Daily Gospel Reflection for August 17, 2023

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

I often wonder how someone develops a strong sense of entitlement, the belief that one is inherently deserving of privileges or special treatment. Most of us learn by adolescence that the childhood belief that the world revolves around us, our needs and wants, matures to a sense of community. We learn to share the blessings and mercy we receive with others. There is a selfishness in displaced entitlement, and a fear. How unfortunate—and how much in need of prayer—are we to not have grown in self-confidence.

Ponder:

Was there a time when you felt that something you were entitled to was not granted, and was that feeling truly justified? Have you seen others act out with an unjustified assumption that they deserved this or that? How could you respond in the future?

Pray:

Holy Spirit, guide me to share sevenfold the mercy and blessings that I receive. Help me to know how to gently help others to learn how to be fair and just.