Daily Gospel Reflection for February 11, 2026

Reflect on personal responsibility and humility with Lindsay Schlegel's Gospel reflection, guiding us to accept our faults and embrace God's mercy.

Today's Gospel: Mark 7:14-23

More often than not, when an argument breaks out among my children and I ask one child why he behaved the way he did, he replies by reporting someone else’s misbehavior: “I threw this because he hit me.” “I said that because of the face she made at me.”

I explain that our choices can’t be dictated by someone else’s actions. We’re responsible for our behavior, no matter what the people around us are doing. This lesson is one people don’t necessarily figure out as they get older. Many of us adults struggle with something similar, which Jesus warns us about in today’s Gospel reading.

Adults don’t love taking responsibility for our actions any more than kids do. It’s humbling. It requires full honesty. It’s much easier to put at least some of the blame elsewhere, to respond with, “Yes, I was wrong, but . . .” Or “I said what I did because he . . .”

Jesus is asking us to recognize what we think, say, and do without disclaimers. This sounds more like, “I was wrong to do this thing.” Full stop. This is a real examination of conscience. This is the only way we can acknowledge our faults and limitations. If we can’t acknowledge our weaknesses, we can’t accept help. And Jesus offers us more than help. He offers us mercy, grace, and redemption.

We are responsible for guarding our eyes, ears, hearts, and minds from the evils and temptations of this world. But when we slip up, the world is not to blame. The more honest we are when we areat fault, the more readily our hearts can receive the unending, unconditional love of our Savior.

Ponder:

When I prepare for Confession, in what area do I struggle to take responsibility for myself?

Pray:

Merciful Savior, help me to recognize my failings with humility and grant me the grace to grow in virtue.

Pray Together:

Have a family member read an age-appropriate examination of conscience aloud to prepare to receive the sacrament of Reconciliation as a family. For those too young to receive, talk about how great God’s mercy really is!

Copyright 2026 Lindsay Schlegel