Daily Gospel Reflection for September 16, 2026

Explore how to embrace your unique faith journey without succumbing to societal expectations or criticism in this reflection on Luke 7:31-35.

Today's Gospel: Luke 7:31-35

Jesus shows His humanity in this Gospel passage. He is bemoaning how the people criticized both John the Baptist and Him for opposite reasons. Neither one of them met people’s expectations. We can sometimes experience this in our own lives. People can have set expectations of what a “good Catholic” looks like, including the clothes you should wear, how you should pray, how you should speak, decorate your house, educate your children, etc. They can be quick to criticize when you live differently from their preconceived notions.

Sometimes, it seems like no matter what we do, someone is going to throw proverbial stones. Or, perhaps, we are the ones too quick to criticize other Catholics' choices because they differ from ours. We rationalize that if we are doing things the “right” way (and we desperately want to believe that we are), then what they are doing must be wrong.

So, what should we do? First, we can strive to put aside our own expectations of how Catholics should live. Second, we can try to ignore criticism when it is hurled in our direction. If we pray each day to do God’s will in our lives and work to do it, then we have no reason to doubt our decisions or worry about what others might say about us. God’s opinion is the only one that matters.

One of the beautiful things about the examples of the saints is that they are all different, but they were all holy. God doesn’t call us to be cookie-cutter copies of one another. We are unique with our own personalities, gifts, and roles to play in God’s plan.  

Ponder:

Do you put too much stock in what others say about the way you live your faith?

Pray:

Dear Lord, please help me to do Your will and remember that Your opinion is the only one that matters. 

Pray Together:

Talk about each member of your family’s unique gifts and ways of living out your faith. 

Copyright 2026 Patrice Fagnant-MacArthur