Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: July 12, 2024

Date: Friday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture Text:  MT 10:16-23

Jesus said to his Apostles:

“Behold, I am sending you like sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and simple as doves. But beware of men, for they will hand you over to courts and scourge you in their synagogues, and you will be led before governors and kings for my sake as a witness before them and the pagans. When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say. You will be given at that moment what you are to say. For it will not be you who speak but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will hand over brother to death, and the father his child; children will rise up against parents and have them put to death.You will be hated by all because of my name, but whoever endures to the end will be saved.When they persecute you in one town, flee to another. Amen, I say to you, you will not finish the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.”

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

In today’s gospel, Jesus warns of coming persecutions post resurrection.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

What am I willing to suffer for love of Christ, for His mission, and the for glory of the Father?

Praying:

LORD, though learning the Truth opened my heart and mind, it was your love that truly and utterly won me, informed me, caused me to change, to conform to your will, and to be your disciple. I know now that it is not easy. I know that not everyone will love me because I love you; in fact, I know that many will hate me because of my love for You. Give me strength of mind and heart and will. Allow me to follow you always and everywhere. Amen.