Daily Gospel Reflection for July 2, 2023

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

Reflection by Connie Beckman

Today's Gospel: Matthew 10:37-42

"Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever does not take up his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”

In this Scripture passage, Jesus is teaching us to get our priorities straight. When we place family, friends, and things above Jesus and His teachings, we are traveling down the road to misery and troubles. In my journey of faith, I did place Jesus on the back burner only to call on Him when my way led to more problems and unhappiness. When I finally surrendered to Jesus as Lord of my life, He poured out His graces, mercy, and love upon me. He helped me get my priorities straight.

This is a daily surrender to place Jesus first. When you and I place Jesus first in our lives, we begin to experience His merciful love. With the help of the Holy Spirit, we are able to see our sins and inclination to sin, more clearly. We can then better take up our cross and follow Him. The Holy Spirit convicts our heart to experience God’s forgiveness in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The Holy Spirit living within each of us helps us love our family, friends, and those most in need of His mercy.

Ponder:

Is Jesus your first priority or do people and things come first? Make a list of your priorities and see where God is calling you to surrender your agenda. Allow God to show you His priorities for your life today.

Pray:

Jesus, show me what people, places, and things I am placing above you. Jesus, I surrender myself to You this day. You are the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Jesus, You are all that I need. You are all that I want. You are worthy of all my praise.

Click to tweet:

"Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” #DailyGospel

Copyright 2023 Connie Beckman

Connie Beckman resides in Helena, Montana, with her husband and is a member of Saints Cyril & Methodius Parish. Her desire as a writer is to encourage Catholic spiritual growth by sharing the truths of the faith through the written word, addressing a variety of subjects.