Daily Gospel Reflection for June 28, 2025

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

Reflection by Kathryn Mulderink

Today's Gospel: Matthew 8:5-17

The Roman centurion has many reasons to be arrogant, especially toward a Jew, but he comes to Jesus to beg for relief for his servant’s suffering. We see the heart of this man, who cares enough for one of his mere servants to go in search of the Healer, and then claim to be unworthy of this poor carpenter’s presence. He sees that Jesus is more than a carpenter. 

Jesus is moved to amazement by the humble faith of the centurion and turns to the rest of the crowd to point out that this Roman has more faith than some of the chosen people. He says something they find hard to hear: that many of the chosen people “will be driven out into the outer darkness,” but there will be Gentiles reclining at the heavenly banquet with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This is because faith allows Jesus access to the person's heart to heal them. He heals the servant, goes to Peter’s house and heals his wife’s mother, and then heals many more who were brought to Him. 

Jesus came to heal, and physical healing is accompanied by faith and strengthens faith, purifies hope, and deepens love. The physical healings are not to free people to go do whatever they want, but to go and sin no more and to follow the Lord more closely. They are to be a sign to others to help them see that there is so much more. 

These are the things we must ponder in our hearts, as Mary pondered them in her Immaculate Heart. In the quiet stillness of our hearts, the Lord shows us He is present, He is at work in every moment and circumstance, He is more than we can know, and that He walked among us as healer, savior, brother, king, and friend.

Ponder:

In the busyness of family life, can I take time to give thanks each day for three specific ways God’s healing touch has been present in my life and in the lives of those around me? 

Pray:

Mother Mary, help me find those moments when I can be still before God and ponder with gratitude His wondrous presence in my life and in the life of my family. Draw them and me to appreciate His love and mercy.

Copyright 2025 Kathryn Mulderink

Kathryn Mulderink, MA, is mother of seven, grandmother of 12, and president of the local Secular Discalced Carmelites. She has published five books. Over 30 years, she has worked in school and parish administration, and as a writer and voice talent for Catholic Radio. Currently, she serves the Church as a DRE, writer, and speaker, helping others encounter Christ. www.KathrynTherese.com