Daily Gospel Reflection for August 8, 2026

Explore the importance of faith in daily life through a reflection on Matthew 17:14-20, encouraging us to follow Jesus's teachings step by step.

Today's Gospel: Matthew 17:14-20

My kids have often needed some ordinary item like the Parmesan cheese, an extra bottle of body lotion, or a pair of scissors. Not having found it in its usual place, they have asked me for its exact location. My explanations usually include details of a fool-proof location of said item. Or so I think. Their usual answer has been “I already checked and it’s not there.” Now, my answer: “It is there. Coming!” My thoughts have been along the lines of “These children, Lord. I specifically tell them where things are to no avail.”

In today’s Gospel, we read about the lunatic son’s dad, who took him to Jesus’s disciples to be cured. The disciples tried but could not produce the desired result. Jesus had to intervene. His reply makes sense to me.

“O faithless and perverse generation, how long will I be with you? How long will I endure you? Bring the boy here to me.” Matthew 17:17

I have gotten to where my kids are, opened whatever door or drawer is needed, grabbed the missing item, and showed it to my confused-looking kids. I think the disciples looked the same way after what happens next in the Gospel:  “Jesus rebuked him and the demon came out of him, and from that hour the boy was cured.” (Matthew 17:18)

Just as the disciples asked Jesus why they could not cure the boy, my kids have asked why they could not find whatever object they were looking for. I have reminded them time and again to follow my instructions step by step and to do the same with Jesus’s teachings. 

Ponder:

Think of a time when you followed each step but could not produce the desired outcome. How did you come up with a solution?

Pray:

Dear Jesus, we want to know You, love You, and serve You. Increase our faith that we may follow Your teachings step by step.

Pray Together:

Make a list of your favorite of Jesus’s teachings. Pray using this list by saying after each teaching, “Lord, increase our faith.”

Copyright 2026 Ana Barraza