19 ‘In truth I tell you once again, if two of you on earth agree to ask anything at all, it will be granted to you by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three meet in my name, I am there among them.’
Gospel Reflection Wednesday, Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time
We can often be impressed by numbers, and that is true even within the context of the church. We look to see how many are coming to Mass or how many are signing up to this parish event or to that parish ministry. Jesus’ way of looking at things is somewhat different to ours. Numbers did not seem to be an issue for him. He understood the value of the one; he spoke of the shepherd who left the ninety nine sheep to go in the search of the one who was lost. In today’s gospel reading he declares that where two or three are gathered in his name, he is there in the midst of them. The smallest gathering in a tiny church is just as significant as the huge congregation in one of the great Cathedrals or Basilicas of the world. In these days of declining numbers within the church, the gospel reading teaches us to appreciate the significance of those present, regardless of how few, rather than allowing ourselves to become too discouraged by those who are not present. The Lord is present where two or three are gathered in his name, and if we are open and responsive to the Lord’s presence among us, few though we may be, he will draw others to himself through us.
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The Gospel reflection comes from WEEKDAY REFLECTIONS 2019-20: The Word of God is Living and Active by Martin Hogan and published by Messenger Publications c/f www.messenger.ie/bookshop/
Header image: Duccio di Buoninsegna. 1308-1311, via commons.wikimedia.org
