Daily Gospel Reflection for August 26, 2025

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

“Cleanse first the inside of the cup, so that the outside also may be clean.” Matthew 23:26

As challenging as this exhortation is from Jesus to the Pharisees, there is beauty in it as well. Jesus is criticizing the religious leaders of His time, and ours, of worrying too much about looking good on the outside. They strive to follow all the commands and laws, attend all of the required services, give the required 10-percent tithe, be seen in public praying at the prescribed hours, and other things that make them look pious.

These are all wonderful things. We do them also – going to Mass on Sunday, going to Reconciliation monthly, reading daily Gospels, volunteering on a church committee. Yet what is the motivation behind these actions? Is it to check off a box that we did what is required? Is it to look good being at Mass? Jesus accuses them of doing them for self-indulgences or just because it is what they want to do or enjoy doing rather than what God commands or wills for them.

Our inner motives and desires behind doing good things should be because we love our God and want to show it by honoring Him. We should desire to grow in holiness and charity in order to grow closer to Jesus, not just to look good. We should know our weaknesses and be working on growing in virtue in order to overcome the vices we tend to struggle with.

As Jesus says, focus not on good exterior actions, but on developing a loving heart that focuses on “judgment and mercy and fidelity.” (Matthew 23:23)

Ponder:

What are you doing to grow spiritually that might be for the wrong reason?

Pray:

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for these lessons from Your Son that teach us how You want us to be examples of Your loving believers. Help me to desire to do Your will and grow in justice, mercy, and faith today.

CM DGR daily sq