MONTHLY DEVOTIONAL FOR 14 JULY
July 14, 2025
FEAST OF SAINT BONAVENTURE, BISHOP AND DOCTOR – 15th JULY
July 15, 2025
TODAY’S GOSPEL READING
14 JULY, 2025
Matthew 10:34—11:1
Jesus said to his Apostles: “Do not think that I have come to bring peace upon the earth. I have come to bring not peace but the sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and one’s enemies will be those of his household.
“Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever does not take up his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
“Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me. Whoever receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and whoever receives a righteous man because he is righteous will receive a righteous man’s reward. And whoever gives only a cup of cold water to one of these little ones to drink because he is a disciple–amen, I say to you, he will surely not lose his reward.”
When Jesus finished giving these commands to his Twelve disciples, he went away from that place to teach and to preach in their towns.
THE GOSPEL OF THE LORD!
REFLECTION
Jesus’ words in this passage are both sobering and deeply challenging. He makes it clear that following Him may bring division, even within families, because allegiance to Him takes precedence over all other relationships. Discipleship requires a wholehearted commitment—a willingness to carry our cross and lay down our lives for His sake. Yet, He also affirms the eternal value of even the smallest act of kindness done in His name. The reward is not based on status but on faithfulness. Christ’s call is radical, but He assures us that nothing done for Him is ever overlooked. In 11:1, we see Jesus moving on to teach and preach, modeling the very mission He entrusted to His disciples—He goes before us, continuing the work.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, You are the Prince of Peace, yet You remind us that following You may cost us earthly comfort, relationships, and acceptance. Strengthen us when the road becomes difficult, and grant us the courage to place You above all else, trusting that You are our ultimate reward. Help us love You more than anything and anyone in this world.
Teach us, O Lord, to carry our cross daily—not with resentment but with joy—knowing that You carried Yours for us. May we never shrink from the call to sacrifice or shy away from the discomfort that comes with obedience. Instead, let us live boldly and love deeply, serving others in Your name, no matter how small or hidden the deed. Thank You for the assurance that You see every act of faithfulness. May our lives reflect Your love, and may we be found worthy of the calling we have received. As You went forth to teach and serve, may we follow in Your footsteps, empowered by Your Spirit, and fueled by unwavering devotion to Your Name. Amen
