Daily Gospel Reflection for October 30, 2024

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

Today's Gospel: Luke 13:22-30

I think we would all prefer to hear “Well done, my good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21) at the end of our lives rather than what Jesus said in today’s Gospel, or in Matthew’s equivalent: “I never knew you. Depart from me, you evildoers.” (Matthew 7:23)

Jesus wants to know you.

Knowing in the biblical sense is intimacy. It’s union. It’s time spent together really pouring ourselves out to one another and receiving from the other.

Knowing Jesus is about interior disposition. It’s about centering our very selves on Him and on His Word, then, from there, living it out in our external lives.

Jesus asks us to not only hear His Word but to listen attentively to it and let it transform us and how we live, allowing that engagement with the Word to form a relationship with Him. He desires that we not only eat and drink in His presence but that we receive Him into our bodies and unite ourselves with Him in mutual self-giving.

Considering our spousal relationship can help us to understand the relationship Jesus desires. It is not enough to eat in the same room as our spouse or to be familiar with the sound of his or her voice. A spousal relationship involves intimacy and mutual sharing. It involves giving of ourselves and receiving from the other. It means being attentive and present and doing things for the other out of love for him or her.

If we were not faithful to our wedding vows and to the relationship, would we be acting in a way worthy of slipping our finger through a small metal ring? Similarly, if we are not faithful to Jesus and to a relationship with Him, can we expect to be welcomed through the narrow gate?

Ponder:

How is my relationship with Jesus? Do I spend time with Him each day, giving to Him and being available to Him?

Pray:

Lord, I want to have a better relationship with You. I want to know You, and I want You to know me. Draw me to Yourself, dearest Lord.

Copyright 2024 Kimberly Andrich