Daily Gospel Reflection for August 14, 2018

Today's Gospel: Matthew 18:1-5, 10, 12-14 - St. Maximilian Kolbe Throughout my life, even now as a wife and mother, and many years removed from my faith blossoming into adulthood, I have related to the childlike faith of St. Thérèse of Lisieux. When work and home responsibilities become intense, it is my natural inclination to seek emotional support from my friends, family and heavenly Father. At the same time, when we are under stress, it is also easy to fall into the trap of doubt and despair. Is God really there? Does He hear and answer our prayers? Today’s Gospel, and the example of St. Thérèse, align my heart to where it needs to be: when I am searching for answers and much needed spiritual respite, I do not need to burden myself with overthinking things. Jesus tells us that we should become like children in seeking our Father in heaven. Children are sweet and trusting, and we should be as well, even when our age is far removed from childhood. We can rest easy, because God will always come looking for us, and rejoice over holding us close to Him again. It is an act of faith and humility for us to see ourselves in this childlike way, but it is what God is asking us to do; and indeed, it is an act of comfort for us to do so. We should not be afraid to let go of our fears and insecurities when we experience stress, and lean on our Father. The reward is right there, waiting for us to retrieve it.

Ponder:

What is one small way in which I can approach God with a more childlike and trusting faith?

Pray:

Lord, sometimes my days are challenging and filled with fears and anxieties. Help me to feel Your hand in mine, and to know that You are always there with me.