Daily Gospel Reflection for July 9, 2021

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

Today's Gospel: Matthew 10:16-23

Sixteen years ago today my husband and I exchanged vows and celebrated with the joy of typical newlyweds. Seven years later, we got the chance to do it again, not as newlyweds, but as new converts at our marriage convalidation. There was one difference, however: besides the priest and our two witnesses, no one from our respective families were there to celebrate. The decision to become Catholic created a rift between us and some of our loved ones, and it’s something I have never fully gotten over. Perhaps you have similarly experienced a strained relationship because of a difference of faith and religion. It can seem petty and superficial initially, but the wound can be deep and slow to heal.

In today’s Gospel we read somber words from Our Lord. Although it may be difficult to relate to the level of persecution He is describing, He reminds us to stand grounded in our identity as Catholic Christians, for our faith is constantly under the scrutiny of an unbelieving world. As the hot button issues in our nation’s “culture wars” become ever more contentious, we need to be “shrewd as serpents” in our intelligent and researched responses.

That being said, however, if we are to be “simple as doves”, we must also consider that words alone usually won’t convince a skeptic; it is a life of visible joy that speaks volumes. When I feel that dull heartache from being rejected for reasons of faith, I try to remember that Our Lord has called me to this courageous way of life. Let us smile through our suffering, quietly proclaiming that hope exists, and He is worth it! May we never forget that the light of Christ drives out the darkness, no matter what form of persecution may come our way.

Ponder:

How can you draw closer to Him and reaffirm your identity as a daughter of God?

Pray:

Dear Lord, give me strength and courage to weather the storms of rejection that may come my way.

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Words alone usually won’t convince a skeptic; it is a life of visible joy that speaks volumes. #dailygospel

Copyright 2021 Kimberly Lynch