Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: August 8, 2025

Date: Memorial of St. Dominic

Scripture Text:  Matthew 16:24-28

Jesus said to his disciples, "Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? Or what can one give in exchange for his life? For the Son of Man will come with his angels in his Father's glory, and then he will repay each according to his conduct. Amen, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his Kingdom."

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel reading for today recounts Jesus’ presenting to his followers what discipleship will entail. He presents the hardships up front: denying self, accepting and carrying suffering, giving one’s life to Christ for love of Christ.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Am I seeking to earnestly and wholly follow the “job description” of disciple?

Praying:

LORD, Jesus Christ, Son of God, our Savior, we come to You this day loving You and desiring to live the lives You call us to live. Send the Spirit to strengthen us so that we have the resolve to deny ourselves, so that we have the devotion to accept our own crosses, and so that we have the love to follow You wherever You lead us. Grant that we may live as your disciples for love of You and the glory of the Father Almighty. Amen.