Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: July 4, 2025

Date: Friday of the 13^th Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture Text:  Matthew 9:9-13

As Jesus passed by, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post. He said to him, "Follow me." And he got up and followed him. While he was at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat with Jesus and his disciples. The Pharisees saw this and said to his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?" He heard this and said, "Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. Go and learn the meaning of the words, I desire mercy, not sacrifice. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners."

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel for today from the Gospel of Matthew recounts Matthew’s call to follow Jesus and Jesus’ response to those criticizing him for his presence and ministry to sinners.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Am I merciful to others as the LORD is merciful to me?

Praying:

LORD, Your mercy exceeds our ways and understanding. Grant that we may take to heart our own prayer, “forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” Tenderize our minds and hearts so that we may allow your love to enter into us fully and wholly and transformatively. Make us your instruments of mercy in this world. 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.