Give in Return – Reflection on Matthew 16:24-28
When Jesus discusses us taking up the cross, He focuses on a world filled with temptations that draw us away from Him. Jesus knows it is hard for us to belong to a small percentage who pray often or to be Christian guided by Trinity within. Everyone, even those without faith, suffers from physical or emotional situations. Without faith, we are on equal ground with everyone. Without the grace of faith, we would not be able to tell others how we use our faith to help offset the human condition. For some, this intense spirituality may be needed to counter a long list of suffering. However, our yes means we must never give up and often have to go against the tide. Despite everything negative, to give in return means using Jesus’s example to lead, follow as necessary, and serve. This is why the taste of death Jesus speaks of is the death of selfishness. Once you taste and respond with love for this type of death, you can also taste the coming of heaven’s glory.
Jesus Discourses with His Disciples by James Tissot (full resolution painting).
More details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
Matthew 16:24-28 – Scripture (NRSV Bible)
The Cross and Self-Denial
24 Then Jesus told his disciples, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 25 For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. 26 For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life? Or what will they give in return for their life?
27 “For the Son of Man is to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay everyone for what has been done. 28 Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.”
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel reading and considering this Lectio Divina Matthew 16:24-28 Reflection – Give in Return
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Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities experience your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite the world’s distractions.
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This site has written permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible for the passage of Matthew 16.
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Primary Lectio Divina word or phrase: Give in Return
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