Daily Gospel Reflection for October 19, 2024

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

Reflection by Colleen O'Dowd

Today's Gospel: Luke 12:8-12

Jesus is helping the disciples know they can proclaim the Good News and say His name under any circumstances. And if they stumble, that’s not great, but they will be forgiven.

Peter says this same thing years later with great authority in the Acts of the Apostles. He’s been molded by Jesus. They use a common language. They have worked to change the culture over time so that people are ready to hear and share more powerfully as time goes on.

The most significant piece is the setting apart of sins against the Holy Spirit. Again, Jesus is speaking a common language: The law is important. Not sinning is important. But not nearly as important as the relationship that moves me to desire not to act or speak against the One I love.

When Jesus speaks about blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, He’s talking about things I would never consider about the One I am in love with: doubt in the other, despair of the other, distrust/refusal of love from the other, distrust/refusal of mercy from the other, distrust/refusal of total surrender and sacrifice for the other. Tough stuff. But also really beautiful. Because it is indeed the Holy Spirit who mediates courage, wisdom, and understanding in times of great persecution as well as wonder and awe in God’s presence in times of joy.

The Father desperately wants me to understand my relationship with the Holy Spirit. That’s why He sends Jesus. To help triple-team me!

Ponder:

Where am I being called to trust more deeply that the Holy Spirit will teach me what to say about Jesus in my home? At work? With my spouse? With my children?

Pray:

Come, Holy Spirit. I desire to fall more deeply in love with You. Show me how to do this in my daily life among the people You have placed in my care.

Copyright 2024 Colleen O'Dowd

Colleen O’Dowd is a parish missionary at Our Lady of Ransom in Niles, IL. She loves being Catholic; her Converse All Stars, Crocs and socks are always liturgically correct; and she is a super-saint-geek! She blogs ultra-occasionally at www.ourheartswereburningwithin.wordpress.com and can also be found at @catholiccolleen on Twitter and Instagram