--- title: Daily Readings Reflection for 8/20/11 description: Daily Readings Reflection for 8/20/11 --- [![catholic-mom-logo-v2](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/images/catholic-mom-logo-v2.svg "catholic-mom-logo-v2")](https://www.catholicmom.com/) [![facebook](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/icons/social-icon-facebook.svg)](http://www.facebook.com/CatholicMomCommunity) [![twitter](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/icons/social-icon-twitter.svg)](http://twitter.com/CatholicMomCom) [![instagram](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/icons/social-icon-instagram.svg)](http://instagram.com/catholicmomcommunity) [![youtube](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/icons/social-icon-youtube.svg)](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAuUqHCVPDzyMgSMaMZxxug?view_as=subscriber) [![search-icon](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/icons/search-icon.svg)](https://www.catholicmom.com/articles/2011/08/20/daily-readings-reflection-for-82011#) # Daily Readings Reflection for 8/20/11 Aug 20, 2011 11:00:36 AM  |  by [Guest](https://www.catholicmom.com/articles/author/guest) Scripture: Lectionary # 421: Ruth 2:1-3.8-11.4:13-17. Psalm 128:1-2.3.4.5. Matthew 23:1-12 [Saturday's Readings](http://usccb.org/bible/readings/082011.cfm) Jesus is giving us the "criteria" for becoming a disciple, that is, a learner and follower of him as our teacher. His language is clear and pointed.  In listening to him in our situations of the twenty-first century, we leave aside the contrasts he makes with the religiouly minded leaders and followers of his time.  That pertains to his situation not ours.  His lesson on discipleship however touches upon ours and we do well to follow the inspiration of the Holy Spirit as we pay attention to his call to discipleship. First, we are to observe the commandments as we learned yesterday and as he makes mention of them in knowing them from the religious teachers of his time.  The work of love is to be seen in them and our deeds of love show that we observe the commandments and precepts of God given in the Mosaic covenant. Jesus shows us how to do that in the summary Love God and love your neighbor as yourself. That is the Torah or instruction of the first inspired books of the Old Testament. Secondly, we are all learners. The word for disciple is equated with the word for learners (mathetes). Jesus is our teacher, he is our Rabbi, and we are his pupils who listen to him and they practice what he teaches. People should know us by our love and the reverent and loving manner of our living out the rules of the commandments and the laws of the Church.  Through this learning we gradually become like Jesus and are able to participate in the creative plan of God's salvation among all peoples, religions, nations, and genders. Thirdly, in doing the above we are formed into leadership. Not a controlling type but a servant-leadership, a helping leadership, and a participative one.  We are thus able to influence others by our demeanor more than by our organizational planning or our brilliant words. Finally, we come to believe and experience the Trinity of Persons working within us, for us, and with us. God the Father and Creator, Jesus, the Son and Redeemer, and the Holy Spirit the giver of life and holiness.  All this is made visible through the saving actions of the Son in his redemptive sufferings, death on the Cross, and Resurrection.  The Trinity is involved in the economy of God's plan of salvation for all. It is one of holiness and acceptance not condemnation and predetermined predestination. All are called to holiness and discipleship. Many are thus called but few are the ones who accept the call to servant-leadership and service to all of humankind. It does cost us much to be disciples of Jesus but there is integrity and joy in living it out on a daily basis. St. Paul did this and shared its importance with us telling us: "Glorify  God and bear him in your body, that the life of Jesus may be manifested in you." (I Cor. 6:20). Jesus is the Way to God, Jesus is God's Truth seen in his words and actions, and Jesus is the Life seen in the Eucharist and the Resurrection.  Buckle up your seat belts in this journey toward the kingdom.  Amen. ### Share this article [![Share on Facebook](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/facebook-24x24.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.catholicmom.com%2Farticles%2F2011%2F08%2F20%2Fdaily-readings-reflection-for-82011%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on Twitter](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/twitter-24x24.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.catholicmom.com%2Farticles%2F2011%2F08%2F20%2Fdaily-readings-reflection-for-82011%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.catholicmom.com%2Farticles%2F2011%2F08%2F20%2Fdaily-readings-reflection-for-82011%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=Daily%20Readings%20Reflection%20for%208%2F20%2F11) [![Share on Email](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/email-24x24.png)](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.catholicmom.com%2Farticles%2F2011%2F08%2F20%2Fdaily-readings-reflection-for-82011%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail%20&body=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.catholicmom.com%2Farticles%2F2011%2F08%2F20%2Fdaily-readings-reflection-for-82011%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail) ** #### About the Author ![Guest](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/Profile%203.jpg) ### [Guest](https://www.catholicmom.com/articles/author/guest) We welcome guest contributors who graciously volunteer their writing for our readers. 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