Daily Gospel Reflection for December 14, 2024

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

Today's Gospel: Matthew 17:9a, 10-13

“In the evening of life, we will be judged on love alone,” St. John of the Cross once wrote. It is a simple enough sentence, which brings us to the very precipice of our lives. Love alone, said this great saint, priest, and doctor of the Church, should be our sole pursuit. But what is love? The world would have us believe that it is being nice and allowing people’s feelings to dictate our actions. But those who follow this definition will quickly find themselves in a quandary. “Love is love” is a circular refrain that has us following a love that leads us back to ourselves. The Church, however, has a much more beautiful and true definition of love: willing the good of the other. This love is other-centered, not directed at self. It is the kind of love we see when we look at the crucifix: my life for yours.

In today’s Gospel, we find Jesus and his disciples coming down the mountain after witnessing the Transfiguration. The disciples have just seen something remarkable, and Jesus has instructed them to keep it to themselves, relaying additionally that suffering will befall the Son of Man. Jesus is attempting to share a definition of love they cannot yet comprehend, but will in time. This love is not of the world, which tends toward power, prestige, and each man for his own. Rather, it is a love that pours itself out for the world, drawing broken humanity to God, where true love resides.

This is hard to grasp, but as a mother, I can begin to understand when considering the love I have for my children. Would I die for them if given a chance? Would I stand in their place if this were offered? Resoundingly, I say yes, I would.

Ponder:

Love requires a dying to self, as Jesus and St. John of the Cross indicate, but it is the only thing worth pursuing in this life—giving up our lives for the sake of an eternal bliss in heaven. What fleeting pleasure might I exchange today for a higher good?

Pray:

Dear Lord, thank You for the gift of my children, who help me understand the true definition of love, even in moments when it hurts. Please help me to live the kind of love You showed us on the cross in whatever ways You call me to today.

Daily Gospel 2