Daily Gospel Reflection for November 5, 2023

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

Today's Gospel: Matthew 23:1-12

We hear today in the Gospel that Jesus clearly condemns hypocrites. Jesus acknowledges that because of their education and rank, the scribes and Pharisees are the authorized interpreters of the Law. Therefore, His followers must follow and obey what they are told.

However, the actions of the scribes and Pharisees do not align with what they preach. Jesus tells His disciples to not imitate their behaviors, because they do not align with the Law of Moses. Time and time again in the Gospels, Jesus reminds us that our actions do matter. Today, we need to assess our own actions and discover where they do not align with our faith.

The scribes and Pharisees are accused of burdening others without lifting a finger (cf. Matthew 23:4). In our own lives, there may be heavy loads that we allow or expect others to carry without our help. Do we let a spouse or friend manage household or work obligations on their own? Do we refrain from volunteering because we assume someone else will bear the load?

Beyond just the physical work, the scribes and Pharisees love to be seen in prominent places and recognized for their earthly prestige. We too can get caught up in worldly recognition, both for our secular work and our holy work.

Jesus gives us the answer: He tells His followers that each of them is equal. This means that among us, no one is superior to another. Jesus sums it up perfectly when He says,

“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted." Matthew 23:12

Ponder:

In what ways am I not practicing what I preach, and how can I correct this?

Pray:

Lord, keep me humble in all things, that I may be exalted with You in heaven.

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Time and time again in the Gospels, Jesus reminds us that our actions do matter. #DailyGospel

Copyright 2023 Maria Riley