Put Aside Unbelief – Reflection on Matthew 13:54-58
Today’s Gospel drew me to awkward silent feelings during a reunion with high school classmates. I had not conversed with most of them for a couple of decades. Everyone talked about their many current accomplishments. My memories of how a small number of them behaved with me in their youth made what they had become seem impossible. I should have had great joy for them, but my unbelief that they succeeded in leaving behind their bullying past distracted me. Without words, their eyes asked for forgiveness and welcomed me into conversations. An important lesson was that I must put aside unbelief when Jesus invites people to have faith, love, compassion, and joy.
Jesus Teaches in the Synagogue by James Tissot (Full resolution painting).
More details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
Matthew 13:54-58 – Scripture*
The Rejection of Jesus at Nazareth
54 He came to his hometown and began to teach the people in their synagogue, so that they were astounded and said, “Where did this man get this wisdom and these deeds of power? 55 Is not this the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother called Mary? And are not his brothers James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? 56 And are not all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all this?” 57 And they took offense at him. But Jesus said to them, “Prophets are not without honor except in their own country and in their own house.” 58 And he did not do many deeds of power there, because of their unbelief.
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on Matthew 13:54-58 Reflection – Put Aside Unbelief.
Would you like to contribute related thoughts to these Lectio reflections on the Gospel readings? Since Lectio is not the only contemplative prayer style, others might appreciate these types of expressions in this ministry. Do you see God’s grandeur everywhere and unconditionally enjoy sharing the love of Christ that you have inside? Are you willing to be anonymous in what you would share? If so, email me.
Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities get to know your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite worldly distractions.
Attributions
*This site has permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible
Would you like to contribute related thoughts to these Lectio reflections on the Gospel readings? Since Lectio is not the only contemplative prayer style, others might appreciate these types of expressions in this ministry. Do you see God’s grandeur everywhere and unconditionally enjoy sharing the love of Christ that you have inside? Are you willing to be anonymous in what you would share? If so, email me.
Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities get to know your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite worldly distractions.
Attributions
*This site has permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible Matthew 13 passage.
The Immersive Prayer website follows the guidelines for image web use at the Brooklyn Museum and the Jewish Museum websites.
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