LIVE IT TODAY: Saturday, August 23, 2025 | Memorial of Saint Rose of Lima
I see your hidden sacrifices done in love, and I treasure them in My heart.
LIVE IT TODAY: Saturday, August 23, 2025 | Memorial of Saint Rose of Lima
A GREAT WAY TO BEGIN TODAY!
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GOD'S DECLARATION TO YOU TODAY
I see your hidden sacrifices done in love, and I treasure them in My heart.
INVOCATION
Come, Holy Spirit! Through the intercession of Our Blessed Mother Mary, open my heart to hear and receive all that You desire for me. Draw me ever more deeply into the Love and Life of the Blessed Trinity!
GOSPEL | Matthew 23:1–12
Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, saying,
“The scribes and the Pharisees have taken their seat on the chair of Moses.
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 widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels.
They love places of honor at banquets, seats of honor in synagogues,
greetings in marketplaces, and the salutation ‘Rabbi.’
As for you, do not be called ‘Rabbi.’ You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers.
Call no one on earth your father; you have but one Father in heaven.
Do not be called ‘Master’; you have but one master, the Christ.
The greatest among you must be your servant.
Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
EVERY DAY QUESTION
What struck you? Challenged you? Inspired you? What questions did it raise?
GOING DEEPER
Greatness in the Kingdom is measured by hidden service
In Jesus’ day, the “chair of Moses” was not a literal chair, but a symbol of teaching authority in the synagogue. When He warns against the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, He’s exposing a dangerous spiritual disconnect—knowing the truth but not living it. The Greek word for “hypocrite” (hypokritēs) originally meant “stage actor.” Jesus is calling out the danger of playing a role in religion rather than living it from the heart.
Phylacteries (phylaktērion)—small boxes containing Scripture worn during prayer—were meant to keep God’s Word literally close to mind and heart. Tassels (tzitzit) on garments were a visible reminder of God’s commands. But when these signs became a way to impress others instead of honoring God, they lost their power to transform.
Parents, this is where our homes become the front line. Our children are not shaped most by what we say in public, but by what we do in private. If our faith is only a Sunday performance, they will see through it. We need to create a culture where humility, service, and integrity are the daily standard—not the exception. Model confession, ask forgiveness, and serve without expecting recognition. Let your home be the place where God’s truth is lived so consistently that it seeps into the bones of your children. And yes, take time to pray over them by name—speaking truth, identity, and mission into their hearts in the Name of Jesus.
“‘For the Christian, 'to reign is to serve him,' particularly when serving 'the poor and the suffering, in whom the Church recognizes the image of her poor and suffering founder.'” (CCC 876)
LIFE APPLICATION QUESTIONS
Danger of Performance: Where am I tempted to “act” the faith rather than live it?
Private Integrity: What is one way I can ensure my private life matches my public witness?
Shaping the Home: How can I make humility and service the norm in my family culture?
FAMILY LIVE IT
Make some time today to gather together and, going around, share one example of a quiet act of service you can do for someone in your home this week without telling them. Conclude by praying over one another by name, asking for grace to live humbly, strength to serve in love, freedom from the Enemy’s lies, and joy in carrying out God’s mission in daily life.
DAILY PARENT & GRANDPARENT BLESSING
LORD JESUS CHRIST, let Your holy anointing be upon each of our children, grandchildren, and godchildren this day and week, including all to whom they are called in vocation, and all future generations! In Your Sacred Name we claim them for You! We renounce all whispers, lies, and influences of the Enemy! We pray right now that each know Your loving Presence, be forged in virtue, and be flooded with an abundance of Your Holy Spirit to live fully their identity and mission in You now and through all eternity, through the intercession of our Blessed Mother! Amen.
PARENT BLESSING PROJECT: bit.ly/ParentBlessing
GOING VERTICAL
“Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10
Just as the vertical beam upholds the horizontal beam of the Cross, so too does undistracted, dedicated daily turning to God as our lifeblood uphold and strengthen every part of life. Start with just three minutes. Wait patiently for the breakthrough beyond the noise. Let Him speak.
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