Daily Gospel Reflection
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April 15, 2021
The one who comes from above is above all.
The one who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of earthly things.
But the one who comes from heaven is above all.
He testifies to what he has seen and heard,
but no one accepts his testimony.
Whoever does accept his testimony certifies that God is trustworthy.
For the one whom God sent speaks the words of God.
He does not ration his gift of the Spirit.
The Father loves the Son and has given everything over to him.
Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life,
but whoever disobeys the Son will not see life,
but the wrath of God remains upon him.
I remember leading my first retreat when I was in college. I was nervous about giving my talk. Who was I to help others in their relationship with God? How would my story help others grow in their faith?
Right before I stood up to speak, an introduction song played. During that song, I distinctly remember asking God to use me as an instrument. I knew that my words alone were hollow. I knew that I needed the Holy Spirit for the talk to be fruitful for others. I also prayed that God would help the retreatants have open minds and hearts to hear God’s voice through my story. After this experience of handing my prepared work over to God, I knew I was not alone. God was there with me. He whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for he gives the Spirit without measure.
After this experience, I asked myself, “Why do I only surrender to God before retreat talks?” I started to pray each morning that God continue to use me as an instrument and that others have open minds and hearts to recognize God through my words and actions.
I also pray each morning that I may have an open mind and heart to recognize God through others. I need this daily routine of prayer to be attentive to God’s presence in the everyday.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, you love your Son Jesus and give everything and everyone over to him. May you make of us an everlasting gift to you, that we may always be grateful and sing your praises with a joy-filled heart. Amen.
Saint of the Day
Anastasia and a friend, Basilissa, were Roman noblewomen who were converted to the faith when they heard the preaching of Sts. Peter and Paul.
When Peter and Paul were killed, these two women removed their bodies at night and provided for their burial. The authorities discovered their actions, and they were arrested and thrown into prison. When they were brought before the court, they acknowledged their faith without fear and were martyred.
The relics of St. Anastasia rest in the reliquary chapel in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart on Notre Dame's campus.
St. Anastasia, you were the Roman martyr who was converted by Peter and Paul—pray for us!