Daily Reflection for Monday January 04,2021
Peace and Blessings, Friends and Parishioners
We encourage you to reflect on Monday’s readings at this link:
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/010421.cfm
If you prefer to use your own Bible, the readings are:
First Reading: 1 John 3:22-4:6
Responsorial: Psalm 2:7bc-8, 10-12a
Gospel: Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25
Our reflection on Monday’s readings:
When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. Matthew 4:12
Sometimes the actions of God in our lives are mystifying.
The verses in today’s gospel occur shortly after John the Baptist had declared that Jesus was the long-awaited Messiah. Looking at these events from John’s perspective it is reasonable to assume that he expected Jesus to attempt to rescue him or at least to mitigate his situation. Jesus was the Son of God, after all, and John had certainly proven his faithfulness and commitment to God’s plan by heralding Christ’s arrival and preparing Israel to receive him.
But the Son of God made no such effort. Instead, Jesus withdrew to Galilee and left John sitting in prison subject to the whim of a wicked ruler. It is no wonder that John subsequently sent his disciples to Jesus to confirm that he really was the Messiah.
Like John the Baptist, we have all experienced times when the work of God in our lives is difficult to understand and even mystifying. But when we remain faithful to the teachings of Christ and allow ourselves to trust in God’s love and mercy despite our struggles and losses, we can be assured that we are not forgotten, and that deliverance awaits us. This is the essence of our faith.
In John’s case, he lost his life but gained the opportunity to once again herald Christ’s coming; this time to the righteous souls in Sheol who awaited the Redeemer.
Dear friends, trust in the Lord with all your hearts and as the old hymn says,
“Be not dismayed whate'er betide
God will take care of you.
Beneath His wings of love abide
God will take care of you.
Wishing you peace and safety in the new year and always.
Melissa Kittrell