Note: My son recently asked me if he could write a Gospel Reflection. This is his offering.

The Gospel for today takes into account Christ’s relationship with his people. Jesus comes into the synagogue on the sabbath to preach and bring his love and salvation to those around him. Upon entering, he sees the Pharisees scheming to trap him, he looks with anger and “grieves for their hardness of hearts”. 

Last week, I was asked to lead a small group of rowdy middle schoolers. It took about twenty seconds for me to learn their entire life stories, their hatred for geometry, and just how delicious the youth group snacks were. We all began to talk about New Year's resolutions and plans we had made for our prayer and personal lives. For two of them they reflected the man with the withered hand, an openness and willingness to be healed and loved unconditionally without any expectations. This was beautiful to me and really encouraged my own prayer life. For the 3rd child, he responded to every question with an “I don’t know” or “maybe,” really shutting down any possibility of conversation or growth. Just like the Pharisees in the Gospel today, shutting down any relationship with Christ because they thought they knew better.

This is something that we can all relate to though. God speaking to us in a prayer, a song, a sign and we still refuse to learn just how important it is. God seeks to grow with us in every aspect of our lives, he wants us to come to know him. Even though it’s been a couple weeks since the New Year, how can you renew those commitments and promises in your own life? Or how are you avoiding an openness to God? How can you accept him in your life today and throughout the rest of the year? Be open like the man with the withered hand. Don’t be like the Pharisees who refuse to see Christ. You’re never too far gone to receive grace and forgiveness. We pray this in His name, Amen.

Written by Ian Tallent, 10th grade.