The Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel Reflections

During the Exile, the prophet Ezekiel gave hope to people who felt that they were separated from God's presence. Ezekiel reminded them that God still dwelt among his people just as he had dwelt in the Temple. God's covenant is everlasting. Ezekiel's message can give us hope during this time that may in some ways feel like an exile.

In today's Gospel, Jesus asks people a provocative question in order to help them see things differently and to grow (John 10:32). In this pandemic, God may be doing something similar with us.

In the Gospel today (John 8:51-59), Jesus promises us life, that we will never see death. This is something even greater than what promised Abraham (Genesis 17). Reminding ourselves of Jesus' promise can inspire us with hope in difficult times.

The pandemic is a time in the wilderness and potentially a time of growth. In this situation, God is perhaps inviting us to rediscover the idea and practice of the domestic church. Each family is a church where God is worshipped, the faith is handed down and charity is practiced. What are some practices you currently do or would like to try that build up your domestic church?

“I wish it need not have happened in my time," said Frodo. "So do I," said Gandalf, "and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”

Nicodemus, who appears in today's Gospel (John 7:40-53), is a character who develops greatly as a follower of Jesus. His growth comes from his willingness to take risks. Let us do the same.

Today's Gospel (John 7) refers to Jesus' "hour" (v. 30). This is the moment He is raised up on the cross. In John's Gospel, it is in the time of Jesus' greatest suffering when we discover fully who He is. Moments of suffering and challenge are moments of revelation. During this pandemic we have the opportunity to learn more about God, others and ourselves. Let us pay attention.

Like the people Jesus interacts with in today's Gospel (John 5:31-47), we can have selective hearing, listening to messages that we are comfortable with and ignoring voices that challenge us. During this time it is especially important for us to check on our hearing.

The Annunciation (Luke 1:26-38) celebrates the beginning of the mystery of the Incarnation, when God became like us in all things but sin. This is a great source of hope because it shows us that God is always with us when we suffer and struggle. In the Incarnation, God has embraced us in our weakness and is never letting go.

In today's Gospel (Jn 5:1-16) Jesus healed a man on the sabbath. In this time of pandemic, we are likewise called to adjust crucial practices of our faith to preserve life.