Daily Gospel Reflection for August 8, 2020

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

Today's Gospel: Matthew 17:14-20 - Memorial of St. Dominic

Any parent whose child is suffering can relate to this father’s plea to Jesus. “Lord, have pity on my son.” The father has been to disciples of Jesus, but no one has been able to help his son. Jesus heals the boy and criticizes His disciples for a lack of faith.

It’s difficult for me, as a parent, to read this passage. I pray for my children all the time, and I ask for God’s help for them, but sometimes I wonder if my lack of faith is a factor when their suffering doesn’t end.

I think what we need to remember as we listen to this is this: it was God’s will that the boy be healed, but the disciples were unable to do so. Christ Himself provided the healing. Perhaps what God needs us to remember is that we must always work to increase our faith – and along with that faith, a trust in God and His will. Sometimes, God’s will and timing are different than our own. Like we learned from the healing of Lazarus, sometimes there is a purpose to our suffering, and we need to trust that God’s timing is perfect. In the meantime, we continue to pray for our suffering loved ones and ask Jesus to help us trust Him better.

We must always work to increase our faith – and along with that faith, a trust in God and His will. #dailygospel

Ponder:

In your petitions, do you trust in God’s mercy and timing? Do you have faith that His plan for you and your loved ones is perfect?

Pray:

Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief!

Copyright 2020 Christine Johnson