Daily Gospel Reflection for June 23, 2020

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

Reflection by Cynthia Brewer

Today's Gospel: Matthew 7:6, 12-14

How do we prevent being taken advantage of when we follow Jesus’ teaching of giving to others, living the Golden Rule, and walking the narrow way?

Well, first, Jesus was taken advantage of. So, if we follow him, most likely it will happen to us as well, but we will also be richly rewarded. In Mt. 7:6, I believe Jesus was advising us how to protect the blessings God has given us. If we loosely give away His treasured gifts—faith, purity, even our rosaries, Bibles, and perhaps even political freedom—without taking the time to be sure the recipient understands them, most likely they’ll be tossed aside, thrown in the garbage, or maybe used against us. So, let’s take the time to explain our faith and values.

As more people live the Golden Rule and the Law and Prophets, condensed in the Ten Commandments, the greater the kingdom of God grows. Do we treat others as we’d like to be treated? Do we always honor God, His name, and the Sabbath? Have we ever killed through our words or looks? Do we keep our thoughts pure? Let’s follow Jesus.

Finally, enter through the narrow gate. It’s so much easier going with the crowd, but a crowd can’t fit in a narrow space, and that’s where Jesus is calling us. Going the hard road will help to bring about God’s Kingdom.

It’s so much easier going with the crowd, but a crowd can’t fit in a narrow space, and that’s where Jesus is calling us. #dailygospel

Ponder:

Pray:

Jesus, please give me the grace to go against the crowd, rather than take the easy way.

Copyright 2020 Cynthia Brewer

My husband and I have one child in heaven following a miscarriage. We are members of St. Mary’s Parish in Victoria, Texas. After 13 years as editor of The Catholic Lighthouse newspaper, I now work from home. I’ve finished two prayer journals which I hope to publish soon.