Daily Gospel Reflection
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March 15, 2024
Jesus moved about within Galilee;
he did not wish to travel in Judea,
because the Jews were trying to kill him.
But the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles was near.
But when his brothers had gone up to the feast,
he himself also went up, not openly but as it were in secret.
Some of the inhabitants of Jerusalem said,
“Is he not the one they are trying to kill?
And look, he is speaking openly and they say nothing to him.
Could the authorities have realized that he is the Christ?
But we know where he is from.
When the Christ comes, no one will know where he is from.”
So Jesus cried out in the temple area as he was teaching and said,
“You know me and also know where I am from.
Yet I did not come on my own,
but the one who sent me, whom you do not know, is true.
I know him, because I am from him, and he sent me.”
So they tried to arrest him,
but no one laid a hand upon him,
because his hour had not yet come.
Today’s gospel reflection is about recognition—recognition of Jesus and what he offers each of us. The gospel presents Jesus as an individual others may have not met, but his reputation precedes him. I can only imagine the presumptions about him that had spread through society.
Our impressions and how we categorize and value others are primarily based on what we’ve heard and seen (often most superficially). These are grounded by our individual life experiences and the biases they create. So, how do we see others? How do we recognize others?
During an early episode of The Chosen, Nicodemus ponders who he sees in a mirror. The mirror presents a blurry image of him, but he wonders if there is more. Is there more to our existence beyond the physical reflection? Do we see God’s love for everyone? There are many subtle elements to consider.
How do we know and recognize the people we encounter in our lives? Is our recognition superficial based on appearances, or do we seek a deeper understanding of who they are as a whole person? How do we judge someone?
Within this gospel, Jesus says in verse 24, “Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.” To judge correctly is to strive to see how God sees, who looks at our hearts. Isn’t everyone just as important to God?
To this end, I’ve tried to adopt the mindset of extending space and grace to people around me because some people need a little extra latitude and consideration. I think you might agree that this could help us recognize and realize God’s love for all.
Lord, open our eyes, our ears, and our hearts!
Prayer
Jesus, Son of God the most high, you live in intimate union with the Father, and you invite us to share in your life. May the fruits of our own Baptism be more evident than ever these Lenten days, that we may celebrate Easter with unrestrained rejoicing. You live and reign with the Father and the Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.
Saint of the Day
On March 15, 2015, Servant of God, Akash Bashir, gave the gift of ultimate friendship—he laid down his life. Blocking the intended route of a suicide bomber, he saved the lives of over 1,000 Pakistani Catholic Christians who were attending Sunday services.
Akash Bashir was born in Risalpur, Pakistan, on June 22, 1994. He graduated from Don Bosco Technical Institute and was an active member of his Catholic parish community, regularly volunteering to help.
During a shift volunteering as a security guard at St. John's Catholic Church, he noticed a man trying to enter wearing an explosive belt around his waist. Akash blocked his path and said, "I will die, but I will not let you go in." The suicide bomber detonated the explosives, killing himself, Akash, and two others outside the church building with them.
Although the attack was a sorrowful occasion, it is considered a great honor to the Pakistani Catholic Church to have Akash Bashir begin the beatification process.
"A great day for the Catholic Church in Pakistan. He offered his life as a sacrifice to save the lives of the Christian community at St. John's Catholic Church, Youhanabad, Lahore," said Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Lahore, Father Francis Gulzar. "He is the first Pakistani Christian who has been raised to the rank of the Holy People of God."
Although March 15 is not his assigned memorial day, we remember Akash Bashir's great sacrifice today and ask for his prayers for all of those enduring religious persecution.
Akash Bashir, Servant of God, pray for us.