Memorial of Saint Maximilian Kolbe, Priest and Martyr
Today's Gospel reading threw me for a loop when I first read it. After praying with it many times my reflection on it repeatedly ends up at the same place: encourage those who read this 'reflection' to read the Gospel themselves and listen for God's personal Word to enter their hearts. In truth, is that not the main purpose of daily reflections on Scripture? In complete service of that purpose, this reflection is only a series of questions related to just two verses of the Gospel reading. (Mt 17:22-23)
The answers are between God and you.
Today's Gospel is from Matthew 17 and the words Jesus speaks address several different matters. In verses 22 and 23, Jesus tells the disciples (for a second time) of his impending passion, death, and resurrection. The disciples, now understanding what he is telling them, become 'overwhelmed with grief'. Does their reaction stem from the impending loss of their beloved Master? Is their grief related to the knowledge that their own personal journeys must surely mirror that of Jesus? Do the words, 'and he will be raised on the third day', mitigate their grief in any way? When you pray with these two short verses, can you identify with the how Jesus' disciples felt? Have you personally experienced suffering as a direct result of being a follower of Christ? What 'little deaths' have you consented to because you Jesus is your Master? Is there something in your life at this moment that Jesus is asking of you that you are resisting? Can you pray for the grace to allow God's Spirit to work freely in you?
In all, there are over 20 verses of Scripture just in today's daily Mass readings. Know that God has a personal, living Word for you on this very day. Just as Jesus' first disciples—fishermen, tax collectors, and all-around great sinners—experienced the Word Made Flesh speaking directly to them, our direct encounter with the daily Scriptures is about the Living God speaking to us—collectively and individually, personally and lovingly. Take a few moments this day and see what the Spirit of God is saying to you. Spend some time in silence, ponder the message that is meant for YOU. And may the Lord of heaven and earth bless every breath granted unto you. Amen.
--Gail Lyman