Let Trinity Speak – Reflection on Matthew 10:16-23
Faith requires tolerance, especially if God asks us to be present for others, even in uncomfortable situations. It is sometimes hard to push back our opinions and let Trinity speak through us. This is especially true in conversations when we are also struggling to deal with what or how someone is saying something we disagree with. The depth of our feelings may be masked or weakened because our Christian values and morals are at play with worldliness. Most of us do not want to be disruptive, so we prefer to soften the blow of what should be said. Unfortunately, our natural empathy for others can leave us unsatisfied when these conversations end. What divinity may have revealed within our hearts unconsciously becomes changed by our emotions. Noticing these emotional influences is a significant step towards combining our thoughts with trusting the Lord’s grace and courage. In this way, we can offer an encouraging yet opposing view. However, it is critical to remember that God also protects us, so our hearts may inform us that our best action may be to walk away.
The Exhortation to the Apostles by James Tissot (full resolution painting).
More details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
Matthew 10:16-23 – Scripture*
Coming Persecutions
16 “See, I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. 17 Beware of them, for they will hand you over to councils and flog you in their synagogues; 18 and you will be dragged before governors and kings because of me, as a testimony to them and the Gentiles. 19 When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you at that time; 20 for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. 21 Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death; 22 and you will be hated by all because of my name. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. 23 When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next; for truly I tell you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on Matthew 10:16-23 Reflection – Let Trinity Speak.
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 various forms of expression 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 experience your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite the world’s distractions.
Attributions
This site has written permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible for Matthew 10.
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Primary Lectio Divina word or phrase: Let Trinity Speak
Page and discussion group on these Lectio Divina daily Gospel Readings.
Discussion group on St. John of the Cross.