Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: August 16, 2025

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

Scripture Text:  Matthew 19:13-15

Children were brought to Jesus that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked them, but Jesus said, "Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the Kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." After he placed his hands on them, he went away.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The short gospel reading for today recounts Jesus’ blessing of the children and lesson to us all who seek to follow Him that we must be more like them, vulnerable, hopeful, loving.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

How vulnerable and dependent am I willing to be?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, we turn our minds, our hearts, our souls to You this day in praise and thanksgiving. We acknowledge with humility our need for You and our reliance upon You and your inexhaustible love and mercy. Send your Spirit to guide us and to open us more fully to the wonders of life as followers of your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, for your glory. 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.