8/22/2026 (Saturday) Today’s Gospel reading: Matthew 23:1-12
1 Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples,
2 saying, “The scribes and the Pharisees have taken their seat on the chair of Moses.
3 Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you, but do not follow their example. For they preach but they do not practice.
4 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.
5 All their works are performed to be seen. They widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels.
6 They love places of honor at banquets, seats of honor in synagogues,
7 greetings in marketplaces, and the salutation ‘Rabbi.’
8 As for you, do not be called ‘Rabbi.’ You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers.
9 Call no one on earth your father; you have but one Father in heaven.
10 Do not be called ‘Master’; you have but one master, the Christ.
11 The greatest among you must be your servant.
12 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
8/22/2026 (Saturday) Today’s Gospel reflection / sermon / homily: Matthew 23:1-12
Theme: The Greatness of Serving
In this Gospel reading, Jesus warns against a faith that looks impressive on the outside but lacks sincerity within. Some religious leaders knew what was right and taught it to others, yet their actions did not match their words. They desired recognition, honor, and important positions, but they failed to show the humility and compassion expected of spiritual leaders. Through their example, Jesus teaches that genuine greatness is not found in being praised, obeyed, or admired. It is found in serving others with humility and love.
We can remember this message through the word SERVE.
S — Show Integrity
Integrity means living according to what we teach and believe. Our words lose their power when our behavior contradicts them. Before correcting others, we must examine ourselves. Before asking people to be patient, generous, or forgiving, we should try to practice these virtues. We may not live perfectly, but we can live honestly, admit our failures, and keep growing.
E — Ease the Burdens of Others
Faith should not make life heavier for those who are already struggling. It should bring hope, strength, and encouragement. Instead of criticizing people from a distance, we can walk beside them. A servant asks, “How can I help?” We may not solve every problem, but our presence, understanding, and practical assistance can make someone’s burden easier to carry.
R — Reject the Hunger for Recognition
It is natural to appreciate affirmation, but we must not make praise the reason for doing good. When recognition becomes our goal, service becomes a performance. We begin choosing actions that people will notice while ignoring quiet opportunities to love. God sees every hidden sacrifice, every silent prayer, and every unnoticed act of kindness. His approval is more valuable than public applause.
V — Value Every Person
Positions and titles do not make one person more valuable than another. Whether we lead or follow, teach or learn, we all stand before God as brothers and sisters. True leaders do not use authority to make themselves feel superior. They use it to protect, guide, encourage, and develop others. The higher our position becomes, the greater our responsibility to serve.
E — Embrace Humility
Humility is not thinking that we are useless. It is knowing that our gifts come from God and should be used for others. A humble person can listen, apologize, learn, and give credit to others. Humility frees us from constantly proving our importance. It allows God to work through us without our demanding attention.
Jesus invites us to choose service over status and character over appearance. Today, let us SERVE: Show integrity, Ease people’s burdens, Reject the hunger for recognition, Value every person, and Embrace humility. We become truly great not when many people serve us, but when many people experience God’s goodness because we chose to serve them.
Go here to read further Gospel reflection.
