Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: August 12, 2025

Date: Tuesday of the 19^th Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture Text:  Matthew 18:1-5, 10, 12-14

The disciples approached Jesus and said, "Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven?" He called a child over, placed it in their midst, and said, "Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the Kingdom of heaven. Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven. And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me.

"See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father. What is your opinion? If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine in the hills and go in search of the stray? And if he finds it, amen, I say to you, he rejoices more over it than over the ninety-nine that did not stray. In just the same way, it is not the will of your heavenly Father that one of these little ones be lost."

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel texts of today focus on the LORD’s love for the childlike, the vulnerable, the open, trusting, and loving soul. Jesus also tells the parable of the Good Shepherd who goes in search of the one lost sheep and rejoices over its return.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Am I childlike, as Christ calls me to be? Do I trust in the LORD as a child trusts his parent? Do I believe the LORD will come for me if I stray?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, we come to You this day full of praise for all You are and thanksgiving for all You have given to us. We thank You most especially for sending your only-begotten Son to dwell among us, assuming our nature in all ways except sin, and giving His life selflessly for our salvation. Send your Spirit, LORD, to find us when we stray which we do. Guide us back to the fold of your loving care. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.