Daily Gospel Reflection for August 25, 2020

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

Reflection by Colette Lafia

Today's Gospel: Matthew 23:23-26

In today’s gospel, we hear the call to “cleanse first the inside of the cup, so that the outside also may be clean.” Jesus’ statement reminds us how important it is to reflect upon the thoughts and feelings we hold inside. Jesus goes so far as to state that we must cleanse first the inside of the cup, what we hold within our hearts and minds, in order that the outside, our words and behaviors, may also be clean.

St. Teresa of Àvila would tell her sisters that self-examination was one of the most essential aspects of the spiritual life. These are also words for us to live by. Lately, I’ve been trying to be more aware of what thoughts and feelings draw me closer to God.

I woke up this morning with the nagging thought, “I have so much to do today!” While that may seem like a simple statement of fact, hidden within it is a sense of scarcity, along with the underlying assumption that I don't trust the time that I do have.

I decided to take this familiar thought into my morning prayer, and as I prayed over it, I sensed God’s invitation to practice more gratitude. So, I prayed: Holy One, thank you for bringing me to this new day. I am thankful for the sleep and rest I received. May I be your love today in all that I do, all that I say, all that I think, and all that I feel.

By noticing the small moments in your day, the practice of self-examination can help you to make positive shifts and open more deeply to God’s grace. It’s a simple yet profound way to clean the inside of the cup.

The practice of self-examination can help you to make positive shifts and open more deeply to God’s grace. It’s a simple yet profound way to clean the inside of the cup. #dailygospel

Ponder:

How is God inviting you to engage in self-examination at this time in your life?

Pray:

Compassionate and loving God, please help me to be aware of the thoughts and feelings that pull me away from Your grace and abundance.

Copyright 2020 Colette Lafia

Colette Lafia is a San Francisco based writer, spiritual director and retreat leader. She is the author of Comfort & Joy, and Seeking Surrender. Colette has a passion for sharing the spiritual life with others and blogs about it at. www.colettelafia.com.