Tuesday | August 23, 2022
Matthew 23:23-26:
Jesus continues pronouncing woes on the scribes and Pharisees. Their obsessive focus on taxation overshadows the heart of God’s law. Jesus then contrasts their outward actions with the self-serving reality that they hold in their hearts.
May the thoughts of my heart lead me to act justly, mercifully and faithfully.
Monday | August 22, 2022
Matthew 23:13-22:
Jesus describes the sad state of the scribes and Pharisees and warns them about the consequences of their actions. All that they do and say is self-serving. They make God’s law burdensome and stand in the way of the people’s salvation.
Dearest Mother, Queen of Heaven, pray for us, the Church, that we may lead and guide all people to your Son.
Sunday | August 21, 2022
Luke 13:22-30:
On the way to Jerusalem, Jesus continues to teach the people. A question is posed to him about salvation. Jesus’ response is challenging. To journey with him is difficult and requires heartfelt commitment. One must not presume they are on the way nor despair that they are not, just keep following.
You are the way to the Father and the way to eternal salvation. Help me to keep moving forward with you.
Saturday | August 20, 2022
Matthew 23:1-12:
The parables and controversies concerning the hypocrisy of Jesus’ opponents reach a climax in the Gospel. Jesus names in detail their problematic behavior and instructs the crowds not to follow the example of the Jewish leaders. All their efforts are a means to serve themselves.
We pray for the leaders of our Church. May they truly understand what it is to follow your example by leading with the heart of a servant.
Friday | August 19, 2022
Matthew 22:34-40:
It was not uncommon for Jewish teachers to be asked to summarize the law. A Pharisee who is a lawyer, asks Jesus to do just that. Jesus’ summary draws on Scripture, from Deuteronomy and Leviticus, commands to love God and neighbor. These together are the greatest, Jesus says and are the heart of God’s law.
I know human law is flawed. I pray to understand and live by your low, O God.
Thursday | August 18, 2022
Matthew 22:1-14:
Jesus uses a wedding banquet to illustrate the coming of the kingdom. As it says in the Gospel, “many are invited” but are not necessarily chosen to attend. Humble acceptance of the invitation is to be followed by preparation for being before God.
I know I am not worthy. I pray to spend each day understanding how to prepare myself and doing so in anticipation of that great day.
Wednesday | August 17, 2022
Matthew 20:1-16:
Chapter 19 of Matthew’s Gospel ends with the saying about the “first and the last” and Chapter 20 begins with the same. The parable illustrates why this saying is important. Jesus is teaching about God’s justice and generosity to the Jewish and gentile people alike so that all will accept and live following God’s will.
Today we pray for all who are employers to be fair and just in their dealing with those who work for and with them.
Tuesday | August 16, 2022
Matthew 19:23-30:
Jesus takes this opportunity, following the exchange with the rich young man, to teach his disciples about the potential for wealth being an obstacle. The kingdom is not bought or earned. It is God’s gift freely given. Peter, the spokesperson for the disciples, seems to be asking for reassurance and Jesus responds that their rewards will be great in heaven.
I find myself wanting so many human and material things in my life forgetting that all I need is you.
Monday | August 15, 2022
Luke 1:39-56:
By the will of God and the power of the Holy Spirit, two children have been conceived and their mothers, filled with that same Spirit, joyfully accept God’s gift. Each in her own way acknowledges the invitation to participate in God’s holy work.
On this day, we are reminded that you reign in heaven and watch over each one of us. Pray for us Holy Mother.
Sunday | August 14, 2022
Luke 12:49-53:
Jesus is talking to his disciples about the final judgment. It has begun as he is setting a fire within the hearts of all people. Some are for him. Though this causes dissension within their families, they merit eternal life. Those against him will be judged harshly.
Let us pray for all who stand against you. May they come to see that they are wrong and come to believe in you.
