Daily Gospel Reflection for October 3, 2026

Explore how small acts of kindness, like prayer, contribute to building God's kingdom on earth, as shared through a heartfelt reflection on daily faith.

Today's Gospel: Luke 10:17-24

Every week for seven years, my husband and I walked the halls of our local hospital, bringing Holy Communion to the sick. On those hospital days, we never knew what drama might unfold before us.

One day, I entered the room where a frail old woman lay shriveled up in bed. Her son sat in a chair by the window. After a brief introduction, I spoke to the woman. The man said, “She will not know what you are saying.” I nodded politely but began to pray the Hail Mary aloud. To my amazement, the woman moved her lips in unison with my words. The familiar prayer, embedded deep in her memory, flooded to the surface. It was my fervent hope that the Blessed Mother brought comfort to the woman in her last days.

My husband and I never felt like missionaries on these visits. In reality, we were. Today’s Gospel sheds light on our role in the Kingdom. Jesus sent out the seventy to spread the Gospel. They returned rejoicing and said,“Lord, even the demons are subject to us because of your name!” Jesus then said to them “Behold, I have given you the power to 'tread upon serpents' and scorpions.”

Of course, we did not exorcise demons nor tread on scorpions. Rather, Jesus teaches us that greater than spectacular miracles is everyday holiness. Jesus says, “Rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”

For this we strive: to be inscribed in God’s heavenly book of life along with our families and strangers that cross our paths. On that day in the hospital when we encountered the dying woman, we could only say a simple prayer. Little acts of kindness count. Watch for the miracle. It may just be the whispered prayer of a dying woman.

Ponder:

Do I realize that in every small act of kindness I help to build God's kingdom here on earth?

Pray:

Dear Lord, help me to realize that there are no ordinary moments in my life. Help me to spread the Gospel through loving attention to my family.

Pray Together:

Praise your child for even the smallest act of cooperation in doing a chore. Let your child know that you appreciate any polite word or action toward family or strangers.

Copyright 2026 Kathryn Swegart