Daily Gospel Reflection for July 14, 2025

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

Today's Gospel: Mathew 10:34-11:1

Without a doubt, this is one of the most challenging Gospel passages for us moms. We have been chosen to love and sacrifice for the children God has given to us, and yet Jesus tells us today that He has come to set mothers and fathers against their children (cf. Matthew 10:35).

In the most extreme cases, like that of St. Kateri Tekakwitha, this can mean complete dissociation with your family. St. Kateri was a Catholic Native American, and her tribe and family vehemently opposed her faith. She bravely left her home in order to live a Christian life.

For us, loving Christ more than our children can feel backwards or wrong. To be sure, when the Lord entrusted us with our kids, part of our calling meant prioritizing their needs over our own. Sacrificing for our families means sacrificing for Christ.

Where we can fall into danger is by prioritizing our kids' desires over Christ. This might be going to a soccer tournament while missing Sunday Mass or letting them stay home from faith formation because they’re tired. Maybe you skip grace and family prayer time because your child has a friend over, and you don’t want to embarrass them. This could even be something as simple as letting your child’s busy schedule be an excuse for you to not pray every day.

As moms, we must constantly balance the call of a Christian life with the demands of living in the world. When the two conflict with each other, Jesus makes it clear which side we must be on.

Ponder:

In what areas of my life do I prioritize the things of the world and the desires of my children over my obligations as a Christian?

Pray:

Lord, thank You for the gift of my children. Teach me to always love You more than them, so that I may become the saint You desire me to be.

Copyright 2025 Maria Riley