Daily Gospel Reflection
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September 24, 2022
While they were all amazed at his every deed,
Jesus said to his disciples,
“Pay attention to what I am telling you.
The Son of Man is to be handed over to men.”
But they did not understand this saying;
its meaning was hidden from them
so that they should not understand it,
and they were afraid to ask him about this saying.
Paying attention does not always lead to understanding. As a teacher and a mother of young children, I see this play out almost daily. A student takes copious notes during class lectures but fails the test. I hold a crying toddler tenderly in my arms but can’t figure out what is wrong.
Paying attention may not always lead to understanding, but understanding always begins with paying attention.
In this gospel, Jesus asks his disciples to pay attention. He doesn’t demand that they understand. In fact, “they did not understand this saying; its meaning was hidden from them.” But if the disciples were ever going to understand God’s loving and merciful plan for salvation, they had to begin by paying attention.
More than feeling dazzled by Jesus’ miraculous deeds, they had to focus on the voice of their shepherd, who told them something important that they would only understand later.
In our lives, a lack of understanding can lead to a whole host of problems: broken relationships, missed opportunities, and fear like the disciples. While a deep understanding of another person or a theological truth often takes time, paying attention is a practice we can immediately incorporate into our daily lives.
So, where do we feel God calling us to pay attention today?
Prayer
Lord, many of your teachings and acts of love are hidden from us. Nevertheless, we believe that with the aid of the Holy Spirit, our eyes and hearts will be open to the truth of your person and your salvific mission. Send your Spirit upon us that we may see with the eyes of children and thereby see your kingdom as it takes hold here on earth. Enkindle in our hearts a desire for you and your kingdom, and we shall be made new. Amen.
Saint of the Day
St. Pacifico did not let a painful illness that robbed him of his speech and sight impair his pursuit of holiness.
He was born in 1653 in San Severino, Italy. When he was 5 years old, both of his parents died, and he was raised by an uncle, who was abusive and used the boy as a servant.
When he was 17 Pacifico joined the Franciscan order, and was ordained a priest at the age of 25. He spent two years teaching philosophy to his brothers in community, but it became clear that he had a talent for skillful preaching. He was sent throughout the region preaching and hearing confessions. His mission work was well received, and he had a gift for helping people confess their sins.
When he was in his mid-30s, he was struck blind and mute, and he developed sores that incapacitated his legs. He spent the rest of his time in the monastery, praying and doing what he could to help in the administration of his community.
Even though he suffered greatly from his debilitating illnesses, he continued to apply discipline to his body to sharpen his will; his superiors had to order him to limit his fasting because he would do his health further damage. During Mass, he was often caught up in ecstatic prayer, and would spend several hours in contemplation.
He was given the gifts of prophecy and healing, and after he died in 1721, miracles were reported at his tomb. His relics rest in the reliquary chapel in the Basilica.
St. Pacifico of San Severino, you would not let debilitating illness stand in the way of pursuing holiness--pray for us!