Daily Gospel Reflection for November 16, 2023

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

Today's Gospel: Luke 17:20-25

We live in a “both/and” Church, rather than an “either/or.” Jesus is both true God and true man. Mary is both virgin and mother. We believe in Jesus’ death and resurrection. The Church is both the spotless bride of Christ and still prone to the human failings and weaknesses of its members.

Jesus presents another “both/and” in today’s Gospel.

“For behold, the Kingdom of God is among you.”

And,

“The days will come when you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man, but you will not see it.”

How can the Kingdom of God be among them yet they will long to see it? The disciples did not fully understand, and we are still living in this mystery today.

At Mass, we experience a foretaste of the heavenly banquet. We are surrounded by the angels and saints who have gone before us and as we receive Christ, we are transformed more perfectly into His mystical body. We are living in the Kingdom of God in that moment to the fullest extent we are cable of on this earth. Yet at the same time, we know that this earth is not our permanent home. We long for the day when suffering will cease, when we will be free of our sin and sorrow. We will finally come home to the joy and rest of the Father and the true lordship of the Son of Man.

The world will try to call us away, to look here or there for the meaning of life. Jesus is reminding us that we already know where the Kingdom of God is. It is by His side.

Ponder:

When was the last time you were excited to go to Mass? Spend some time meditating on what and who truly waits for you at the altar each week.

Pray:

Dear Jesus, inspire me with a rejuvenated desire to come to You in the Eucharist. Help me to recognize that the gift You offer is more precious than gold and worthy of my full attention and effort.

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The world will try to call us away, to look here or there for the meaning of life. Jesus is reminding us that we already know where the Kingdom of God is. It is by His side. #DailyGospel

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