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.
