Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: July 13, 2024

Date: Saturday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture Text:  Mt 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:

In today’s gospel, Jesus again warns of coming persecutions for his disciples but also promises the care of the Father for those who acknowledge Jesus as Son of the LORD.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Am I faithful even during difficult times?

Praying:

LORD, help me to follow in your footsteps faithfully, to share with others my faith in You as Son of God. Send your Spirit to strengthen my resolve, to help me during trying times to live as You call me to live, for love of You and love of my sisters and brothers. Amen.