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Gospel Reflection for Friday, February 21, 2025
Dear Friend,
Today, the Book of Genesis presents us with the story of the Tower of Babel, where humanity was thrown into confusion.
It’s a powerful symbol of what happens when hearts are not in sync—when everyone is focused on themselves, when pride and selfishness run free.
These sins make true communication impossible, hinder mutual understanding, and prevent us from working together because our interests become too divided.
Babel is the opposite of Pentecost.
At Pentecost, despite differences in race and culture, everyone understood one another because they were filled with the Holy Spirit.
The spirit of Babel is the spirit of arrogance:
«Let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves and not be scattered over the face of the earth.»
Where do you find yourself today?
Are you in Babel or in Pentecost?
What does God do with a city (or an attitude) that is closed off to His heart?
Today’s Psalm 32 tells us:
«The Lord brings the plans of nations to nothing; He frustrates the designs of peoples.»
That’s why:
«Blessed is the nation (the attitude) whose God is the Lord.»
Such a person will not live in the spirit of Babel, but in the spirit of Pentecost.
However, living in the spirit of Pentecost, following Christ, is not an easy path.
It often requires sacrifices, like carrying our cross and following in His footsteps.
After Jesus rebukes Peter for failing to understand that His mission includes suffering and death, He clarifies today:
«Whoever wants to follow me must deny themselves, take up their cross, be willing to lose their life, and not be ashamed of me in this world.»
It may feel like a cold shower in the midst of the joy of believing.
But Jesus Himself has warned us—and we have already experienced this reality in our own faith journeys.
Following Jesus is the greatest thing in our lives, but it also requires commitment and comes with challenges.
And yet, it is worth it.
Your brother in faith,