Daily Gospel Reflection for August 26, 2023

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

This passage is often used by non-Catholic Christians to criticize our practice of calling our priests "father." That is a misunderstanding and an out-of-context view of what Jesus is trying to tell us. (Those who condemn using "father" usually do call their earthly dads "father.") It is a distraction from the real focus of Christ's teaching on humility.

Jesus wants us to be humble and I struggle with that on a daily basis! Who doesn’t want to be recognized for the good they do? I desire recognition. I do not like it when someone is chosen over me or acknowledged for something I had a part in. It is in our human nature, but Jesus wants us to overcome that tendency. I find praying the Litany of Humility is helpful in retraining myself to conquer this bent in my own nature. Frequent confession keeps me in check and gives me the actual and sanctifying grace I need. The other way I find helpful to practice humility is through random, anonymous acts of kindness.

As in all things, God gives us a huge challenge but provides the grace and knowledge necessary to win this challenge through the prayers, teachings, and sacraments of the Catholic Church.

Ponder:

How can we overcome the need for recognition?

Pray:

Open my eyes, Lord, to those in need around me. Help me to fill the corporal and spiritual needs that I can, but to do it in quiet anonymity when possible.