Daily Gospel Reflection for August 23, 2021

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Today's Gospel: Matthew 23:13-22

My morning routine includes reading scripture, journaling, and spiritual reading followed by prayer. I’m a creature of habit, and this routine has evolved over time. To be honest, I’ve become rather rigid about it. So much so that if I miss the routine, I get a little miffed.

Today’s Gospel, in which Jesus criticizes the Scribes and Pharisees for creating rigorous laws that are difficult to follow, speaks to me. His criticism goes deep, warning them that their zealous efforts at the conversion of souls was so scripted and difficult that it was keeping everyone out of the Kingdom of God.

Jesus rebukes the Scribes and Pharisees for their hypocrisy. I feel the sting of those words, too. How many times do I focus on the actions of piety – checking off a list of things. Reading? Check. Reflection? Check. Rosary? Check.

Where is my heart? Where, dare I ask, is my love of the Lord?

Jesus’ words jump out and jar me out of my routine and open my eyes to His mercy. Woe to me, indeed, for losing sight of God – for focusing on the trees instead of the forest. I am grateful for scriptures such as these that redirect me and help me see beyond the details that distract me from God’s love and mercy.

Ponder:

Are you overwhelmed by the "things" you have to check off in your spiritual life? Can you stop and first give thanks and praise to the Lord before you enter into your prayer?

Pray:

Dear Lord, I love You! Please give me the grace to love You more! Amen.

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Woe to me, indeed, for losing sight of God – for focusing on the trees instead of the forest. #dailygospel

Copyright 2021 Maria Morera Johnson