviting us to something beautiful while we are too busy with our own agendas to see. In that sense, we can be like that little boy, raging for no reason.

Let’s make some time today to ask Jesus for some direction. We may be surprised at where we end up!

Ponder:

When have my expectations gotten in the way of what Jesus wanted to teach me?

Pray:

Dear Jesus, my expectations can lead my mind and my emotions astray. Help me to keep close to You and the plans You have for my life.

Copyright 2025 Maria V. Gallagher