Daily Gospel Reflection

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February 12, 2024

Monday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time
Mk 8:11-13
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The Pharisees came forward and began to argue with Jesus,
seeking from him a sign from heaven to test him.
He sighed from the depth of his spirit and said,
“Why does this generation seek a sign?
Amen, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation.”
Then he left them, got into the boat again,
and went off to the other shore.

Reflection

Nick Munsen '17
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I used to take comfort when Jesus rebuked the Pharisees, but today’s gospel is another stinging reminder that I am no different from them. While I might not have the opportunity to stand in front of Jesus and argue with him to his face, I do essentially the same thing in my inner life.

How often do I argue against doing or believing something the Lord has promised me is good? How often do I resist giving up something I know is not bringing me closer to God? I cloak myself in excuses, deferrals, and demands for proof, when the real reason for my reluctance to obey the Lord is not that I don’t want to, but more heart-breakingly, that I don’t trust him.

It is no wonder why Jesus sighs “from the depth of his spirit.” Consider how we love our children more than anything else in this world—and how it is all the more frustrating when they refuse to brush their teeth, eat their veggies, or put on their seatbelt. “Don’t you trust me, little one? I know what’s good for you!” How infinitely more frustrating and disappointing it must be for Jesus when those who claim to seek truth—during his earthly ministry and today—fail to trust in the truth—when those for whom God became ultimately vulnerable refuse to be vulnerable with him.

But there is good news: how infinitely more glad must the Lord be when we trust him! How much more rejoicing must there be in heaven when we try again to take steps towards Jesus, trusting that any pain or discomfort is from the heat of the refiner’s fire, the cut of the surgeon’s scalpel. And how much more ought we to rejoice, too, when we make these courageous steps by grace: we will find ourselves, with Jesus, on a ship destined for other shores.

Prayer

Rev. Louis DelFra, C.S.C.

Loving God, like the crowd in today’s gospel, we, too, seek signs of your presence in our daily lives. Like them, we sometimes do not recognize your presence through your Son, who is close to us in word and sacrament. Open our eyes and hearts to all the ways you reveal yourself to us. Give us the consolation of your presence, for we yearn for it daily. Amen.

Saint of the Day

St. Julian the Hospitaller

St. Julian’s story has inspired people for generations. We have no date associated with his life, and even a location is difficult to pin down (somewhere in Europe—either in Italy or southern France), but his legend made him famous as patron saint of hospitality and entertainment workers.

The story goes that he was a nobleman and while he was out hunting one day, he received a vision that warned that he would kill his parents. He was horrified by the idea, and secretly moved far away.

He came into the service of a king, and grew to be a trusted advisor, marrying a wealthy widow and gaining knighthood. His parents set out to find him, traveling throughout the land. While Julian was out on a hunting party, they came upon the castle where he lived and inquired about him.

His wife told them that Julian was out hunting, but offered her bed to them for the night. When Julian returned that night and found two bodies in his bed, he assumed that his wife was being unfaithful, drew his sword and struck both bodies. His wife had been in the church saying her night prayers, and Julian met her when she returned. He was devastated to learn that his vision had come true.

He resolved to leave and give himself to the service of others until he gained assurance from God that he had performed a fitting penance for his sin. His wife joined him, and they traveled until they came to a river crossing. There they built a hospice to welcome weary and sick travelers, and Julian assisted people in crossing the river.

After many years, in the middle of one night, Julian heard a voice asking for help to cross the river. He found a leper nearly frozen to death, and helped him into the hospice to warm him and give him food. Seeing that the man would soon die from his exposure, Julian gave him the comfort of his own bed. The man was revealed to be a messenger from God, who announced that Julian’s penance was over.

St. Julian is patron saint of travelers, ferry workers, and hotel keepers. He is also patron of childless people, carnival workers, fiddlers, jugglers, murderers, and pilgrims.

St. Julian, your fantastic story inspired your patronage of innkeepers and fiddlers, pray for us!


Image Credit: Our featured image of St. Julian the Hospitaller is in the public domain. Last accessed December 5, 2024 on Wikimedia Commons.