Daily Gospel Reflection for December 11, 2021

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

Today's Gospel: Matthew 19: 9a, 10-13

Smack dab in the middle of Advent, eager to greet the Newborn Babe, we read, “So also the Son of man shall suffer from them” (Matt 17:12). Ugh. This reading, taken from the Transfiguration, seems odd; while we journey to Bethlehem for the tender swaddling of an infant, the Church trudges us up a steep mountain to bear heavy words of suffering.

With Peter, James, and John, we’re alerted to the prophecy of the fiery Elijah, who, through John the Baptist, announces the fulfillment of all things—including suffering—being restored. Through the Incarnation, Jesus restores our relationship with the Father. And complete or “universal restoration” (Acts 3:21) will occur when Jesus Christ comes again.

But does Christ restore things now? Here on earth? You know. The broken marriage. Loss of a friendship. The failure in a job. A mountain of bills. A debilitating disease. The onset of melancholy. Addiction. The death of a loved one. Can restoration happen when life’s scattered, broken, or forsaken? Yes, for the Babe was born to die—for us and our salvation. And to rise—for our renewal and restoration.

Restoration begins the moment we turn to Jesus—in the creche or on the cross. Marriages restored through Christ’s love. Friendships healed through Christ’s forgiveness. Gloom lifted through prayer. Addiction conquered through surrender to Christ. Failure turned to passion in Christ. And death? Death no longer claims the last word.

As a good night’s sleep restores an exhausted young mom, so Jesus restores the hurting heart. When we unite our hearts to His Sacred Heart, all suffering turns into joy, and death leads to new life—here and for eternity! No wonder the Church wisely ponders the Transfiguration as we prepare for the birth of our Lord.

Ponder:

What needs to be restored in your life this Advent?

Pray:

Lord, may we turn to You when tired or torn. Please bring our hearts rest and restoration during this season of Advent.

Click to tweet:
Restoration begins the moment we turn to Jesus—in the creche or on the cross. #dailygospel

Copyright 2021 Mary Pedersen