MONTHLY DEVOTIONAL FOR 25 AUGUST
August 25, 2025
FEAST OF SAINT TERESA OF JESUS JORNET IBARS – 26th AUGUST
August 26, 2025
TODAY’S GOSPEL READING
25 AUGUST, 2025
Matthew 23:13-22
Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You lock the Kingdom of heaven before men. You do not enter yourselves, nor do you allow entrance to those trying to enter.
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You traverse sea and land to make one convert, and when that happens you make him a child of Gehenna twice as much as yourselves.
“Woe to you, blind guides, who say, ‘If one swears by the temple, it means nothing, but if one swears by the gold of the temple, one is obligated.’ Blind fools, which is greater, the gold, or the temple that made the gold sacred? And you say, ‘If one swears by the altar, it means nothing, but if one swears by the gift on the altar, one is obligated.’
You blind ones, which is greater, the gift, or the altar that makes the gift sacred? One who swears by the altar swears by it and all that is upon it; one who swears by the temple swears by it and by him who dwells in it; one who swears by heaven swears by the throne of God and by him who is seated on it.”
THE GOSPEL OF THE LORD!
REFLECTION
In this passage, Jesus strongly rebukes the scribes and Pharisees for their hypocrisy. They closed the doors of the Kingdom of heaven to others while failing to enter themselves. Their outward appearance of piety masked inner corruption and pride. Jesus denounces their misplaced priorities—swearing by gold and offerings rather than by God Himself. This is a warning against hollow religion that honors rituals but forgets the heart of faith: humility, sincerity, and true devotion to God. The reflection calls us to examine our lives, ensuring that we are not simply appearing righteous before others but living in genuine obedience and reverence to the Lord.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, You are the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Forgive me for the times when I have focused on outward appearances rather than true faith. Cleanse my heart from pride and hypocrisy. Help me to live with integrity, honoring You above all earthly things. May my words and actions always point others to Your Kingdom, not hinder them from entering it. Teach me to worship You in spirit and in truth, and to keep my eyes fixed on the eternal rather than the temporary. Amen
