Daily Gospel Reflection for August 18, 2015

Today's Gospel: Matthew 19:23-30

When people read these verses, what comes to mind is those who have literally lost precious family members to persecution. Christians in Iraq who have watched their families being executed and lost their homes to flee to the mountains might come to mind.

Or it might bring to mind those who have not literally lost family for the sake of the gospel but who have lost those relationships and the respect of family for embracing the gospel. It works both ways. But I propose a third.

Perhaps these verses are also a promise to those of us who give up anything or everything for the sake of Jesus. There isn’t a single one of us who (unless you have reached perfection in charity) isn't holding some part of himself back from God for fear of that loss. It could be your time, your comfort, your appetite, your addiction, your sense of control, etc.

We are attached to our way of doing things and cling to our baggage. We fear sacrifice and suffering. Do we really believe in the promise of this verse? Do we trust that what we give up for Jesus will be replaced by something one hundred times better?

Ponder:

What in my life is holding me back from giving myself wholeheartedly to Jesus? Why am I afraid to let go? Trust that if you let it go, the Lord will fill every void in your life with all of Himself. What else is there?

Pray:

Lord I confess to holding onto idols in my life, and I ask for your forgiveness in this area. Fill me with your Spirit. Help me to trust in your providence and your love. Not only are you sufficient, but you want to fill me until my cup overflows. Let me believe it!

We thank our friends at The Word Among Us for providing our gospel reflection team with copies of Abide In My Word 2015: Mass Readings at Your Fingertips. To pray the daily gospels with this wonderful resource, visit The Word Among Us.

Copyright 2015 Victoria Garaitonandia Gisondi