Daily Scripture, August 23, 2025
Scripture:
Ruth 2:1-3, 8-11; 4:13-17
Matthew 23:1-12
Reflection:
In our Gospel reading, Jesus speaks about the Pharisees and the scribes: “Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you, but do not follow their example. For they preach but they do not practice. They tie up heavy burdens hard to carry and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they will not lift a finger to move them. All their works are performed to be seen…. they love places of honor at banquets, seats of honor at synagogues…. The greatest among you must be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
I think part of what Jesus says is about privilege. The Pharisees and scribes enjoyed their “perks” of being the religious leaders of the people. But when people get caught up in their privileges, they forget to serve, and they have no trouble berating people without trying to help them.
We are called to service, not privilege. It might be helpful to look at Jesus’ words at the end of our reading: “The greatest among you must be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” We can be tempted to try to raise ourselves up by putting others down. We can be tempted to justify our prejudices by demonizing those who are different. But when we remember how Jesus humbled Himself to save us, we can let go of these temptations and seek to serve. We will not be concerned about having privilege or not; we will only be concerned with following Jesus and being right with God.
Fr. Phil Paxton, CP, is the Pastor of Holy Family Parish in Birmingham, and St. Mary’s Parish in Fairfield, Alabama. He is the Local Superior of the Passionist Community in Birmingham, Alabama.
Scripture: Acts 4:13-21 Mark 16:9-15 Reflection: Today’s reflection is in two parts: the first taken directly from the Lectionary readings; the second in view of the Sunday celebration of the » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Acts 4:1-12 John 21:1-14 Reflection: One of my very favorite sites in the Holy Land is a small, simple stone chapel on the northwest corner of the Sea of Galilee. » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Acts 3:11-26 Luke 24:35-48 Reflection: … they had come to know him in the breaking of the bread. I’ve been suffering lately, and it’s really had me frustrated. » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Acts 3:1-10 Luke 24:13-35 Reflection: To help us understand Easter better, it helps to reflect on a few “What if” questions. What if… there was no forgiveness of sins? » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Acts 2: 36-41 John: 20: 11-18 Reflection: As a child, Easter was, and still is, my favorite liturgical season. The solemn days leading up to Easter were filled our » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Acts 2:14, 22-33 Matthew 28:8-15 Reflection: HE IS RISEN, ALLELUIA!!! Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went away quickly from the tomb, fearful yet overjoyed, and ran to announce » Continue Reading.
Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord Scripture: Acts 10:34a, 37-43 Colossians 3:1-4 John 20:1-9 Reflection: Hope is in the air! Easter has arrived and once more we Christians » Continue Reading.
Holy Saturday Scripture: Genesis 1:1-2:2 Genesis 22:1-18 Exodus 14:15-15:1 Isaiah 55:1-11 Baruch 3:9-15, 32-4:4 Ezekiel 36:16-17a, 18-28 Romans 6:3-11 Mark 16:1-7 Reflection: Today is one of the strangest days in » Continue Reading.
Good Friday Scripture: Isaiah 52:13-53:12 Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9 John 18:1-19:42 Reflection: TO BE ATTENTIVE: Our Infirmities that He Bore I have a photograph of Joseph Cardinal Bernardin in my office; » Continue Reading.
Holy Thursday Scripture: Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 John 13:1-15 Reflection: Do this in remembrance of Me (1 Cor 11:24) Memory is a beautiful gift of God. Without it » Continue Reading.