MONTHLY DEVOTIONAL FOR 12 AUGUST
August 12, 2025
FEAST OF SAINTS PONTIAN (POPE) AND HIPPOLYTUS (PRIEST), MARTYRS – 13th AUGUST
August 13, 2025
TODAY’S GOSPEL READING
12 AUGUST, 2025
Matthew 18:1-5, 10, 12-14
The disciples approached Jesus and said,
“Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven?”
He called a child over, placed it in their midst, and said,
“Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children,
you will not enter the Kingdom of heaven.
Whoever becomes humble like this child
is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.
And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me.
“See that you do not despise one of these little ones,
for I say to you that their angels in heaven
always look upon the face of my heavenly Father.
What is your opinion?
If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray,
will he not leave the ninety-nine in the hills
and go in search of the stray?
And if he finds it, amen, I say to you, he rejoices more over it
than over the ninety-nine that did not stray.
In just the same way, it is not the will of your heavenly Father
that one of these little ones be lost.”
THE GOSPEL OF THE LORD!
REFLECTION
In this passage, Jesus highlights the necessity of childlike humility to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. He calls us to embrace simplicity, trust, and openness, free from pride and self-importance. The value He places on each child reflects God’s deep love for the vulnerable and the least in society. The parable of the lost sheep shows God’s relentless pursuit of the one who has strayed, revealing His mercy and personal care for each soul. We are invited to reflect on our own attitudes, to cultivate humility, and to share in God’s compassion for those who are lost or marginalized.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, grant me a humble heart that trusts You as a child trusts a loving parent. Remove the pride and self-reliance that keep me from fully depending on You. Teach me to see others, especially the vulnerable, with Your eyes of compassion. Help me to rejoice in the restoration of those who have gone astray and to reflect Your mercy in my own life. Amen
