27 August 2024 - Only By Grace Reflections

TOPIC: DO WE LIVE OUT WHAT WE PREACH ABOUT THE LOVE OF CHRIST IN OUR LIVES?

First Reading: Second Thessalonians 2: 1-3a, 14-17
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 96: 10, 11-12, 13
Alleluia: Hebrews 4: 12
Gospel: Matthew 23: 23-26

In our gospel today, our Lord Jesus Christ told His disciples to be watchful of the scribes and Pharisees who are good at preaching but who do not practice what they preach. The gospel narrative is a reminder for those who are gifted with authority, especially in the Church, to proclaim Christ not through words but through actions.

Pope Francis reminds us, "The need to advise, admonish and teach should not make us feel superior to others, but first of all obliges us to return to ourselves to see if we are consistent with what we ask of others." Leading others to Christ can be challenging, as it entails witnessing His life for others. This doesn't just apply to leaders, but for everyone who desires to follow Christ. If we want to truly follow Him, we should live out Jesus' message and let people recognize Christ in us.

This is the 1583rd installment of our CFC contemplation series focusing on the daily liturgical readings.

[NOTE: Let us listen to our brother Lawrence Quintero, a member of the CFC International Council, as he brings us today's reflection.

All the regular reflections are between 3-7 minutes long, enough time for us to ponder what God's message is for us individually and to pray that we may live them out in our lives. This video is also available on Couples for Christ’s Facebook page. In You Tube, just type ONLY BY GRACE REFLECTIONS]