Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: August 23, 2025

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

Scripture Text:  Matthew 23:1-12

Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, saying, "The scribes and the Pharisees have taken their seat on the chair of Moses. Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you, but do not follow their example. For they preach but they do not practice. They tie up heavy burdens hard to carry and lay them on people's shoulders, but they will not lift a finger to move them. All their works are performed to be seen. They widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels. They love places of honor at banquets, seats of honor in synagogues, greetings in marketplaces, and the salutation 'Rabbi.' As for you, do not be called 'Rabbi.' You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers. Call no one on earth your father; you have but one Father in heaven. Do not be called 'Master'; you have but one master, the Christ. The greatest among you must be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted."

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

Today’s gospel reading recounts Jesus’ denunciation of the scribes and Pharisees for their external practices that lacked internal humility and authenticity. Jesus’ words are meant for all of us, a reminder that the power and the glory belong to the LORD alone, and we are to make this journey as faithful and humble servants, helping and accompanying one another on the way.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

How humble am I in my faith and in my faith community? Do I recognize fully my dependence upon the LORD? I am who I am because He created me and chose me, not the other way around.

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, open my eyes to your creation and my heart to my place within it. Open my soul so that I might make room within it for You and your love.

Jesus Christ, Son of God, my Savior, grant that I may more lovingly deny myself, put down my pride, pick up my cross, and follow You.

Most Holy Spirit, stir within me and tenderize my being, eradicating all pride and increasing love. Grant that the love showered upon me will grow within me and transform me into the child of God I am created to be and the disciple of Christ I am called to be.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.