Today’s Daily Gospel Reflection

October 31, 2024

Thursday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time
Lk 13:31-35
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Gospel

Some Pharisees came to Jesus and said,
“Go away, leave this area because Herod wants to kill you.”
He replied, “Go and tell that fox,
‘Behold, I cast out demons and I perform healings today and tomorrow,
and on the third day I accomplish my purpose.
Yet I must continue on my way today, tomorrow, and the following day,
for it is impossible that a prophet should die
outside of Jerusalem.’

“Jerusalem, Jerusalem,
you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you,
how many times I yearned to gather your children together
as a hen gathers her brood under her wings,
but you were unwilling!
Behold, your house will be abandoned.
But I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say,
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.”

Gospel Reflection

Juan Jose Rodriguez Guiteras ’19
Young Alumni Coordinator, Notre Dame Club of Nashville
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“On the third day, I accomplish my purpose.”

Whatever our purpose in life may be, it’s hard to accept that we won’t accomplish it immediately. I like to check tasks off a to-do list and move on to another one, but a meaningful life takes time. It takes patience. It will likely take overcoming several hurdles along the way. But a focused, consistent effort—rooted in faith and trust in God—can help us finish the job.

Today’s gospel reminds me of my maternal grandparents, Jack and Luisa Guiteras, who fled Cuba amid the Communism that enveloped the nation. They strived to protect their family—including, at the time, three young children—and came to the United States to reestablish their business and their family.

Hearing the Pharisees’ warning, Jesus responds, “I must continue on my way today, tomorrow, and the following day,” trusting that he would accomplish his purpose by maintaining faith and trust in his heavenly Father.

Despite the petrifying fear of fleeing to a foreign country, nothing kept my grandparents from trusting in God on the way to achieving their purpose: rebuilding a successful business and providing so lovingly for what became a family of six children and the relatives who remained integrally connected to the family.

How fitting that we see this reading on Halloween, a day full of implied fear and horror but largely remembered for decorations, fun costumes, and, of course, candy. Jack and Luisa’s wedding anniversary is also a hallmark of today’s joyful celebrations for our family. While both have unfortunately passed away, the juxtaposition of fear with joy is radiant on a day like this.

Let us pray today, and every day, that we may maintain our own faith—despite whatever hurdles we encounter along the way—that God will guide us in accomplishing our ultimate purpose.

Prayer

Members of Holy Cross Novitiate

Lord Jesus, you long for us to be united with you in love, yet all too often, we choose to turn away from you because of persecution and suffering. Strengthen us to trust in you and joyfully follow your will, despite earthly trials. We ask this in your name. Amen.

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On the feast of All Hallows’ Eve, let us pray for all the souls of the faithful departed!
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