Daily Gospel Reflection for September 4, 2021

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

Reflection by Julie Ann Monzi

Today's Gospel: Luke 6:1-5

The Pharisees amaze me. I can see why Jesus seemed to be frustrated with them, as they were always ready to pounce on the smallest of details, the smallest “letter of the law”. What a burden it must have been to live under a law such as that! Jesus’ disciples were hungry and as they walked through a field, they pulled heads of grain from the plant, rubbed it in their hands, and ate. Big deal, right?

Wrong, in the eyes of the Pharisees. I often wonder what the Pharisees’ lives were like, how unhappy they must have actually been to look for such minute details, waiting to pounce. How miserable were the people as they tried to live up to those standards?

Jesus must have been such a welcoming breath of fresh air for the people in those troubled times. While the Pharisees picked tiny specks, Jesus wanted to open up life to those under that crushing law.

What of our own lives? Do we dwell on the smallest of faults, in ourselves and others? Or do we embrace the grace of God, reminding ourselves of Jesus’ compassion and forgiveness?

For today, speak to yourself as you would to a good friend. Be kind and compassionate toward yourself and let that radiate out to all you meet during your day.

Ponder:

How can I be more compassionate toward myself and others today?

Pray:

Jesus, I want to be more like You and extend mercy and forgiveness to all those in my path today, including myself. Help me to accomplish this by Your grace.

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Do we dwell on the smallest of faults, in ourselves and others? Or do we embrace the grace of God? #dailygospel

Copyright 2021 Julie Ann Monzi

Julie Ann Monzi lives in Gettysburg, PA, with her husband, three grown children, and three cats. She enjoys reading, walking the Gettysburg Battlefield, Civil War reenacting, and watching foreign mysteries. Julie’s work has appeared in magazines that include Harpstring Magazine, Liguorian, and Radiant, among others. You can find her on Wimkin.