Daily Gospel Reflection for July 14, 2017

Today's Gospel: Matthew 10:16-23 - St. Kateri Tekawitha

Whenever I read about these scripture passages about the coming persecutions that Christians will face, I always start to sweat.

If war broke out in America, would I be ready to go to my death as a Christian? Do I have what it takes to be handed over to courts and scourged in the name of God? If called before political powers in Jesus’ name, would I fold in fear? Would I trip over my words and say the wrong thing? Would I stand up and fight or would I flee and hide?

The truth is, I don’t know how I would respond. I pray that I God would give me the grace I need to speak the right words, in the right way, at the right time in defense of His holy name.

I pray that I would have the courage to stay and fight and defend.

But that means I must be faithful to my preparation for this possible upcoming persecutions. I must do what I can daily so that if and when it comes time to battle, I am prepared.

I must get up and say my prayers.

I must do my work as well as I can.

I must love my family and neighbors, not perfectly, but with the perfect understanding that faithfulness to these small acts is imperative to preparation.

Like a marathon runner observes a strict schedule for conditioning so as to run the race, I must adhere to the small tasks God calls me to on the daily so I can be ready when my name is called.

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Ponder:

What are the tasks that I see as useless—something to be avoided at all costs—that are the tasks which bring me to great holiness?

Pray:

Lord, help me to be faithful to the small, daily unseen acts which help me to grow in love of Your Will.

Colleen Duggan, wife and mother of six children, is a freelance writer for various Catholic publications. She blogs at www.colleenmurphyduggan.com about life as an imperfect mother to many.