Daily Gospel Reflection for October 15, 2026

Reflect on Jesus's warning to the Pharisees in Luke 11:47-54 and examine your own judgments. Learn to listen and seek truth over pride.

Today's Gospel: Luke 11:47-54

When Jesus takes the Pharisees to task, it's tempting to pile on. Their hypocrisy is revealed, and I nod along, dismayed at their pride and arrogance. It's only when I try to put myself in their place that I recognize my own sinfulness.

After the Pharisees have been chided by Jesus, they began questioning Him, seeking ways to trip Him up and plotting against them. Am I guilty of this? On as grand a scale as the Pharisees? No. But do I seek to re-affirm my prideful judgments about others? Yes, I do.

Instead of taking Jesus's stern correction to heart, the Pharisees launch an attack. How often do I gloss over self-examination and seek only to bolster my correctness merely by tearing down another's positions or opinions, if only in my mind?

Ponder:

How can I form a habit of listening and examining my behavior honestly rather than launching an attack?

Pray:

Dear Jesus, help me to remain open to the Truth at all times, seeking to see the world and others as You see them, not as others may wish me to or as I might in my pride.

Pray Together:

Play act a Gospel passage in which the Pharisees are called out, taking turns playing the role of the Pharisee.

Copyright 2026 Carolyn Astfalk