Daily Gospel Reflection for August 28, 2025

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

Today's Gospel: Matthew 24:42-51

"Therefore, stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come." Matthew 24:42

Growing up, there were nine of us living in a 1,600 square foot house (with just one bathroom, by the way). Using every nook and cranny for living space, there was very little storage. Whenever company dropped by unannounced, we’d quickly gather up the clutter and toss it into the oven. 

We’d go on to entertain our guests, completely forgetting we’d hidden things in there. I can’t tell you how many times we preheated the oven to bake something, only to melt the random items we’d thrown inside!

My home is larger now, with a lot fewer people and a lot more storage. It’s also a different time; people don’t drop by unannounced like they used to. That doesn’t mean I don’t have that catchall space where I hide things when I’m behind the eight-ball and company is due any minute. My pantry is my proverbial oven, and it fits quite a lot.

Guests may never see what we’ve hidden away in our last-minute preparations, but Christ does. Be it the oven, the pantry, or our hearts, He knows everything we tuck away, making the exercise futile and unnecessary.

What He really wants is for us to lay it all at His feet: our chaos, our doubt, our misdeeds, and our shortcomings. It’s the only way to own it all so we can seek order and forgiveness. That’s what clears it away, putting everything in its rightful place, making us ready for His coming, no matter the day.

Ponder:

What have I been trying to hide from Christ? Can I bring it out into the light so He can help me put it in its rightful place?

Pray:

God of Goodness, help me to clear out all the nooks and crannies of my soul so I’m fully ready whenever You come.

Copyright 2025 Claire McGarry