Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: August 19, 2025

Date: Tuesday of the 20^th Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture Text:  Matthew 19:23-30

Jesus said to his disciples:

“Amen, I say to you, it will be hard for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of heaven. Again, I say to you, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of God.” When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished 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 reply, “We have given up everything and followed you. What will there be for us?”

Jesus said to them, “Amen, I say to 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.”

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel reading for today recounts Jesus’ discussion with the disciples following his encounter with the rich young man who went away sad because Jesus had told him to sell everything and follow Jesus. The young man did not want to give away his material wealth  for spiritual treasures. Jesus assures the disciples that earthly wealth is not a pre-requisite for entering the Kingdom of heaven but instead can be a hindrance. The true path is believing in Jesus and following Him and being willing to make the necessary sacrifices along the way in Christ’s name and for love of Christ.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

What do I insist on clinging to here on earth? What or whom do I refuse to do without?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, we give You thanks for the gift of your beloved Son for our redemption. Send the Spirit so that we may choose more wisely and lovingly our path and recognizing our need for Christ in our lives.

LORD, Jesus Christ, we seek to follow You in your footsteps as your disciples. Send the Spirit to open our minds, our hearts and our souls to your teaching, to your love, to life in abundance with You.

LORD, Holy Spirit, guide us, grace us, tenderize us so that we open ourselves fully to all that is possible when we love well and rightly our LORD and one another. Amen.