Daily Gospel Reflection for July 19, 2021

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

Today's Gospel: Matthew 12:38-42

In this Gospel the scribes and Pharisees ask Jesus for a sign from heaven. Jesus responds by comparing Himself to Jonah who spent three days in the belly of the whale. Jesus will be “in the heart of the earth three days and three nights.” While the scribes and Pharisees do not understand the prophecy, the resurrection will be the ultimate sign from heaven, the true sign that Jesus is the Son of God.

We have the benefit of knowing about the resurrection. We are an Easter people. Every Sunday is a mini-Easter to be remembered and celebrated. Today’s Gospel invites us to take a hard look at our lives. Does Jesus’ death and resurrection make a difference in how we live our lives, or will we be condemned as part of an “evil and unfaithful generation?”

This Gospel should make us squirm a bit. It is easy to get comfortable in our faith lives, to simply go through the motions, to consider ourselves to be good enough. The simple truth is that we all sin and all need to repent. Jesus offers mercy to those willing to turn away from sin and ask for His forgiveness. We do not want to be among those who refuse to repent and are condemned.

Ponder:

What do you need to repent today? Make plans to go to the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Pray:

Dear Jesus, I beg for Your mercy. Please forgive me for all of my sins and help me to live a life faithful to You and Your teaching.

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Does Jesus’ death and resurrection make a difference in how we live our lives? #dailygospel

Copyright 2021 Patrice Fagnant-MacArthur