Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: June 23,2026

LECTIO - Read Scripture Text:   Matthew 7:6, 12-14

(Jesus said to his disciples,) “Do not give what is holy to dogs or through your pearls before swine, for they will trample them underfoot and turn and tear you to pieces.

“Whatsoever you desire that others should do for you, do for them. This is the law and the prophets.

“Enter through the narrow gate because wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction and those who enter it are many. The gate is narrow and constricted the way that leads to life and few find it.”

MEDITATIO - Meditate on text, allow the LORD to touch us with His Word:

Do I protect the sacred within myself? Do I treat others as I want to be treated? Am I willing to shed my baggage to journey “the way” through the narrow gate?

BREAKING OPEN THE TEXT:

Today’s gospel from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount recounts Jesus warnings concerning discernment in spiritually hostile environments and circles. Then we hear Jesus deliver what we call “the Golden Rule,” urging us to give what we ourselves wish to receive. Last, Jesus alerts us to the demands of “the way.”

ORATIO – Lifting our minds and hearts to the LORD in prayer:

Almighty Father, as I continue my journey, following in the footsteps of your only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ, I pray that You send the Spirit to help me to tend to the sacred blessings and graces You have given to me, to treat others with the loving kindness You demand of me, and to shed those things which I do not need and that hinder me on this journey. Grant that I may daily grow in my strength, in my resolve, and in my love for You. 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.

CONTEMPLATIO – Sitting with the LORD in silence for a minute or more