Wisdom – Reflection on Matthew 11:16-19
Can you hear the heavenly music playing and calling out to you to dance or mourn with Jesus as necessary? Is John the Baptist whispering in your heart to make room for Jesus? Does moderation in what you do help you create more space for divinity to assist you in proclaiming in word, action, and prayer? Whether poor or rich, do you not judge? If we participate with the wisdom of the Lord dwelling within and among us, we become balanced and able to maximize being both human and divine. Wisdom is a powerful tool that helps us work with each other and the Lord to lift those who need physical or spiritual dignity. Likewise, we can turn to wisdom when encountering those who may not appear Christian-like. This includes those acting elite, superior, or flaunting themselves to gain attention. They especially need to witness wisdom that influences our humility.
The Songs of Joy by James Tissot (full-resolution painting)
More details on the painting are available on the Jewish Museum website.
Matthew 11:16-19 – Scripture*
16 “But to what will I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to one another,
17 ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance;
we wailed, and you did not mourn.’
18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon’; 19 the Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.”
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on Matthew 11:16-19 Reflection – Wisdom.
Would you like to contribute related thoughts to these Lectio reflections on the Gospel readings? Since Lectio is not the only contemplative payer 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 experience 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 11 passage.
The Immersive Prayer website follows the guidelines for image web use at the Brooklyn Museum and the Jewish Museum websites.
Primary Lectio Divina word or phrase: Wisdom
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