Daily Gospel Reflection

Check Your Distractions

Welcome back to Radical and Relevant where each day we're looking for a word or a phrase or an idea in the Gospel reading of the day that jumps out at us, catches us, tracks our attention so that we can apply that Gospel to our lives and through that word, through that phrase, through that idea, anchor our day to that concept. And through it, anchor our day to the Gospels.

Today's reading is from the Gospel of Luke 9:46-51. "An argument arose among them as to which of them was the greatest. But when Jesus perceived the thought of their hearts, He took a child and put Him by His side and said to them, 'Whoever receives this child in my name receives me and whoever receives me receives Him who sent me. For he who is the least among you is the one who is great.' And John answered, 'Master, we saw a man casting out demons in your name and we forbade him because he does not follow with us.' But Jesus said to him, 'Do not forbid him. For he that is not against you is for you.'"

It's a fascinating reading, isn't it? It's really two readings, but it also shows how easily we are distracted. In the first part of the reading, we've got the disciples, and they're arguing about which one of them is the greatest. Jesus perceives their thoughts, brings a little child, and said, "Whoever receives this child in my name receives me and whoever receives him receives the Father who sent me. And who is least among you is the one who is great." So you would think, "All right, the disciples probably have some follow-up questions to that."

But no, John answered, "Master, we saw a man casting out demons in your name and we forbade him because he does not follow with us." It's like, "Whoa, what happened?" We went from one topic and we just, boom, over to this other guy who's casting our demons in Jesus' name. No follow-up questions. For me, it shows how easily we are distracted. And of course, Jesus says, "Okay, those who aren't against you are for you." And I think in our world of division, in our world that is society, certainly news media seems to be thriving on division. People are constantly trying to divide us against each other. And let's be careful not to be divided against people who aren't actually against us.

What jumps out at you today? Jumps out at me how easily we are distracted as human beings. Observe yourself today. Are you able to stay focused? Are you constantly being distracted from one thing to another? Have an amazing day. And remember, do not just be yourself, be the very best version of yourself, all that God created you to be.