Daily Gospel Refection for December 26, 2022

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

Reflection by Colleen O'Dowd

Today's Gospel: Matthew 10:17-22

"Good King Wenceslas looked out . . ."

Come on . . . you know you want to sing it out!

As we celebrate the Feast of St. Stephen, the Gospel writers waste no time. They start the day after Jesus is born — to lay out what happens when we choose to encounter, fall in love with, and follow this baby King. Not very good stuff at first — but the best stuff afterwards.

I used to feel as if the Gospel writers around Christmas had caught the same holiday fever as our secular world — like the stores who put out Christmas decorations right after Halloween. Give me some time to enjoy my sweet little Baby Jesus, with his tranquil parents and cute little animals and singing angels all around.

Nope.

Unlike our secular world, which desires to move us through life without any taste, thought, or encounter of what is happening around us — the Gospel writers (and the Holy Spirit) know better: Jesus is here. This is the plan. There’s work to be done. And it won’t be easy. So bulk up and get your life together, Colleen!

Maybe not exactly like that. But kind of like that.

I am going to have to look for Jesus outside that stable. And I have to be aware that He is looking for me first. And when I am found — I will be able to do nothing else but to proclaim the resurrection of Jesus and go rescue others.

Most people won’t like that. But I am not to worry. The Father will always protect me and provide for me.

And understanding I am never alone — never left behind — no matter what the world, the flesh, or the devil may try to tell me — makes all the difference.

This is what Jesus knew.

This is what Stephen knew.

Ponder:

What am I preparing myself to endure when I try to rescue someone else by proclaiming Jesus?

Pray:

Lord Jesus, help me to trust I will know what to say and to whom You desire me to say it. And to know who and when it’s time. Even if it’s the first time.

Click to tweet:
Jesus is HERE. THIS is the plan. There’s work to be DONE. #SoGetYourLifeTogether #dailygospel

Copyright 2022 Colleen O'Dowd

Colleen O’Dowd is a parish missionary at Our Lady of Ransom in Niles, IL. She loves being Catholic, her Converse All-Stars, and Crocs. Her socks are always liturgically correct, and she is a super-saint-geek! She blogs ultra-occasionally at www.ourheartswereburningwithin.wordpress.com and can also be found @catholiccolleen on Twitter and Instagram.