Daily Gospel Reflection for July 16, 2024

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

Today's Gospel: Matthew 11:20-24

In today’s Gospel, it seems that Jesus is not very happy with the way the people in these places have acted and the choices they have made. This stood out to me when He says:

"For if the mighty deeds done in your midst had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would long ago have repented in sackcloth and ashes."

Repentance simply means sorrow and regret for choices we have made. However, I can feel sorrow about an action but not change my behavior. In that case, have I really repented?

As I read this Gospel, I thought of the Sacrament of Reconciliation and how I look forward to receiving God’s forgiveness and grace. It brought to mind that many of my sins are sins that I continue to make month after month. Does this mean that I have truly not repented? Over time, I have asked and read about how to approach this challenge. One thing that has been helpful for me is to focus on one action that I want to change instead of trying to tackle them all at once.

This doesn’t mean that I ignore the rest, but that I am going to be very aware of that one choice I keep making. Focusing on this one choice helps me to become aware of when and why I do it. Perhaps I still fall but not as often as before.

Jesus doesn’t expect perfection since He created us and knows our hearts better than we do. He does, however, expect us to try to become closer to Him by strengthening our virtue. This can only make us better people and better moms.

Ponder:

What action can I take to practice virtue more often?

Pray:

Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, strengthen my prayer life so that I can be closer to you and Jesus.

Copyright 2024 Elizabeth Estrada