Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: June 11, 2025

Date: Memorial of St. Barnabas

Scripture Text:  Matthew 5:17-19

Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. Amen, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or the smallest part of a letter will pass from the law, until all things have taken place. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do so will be called least in the Kingdom of heaven. But whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.”

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel reading for today from Matthew is drawn from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. Jesus stresses His alignment with the law and prophets and that He has been sent to fulfill them, not abolish them. He calls upon the listeners to both obey and teach the commandments. The commandments of the law and the call of the prophets are both centered on love: love for the LORD and love for one another.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Am I trying to obey the commandments? Would others recognize my motivation in life and in decisions and actions as “love”? Who have I taught the commandments to through words or through actions?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, You sent your only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to take on our human nature and to teach us through word and through action about the life You created us to live. And when the time came, for love of You and love of us, He selflessly gave His life upon the cross of Calvary for our sins, though He is sinless. Send your Spirit to open us to your love most perfectly expressed in your Word, Jesus Christ, and to live that love out loud in all our moments. 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.