Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: August 13, 2025

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

Scripture Text:  Matthew 18:15-20

Jesus said to his disciples:

"If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have won over your brother. If he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, so that every fact may be established on the testimony of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell the Church. If he refuses to listen even to the Church, then treat him as you would a Gentile or a tax collector. Amen, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again, amen, I say to you, if two of you agree on earthabout anything for which they are to pray, it shall be granted to them by my heavenly Father. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

In today’s gospel text, Jesus reminds us that what is essential is right relationship with one another. Jesus urges us to seek to make amends with one another if the relationship is hurt by the actions of one. Jesus also reminds us of the power of prayer, especially the power of group prayer, people united, seeking the help of the Heavenly Father. Finally, Jesus assures us that where two or more are gathered in His name, Jesus is in our midst.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Do I seek to heal strained relationships immediately? Do I ask others to join me in prayer for others and prayer for divine intervention and peace? Do I believe that Jesus is in our midst when we gather to study, to pray, to serve, in His name?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, we lift our voices to You this day with praise for who You are: Creator, Father, LORD. We give You thanks for your constant power and presence to us and to the world, manifestations of your love. As our Creator and Father, You call us to right relationship with You through private prayer, community worship, and study of You and the story of your power and presence throughout time for love of us. Send your Spirit to guide us in our relationship with You and with our sisters and brothers. Tenderize our beings, breaking down our pride and enhancing our sensitivity to the feelings and needs of others. Grant that we might live as true disciples of Jesus Christ, Your beloved Son, joining in His ongoing salvific mission. 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.