Daily Gospel Reflection for September 21, 2026

Reflect on the call to trust in Jesus as Matthew did, embracing uncertainty and finding healing from sin through faith and action in the community.

Today's Gospel: Matthew 9:9-13

When it came to money counting, my mother was the best.

She was a cashier at a carpet store for many years and it was up to her to make sure that the accounts were balanced. It seems so fitting that she was born on the Feast of St. Matthew, the tax collector who left his post so that he could follow Jesus.

It must have taken great faith for Matthew to leave his secure position behind to join Jesus on the road. There was something so captivating in Christ’s invitation that Matthew could simply not refuse. He abandoned a “sure thing” and embraced uncertainty.

I find that God wants me to trust Him in uncertain times, but I often hesitate. I crave routine and the predictable, even though I know that the Lord is often hidden within the murkiness of everyday life. Learning to trust is an ongoing project for me as I deepen my relationship with the Almighty.

This Gospel passage is also important because it shows that Jesus came to earth in order to save sinners. He is not embarrassed to be seen with us—on the contrary, He loves us passionately and wants to be near. He recognizes that sin has made us sick and that He possesses the healing power to restore us to virtue. We can have faith in Him, knowing that He cares for us.

But that care does not mean that He is satisfied with our sinfulness. On the contrary, He is determined to help free us from our sins so that we can enjoy everlasting life with Him.

My mother went to her eternal reward many years ago, and I would like to believe that she is spending time with Matthew in the endless sunshine of paradise.

Ponder:

What steps can you take to follow Jesus more closely this week?

Pray:

Dear Jesus, I want to be like Matthew and follow You without hesitation. Please help to guide my steps, that I might find the path of righteousness. 

Pray Together:

In honor of Matthew, come together as a family and donate what you can to assist a ministry for the poor in your community.

Copyright 2026 Maria V. Gallagher