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: 2 Samuel 24:2, 9-17 Mark 6:1-6 Reflection: “I made my sin known to you, did not conceal my guilt. I said, ‘I shall confess my offence to Yahweh.’ And » Continue Reading.
Feast of the Presentation of the Lord Scripture: Malachi 3:1-4 Hebrews 2:14-18 Luke 2:22-40 or 2:22-32 Reflection: On today’s feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple, we have » Continue Reading.
Scripture: 2 Samuel 15:13-14, 30; 16:5-13 Mark 5:1-20 Reflection: The readings for this day are dominated by one of the longest and most powerful stories in the gospels, namely the healing » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Jeremiah 1:4-5, 17-19 1 Corinthians 12:31-13:13 Luke 4:21-30 Reflection: Do you ever wonder what Jesus was like as a kid? I do. I wonder if he walked around in » Continue Reading.
Scripture: 2 Samuel 12:1-7a, 10-17 Mark 4:35-41 Reflection: A violent storm was raging and a large ship was being tossed about on the sea. A little girl sleeping below deck » Continue Reading.
Scripture: 2 Samuel 11:1-4a, 5-10a, 13-17 Mark 4:26-34 Reflection: I am not an expert on mustard seeds. I don’t think I have ever seen one of these tiny wonders Jesus » Continue Reading.
Feast of St. Thomas Aquinas Scripture: 2 Samuel 7:18-19, 24-29 Mark 4:21-25 Reflection: We celebrate the feast day of the great Saint Thomas Aquinas today. Aquinas was a member of » Continue Reading.
Scripture: 2 Samuel 7:4-17 Mark 4:1-20 Reflection: I will not withdraw my favor! I was really fortunate to have great teachers in college and graduate school (seminary). One of » Continue Reading.
Memorial of Saints Timothy and Titus Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:1-8 or Titus 1:1-5 Mark 3:20-21 Reflection: Uh-oh! We have family issues. I can’t help but smile when I hear today’s » Continue Reading.
The Conversion of Saint Paul the Apostle Scripture: Acts 22:3-16 or 9:1-22 Mark 16″15-18 Reflection: A few years ago, while ministering as Student Director in our formation house in Bhopal, » Continue Reading.