Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: July 12, 2025

Date: Saturday of the 14^th Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture Text:  Matthew 10:24-33

Jesus said to his Apostles: “No disciple is above his teacher, no slave above his master. It is enough for the disciple that he become like his teacher, for the slave that he become like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more those of his household!

“Therefore, do not be afraid of them. Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known. What I say to you in the darkness, speak in the light; what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna. Are not two sparrows sold for a small coin? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father’s knowledge. Even all the hairs of your head are counted. So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Everyone who acknowledges me before others I will acknowledge before my heavenly Father. But whoever denies me before others, I will deny before my heavenly Father.”

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel text for today taken from the Gospel of Matthew reminds us of both the Heavenly Father’s loving care for us and our relationship with Jesus Christ, Son of God, our Savior. Jesus acknowledges that being His disciples will not be easy, but ultimately, bringing Christ to others and others to Christ through word, deed and prayer will be recognized by Christ himself before the Father.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

What is my relationship with Christ? Am I Christian or do I simply associate with Christians?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, You sent your beloved and only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to share in our humanity in all ways except sin. You asked of Him a selfless sacrifice, offering his life for ours, winning over sin and death. Send your Spirit to stir within us, to give us the courage to not only live as a true disciple of Jesus Christ but also to bring the good news of Christ to others through word, deed, and prayer. Grant that we may serve well and selflessly this day and all days. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.