Daily Gospel Reflection for July 13, 2023

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

In college, I learned a prayer from St. Ignatius of Loyola, petitioning the Lord to teach us to “give without counting the cost, to fight without heeding the wounds, to toil without seeking for rest, and to labor without seeking for reward, save that of doing Your will.” I pray this on a fairly regular basis. I’ve started to make it familiar to my kids. But I still complain about something nearly every day; the daily trials of my life are rarely embraced without mental or audible commentary.

Jesus gives pretty clear—and contrary—marching orders in today’s Gospel:

“Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, drive out demons.”

At surface level, it would be easy to say that’s too extreme. That’s not meant for us, in today’s culture. We don’t even know any lepers.

I don’t think that’s quite right. I think we all know someone sick and suffering in mind, body, or spirit, and reaching out to them can help cure some loneliness, anxiety, and pain. I think we all know someone who feels dead inside, who has lost hope or direction. Making a sacrifice for them, whether it’s a spiritual bouquet, fasting, or an act of faith can make a difference.

I’m sure we all know someone who’s been left out or set to the side, who is seen—perhaps even by us—as the “other.” I think asking to go for a walk or sending some just because flowers can wipe away some of the grime of rejection. And as for demons, I know the power of Jesus’ name in prayer, and offering a Glory Be for someone struggling, even someone we don’t know, does a good we cannot see.

Today, let’s make the kingdom come. Let’s give something more, without counting the cost.

Ponder:

Who has been on your mind or heart lately, and how might you serve that person today?

Pray:

Dear Holy Spirit, inspire me to see the people in my path today who need encouragement and love. Give me the grace and the courage to offer what You know they need.

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Jesus gives pretty clear—and contrary—marching orders in today’s Gospel: “Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, drive out demons.” #DailyGospel

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