Put Aside Unbelief – Reflection on Matthew 13:54-58
Today’s Gospel allows us to reflect on meeting people we have not seen in a long time. For example, have you attended reunions such as high school and had conversations with old classmates? Perhaps you have not talked with most of them for several decades. Many seem to talk about their wonderful accomplishments, including family. Some memories of how a small number of them behaved negatively in their youth make what they have become seem impossible. We should have had great joy for them, but unbelief that they succeeded in leaving behind their past can be distracting. Without words, their eyes asking for forgiveness and welcoming into conversations should be a clue to theirs and your transformations. You can probably come up with other examples of when we should put aside unbelief, especially 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.
Attributions
*This site has permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible Matthew 13 passage.
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Primary Lectio Divina word or phrase: Put aside unbelief
Page and discussion group on these Lectio Divina daily Gospel Readings.
Discussion group on St. John of the Cross.