Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: August 18,2026

LECTIO - Read Scripture Text:   Matthew 19:23-30

Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly, I tell you, it is hard for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of heaven. Again, I tell you, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of God.”

When the disciples heard this, they were greatly surprised and said, “Who then can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “For men, this is impossible, but for God all things are possible.”

Then Peter said to him in response, “We have given up everything and followed you. What will there be for us?” Jesus said to them, “Truly, I tell you that you who have followed me, in the new age, when the Son of Man is seated on his throne of glory, will yourselves sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for the sake of my name will receive a hundred times more and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.”

MEDITATIO - Meditate on text, allow the LORD to touch us with His Word:

How honest am I day to day about my reliance and dependence upon the LORD? Am I willing to be “last” for the sake of my love?

BREAKING OPEN THE TEXT:

Today’s gospel recounts Jesus’ exchange with his disciples concerning the impediments earthly possessions and power can present to true discipleship. Whereas wealth can give one a sense of self-reliance, to follow Jesus we must be willing to acknowledge our need for the LORD without ceasing. Jesus also assures disciples that whatever is given up in our journey for the sake of our relationship with Him will be returned 100-fold.

ORATIO – Lifting our minds and hearts to the LORD in prayer:

Lord, Jesus Christ, You were able to set everything down for love of the Father Almighty and all of humanity including me. Free me from earthly desires. Help me set them down and pick up in their stead true and deep trust in You through whom all things are possible. Grant that through the power of the Spirit I may grow more humble and more reliant with each moment. Amen.

CONTEMPLATIO – Sitting with the LORD in silence for a minute or more