Daily Gospel Reflection for June 27, 2017

Today's Gospel: Matthew 7:6, 12-14

I’ve pulled out one particular verse from today’s passage, and that is “Do to others whatever you would have them do to you.“ It also reminds me of Jesus’ teaching in John that says to “love one another as I have loved you, so you also should love one another.” He goes on to say that this love is how everyone will know that you are following Jesus Christ. Close your eyes and imagine Jesus standing in front of you and saying these words. Take time to make a mental note or write a list of things He has done for you. Do the items that you have listed also describe how you treat your relationships with others?

The first item that comes to my mind is unconditional love. This love, as Christ’s love for us, is not to be based on a certain set of parameters that must be met before it is given. It should be always present. The second item that comes to mind is forgiveness. How many times…70 times 7? Over and over again, He has forgiven us for faults both large and small. In our everyday lives, forgiveness is sometimes easier said than done, but something we must remember to do. In our relationships, in how we treat others and how we hope to be treated, it is not always necessary to use words to be examples of Christ, but we pray that through our actions of kindness, generosity, and faithfulness that others see Christ in us. I hope you take the opportunity to acknowledge Christ in them. Dorothy Day said “I really only love God as much as I love the person I love the least.”

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Ponder:

How have you treated those closest to you, and how have you treated the stranger?

Pray:

Lord, please help me to see You in all those I encounter today. I pray they see You in me by my words and actions.

Tracy Burgess is the Director of Development at the Dorothy Day House of Hospitality in Memphis, TN. She and her husband, Josh, also serve on the Ministry Team there. Tracy and Josh have two children, Jacob and Lucy. The spend their extra time running Lucy J's Bakery.