Daily Gospel Reflection for March 10, 2025

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

Reflection by Leslie Lynch

Today's Gospel: Matthew 25:31-46

"Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me."

Likewise,

“Amen, I say to you, what you did not do for one of these least ones, you did not do for me.”

Today’s reading always strikes a bolt of fear into my heart. Holy fear rather than guilty fear, I hope!

But then I remember that Jesus isn’t asking the impossible of us. He simply wants our hearts. Not lip service. He doesn’t expect us to do grand things, just to open our eyes and ears to the needs of those around us—and respond as we are able.

It helps to return to basics: Love God with all my being, and love my neighbor as myself. 

A crucial aside: I must love myself before I can love my neighbor. Sometimes that’s our starting point. When we let go of self-judgment (self-flagellation?) and accept God’s unfathomable love, then we allow Him to transform us.

After that, we look for specific opportunities in our unique worlds. 

As moms, we have a bit of an edge in terms of feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, clothing the naked, and caring for the ill. After all, that’s what we do for our children, day in and day out! 

Beyond that? Kindness costs nothing. Everyone carries a burden that I would never imagine. Offering time, an ear, and a hug can help more than we may ever know.

As circumstances allow, reach farther afield. Food pantry? Prison ministry? Supporting single mothers or immigrants or a newly widowed neighbor?

Listen to the Holy Spirit, and do all things from love rather than sense of duty. 

Then we can approach today’s reading (and Jesus) with humble confidence and holy fear.

Ponder:

What do I already do for "these least brothers” of Jesus? Does anything prevent me from doing more (i.e., self-judgment, prejudice, a hard heart)?

Pray:

Jesus, You know I want to be counted among Your sheep. Please help me discern the things I can do out of love for You.

Copyright 2025 Leslie Lynch

Leslie Lynch lives near Louisville, Kentucky, with her husband and a rescued, feral-turned-sweetheart cat. She’s written three full-length novels: Hijacked, Unholy Bonds, and Opal’s Jubilee; and two novellas: Christmas Hope and Christmas Grace. She is an occasional contributor to the Archdiocese of Indianapolis’s newspaper, The Criterion, and holds an MFA in Writing from Spalding University. Learn more at www.leslielynch.com.