Daily Gospel Reflection for October 21, 2023

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

Reflection by Rick Hernandez

Today's Gospel: Luke 12:8-12

“I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before others the Son of Man will acknowledge before the angels of God.” Luke 12:8

Christ lived among us and taught us His way, yet many were obstinate in disbelief. So Christ did a very Christlike thing. He left Himself behind for us in the Eucharist so that we may always have Him present among us. In the Blessed Sacrament, He awaits our recognition, showing us His divine majesty in perfect humility.

Many Saints lived their lives sustained by the recognition of Christ present in the Eucharist, showing heroic faith in the Blessed Sacrament. They continue to show us Christ’s way. Saint Teresa of Avila, whom we celebrated October 15th, encourages us:

“We have Him so near in the Blessed Sacrament, where He is already glorified. . . . Behold Him here without suffering, full of glory . . . strengthening some, encouraging others, our companion in the most Blessed Sacrament . . . O Wealth of the poor, how admirably You know how to sustain souls! When I behold majesty as extraordinary as this concealed in something as small as the host, it happens afterward that I marvel at wisdom so wonderful.”

The fullness of Christ is present and available to us.

“In the Eucharist, we receive the fruits of all his mysteries, past, present, and to come. We are forced to recognize God’s love in the perfect and complete gift of himself. . . . We feel his love in holy communion.” (Saint Peter Julian Eymard)

From our experience of Christ, we offer thanksgiving for the gift of faith in the hope we all receive full knowledge of Him Who loves us.

“That . . . the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation resulting in knowledge of him. May the eyes of your hearts be enlightened . . . ” (Ephesians 1:16-18)

He awaits us; let us meet Him at his table.

Ponder:

Often we fail to recognize the real presence of Christ among us. Can we recommit ourselves to be fully present in the moment of Consecration at Mass?

Pray:

Lord, “When I see your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and stars that you set in place— What is man that you are mindful of him, and a son of man that you care for him?” (Psalms 8:4-5) Yet, you are mindful of us. Thank you for Your love. Help enlighten us, that we may recognize Christ among us.

Click to tweet;

In the Blessed Sacrament, he awaits our recognition showing us his divine majesty in perfect humility. #DailyGospel

Copyright 2023 Rick Hernandez

Rick Hernandez is a common sense Catholic, Lay Associate of the Blessed Sacrament and a Director for Elisheba House. He lives in Trinity, Florida, with his wife Ivonne and their children. He writes for the Elisheba Blog and for the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament's Daily Eucharistic Reflection. You can find his writings at https://www.elishebahouse.com/rick-hernandez.html.