Daily Gospel Reflection for March 18, 2025

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

Reflection by Lyn Francisco

Today's Gospel: Matthew 23:1-12

Reading this text reminds me of the adage, “Do as I say, not as I do.” One of my friends insisted that when her children were young, they were given no candies, no cakes, and no sodas or other sugary drinks. She didn’t even let them eat fast food like hamburgers and French fries, and other junk food like chips and pretzels. And yet, what did she do when she was not around her children? She ate and drank all those items and more. “Do as I say, not as I do.” She demanded that her children follow her advice without following her example.

A parent might tell their child to not use swear words. It may be a constant admonition, especially since that child might hear these types of words every day outside of the home. And yet, when the parent hits their toe hard against the leg of the kitchen table, that parent may let out a string of curse words. The kid might find that funny, but it’s another example of “Do as I say, not as I do.”

Is it easy to follow advice and live by example? No. But Jesus shows us the way. Earlier in  Matthew, Jesus says,

“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light."

Matthew 11:28-30

I can imagine He says this in a gentle way, encouraging us to have faith and take heart that He is in control and that He loves us no matter what.

Ponder:

Have you ever been in a situation where someone gave you advice, but they themselves are not following that advice? How did you respond to this?

Pray:

Gracious God, we know that we are Your children and that Your love for us is immeasurable. Help us to remember this as we live our day-to-day lives.

Copyright 2025 Lyn Francisco

Lyn Francisco, an organic chemist by training and education, works with the Office of Undergraduate Education at Duke University. In her spare time, she occupies organ benches in churches around Durham, North Carolina.