Daily Gospel Reflection for August 8, 2025

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

Whenever I read this Gospel, I am inclined to think of all the times I have laid down my life, taken up a cross, and followed Jesus, but the truth of the matter is He is not done. There are likely more crosses to come in my life, more ways I will lay down or lose my life.

But this is the key:

“Whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” Matthew 16:25

If you would’ve told me I was going to find my life when I was taking up a cross or that I was going to find my life when I was following Jesus even when it made no sense whatsoever, I would’ve told you that you are nuts.

But the truth is, finding your life is exactly what happens. You become more detached from worldly things and invest more deeply in the spiritual. You find more peace. You become rooted in a God-given identity rather than one rooted in what you own or where you live or what you do.

It’s hard. I’m in the thick of another one of these seasons where God has called me somewhere, and I’m not really sure where it is all leading. I have learned enough to not back off. One step a day in the right direction is better than turning back or stepping off the path completely.

Jesus assures us that when we are doing something for Him, there is a reason, and it is going to bring us to a place where we uncover what we did not even know was missing, a deeper life in Him.

Ponder:

Where have I found new life through my crosses, and where Jesus has called me to lay something down?

Pray:

Lord, help me to trust You always and know that through my life's crosses and sacrifices, You are shaping me into who You created me to be. Please let me remember that any earthly suffering is worth the eternal glory I hope to experience in heaven.

CM DGR daily sq