Gospel Reflection for: July 13, 2024
Daily Gospel Reading: Matthew 10:24-33
In this part of Matthew’s story, Jesus talks to his followers about the challenges they will face as his disciples. He tells them to be brave, trust in God, and never be afraid to speak up about their faith.
Be Brave, Be Real:
Jesus tells his disciples not to be afraid of criticism. He reminds them that if people criticized him, they will likely criticize his followers too. It’s like when you stand up for what you believe in, even if it’s unpopular, and some people might not like it. But Jesus says it’s okay, because following him is more important than what other people think.
This is a good reminder for us today, especially with social media. It can be hard to speak up for what we believe in when we see so many different opinions and sometimes even hateful comments. But Jesus calls us to be brave and share our faith, even if it means being different.
Share Your Faith Without Fear:
Jesus tells his disciples to share their faith openly and honestly, not to hide it away. It’s like when you find a great new recipe or song and you can’t wait to tell all your friends about it. You don’t keep it a secret; you share it with everyone!
In the same way, Jesus wants us to share our faith with others. We can do this by talking about our beliefs with our friends, sharing inspiring stories on social media, or simply living our lives in a way that shows others how much God loves them.
Don’t Be Afraid:
Jesus tells his disciples not to be afraid of those who might hurt them or try to silence them. He reminds them that God is in control and that he cares for them more than anything else in the world. It’s like when a parent tells their child not to be afraid of the dark because they are always there to protect them.
This is a comforting message for us today. It can be scary to stand up for what we believe in, especially when we see so much violence and hatred in the world. But Jesus reminds us that God is bigger than any problem we face, and he will always be there to protect and guide us.
Choose Your Loyalty:
Jesus ends this passage with a powerful message about choosing who we will follow. He says that if we acknowledge him in front of others, he will acknowledge us in front of God. But if we deny him, he will deny us. It’s like choosing between two teams: are you on God’s team or the world’s team?
This is a serious decision, but it’s also a hopeful one. By choosing to follow Jesus, we are aligning ourselves with the ultimate power and love in the universe. It’s a choice that will have eternal consequences, so it’s important to choose wisely.
A Prayer for Courage:
Dear God,
Please give us the courage to stand up for what we believe in, even when it’s hard. Help us to share your love and truth with others, without fear of what they might say or do. Remind us that you are always with us, and that your love is stronger than anything in this world.
Amen.
Conclusion: Stand Strong in Your Faith
Following Jesus isn’t always easy, but it’s the most important decision we can make. It’s a decision that will shape our lives and our eternal destiny. So let’s choose to follow Jesus with courage, conviction, and unwavering faith, knowing that he will never leave us or forsake us.
May God bless you all, and may His love guide you in every step you take.
Amen.