Move the Mountain – Reflection on Matthew 17:14-20
For the company I worked for three decades ago, I flew first class worldwide, purchased whatever I wanted on the trips, ate lavish dinners, and believed I could buy and do anything. I had become a know-it-all tech guru. During these couple of years of over-the-top excesses, I had not realized I was lost, pushing behind the faith I had loved. Being told the truth of true love by those close to me sensitized me to help move the mountain blocking my faith. I do not doubt that Jesus rebuked the wrong inside of me with their prayers. The impossible through Christ is genuine because my faith in Him has allowed me to participate in numerous other moved mountains. Being far from perfect, we may not even know it, but we may be among the first mountains that need moving.
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Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
Matthew 17:14-20 – Scripture
Jesus Cures a Boy with a Demon
14 When they came to the crowd, a man came to him, knelt before him, 15 and said, “Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is an epileptic and he suffers terribly; he often falls into the fire and often into the water. 16 And I brought him to your disciples, but they could not cure him.” 17 Jesus answered, “You faithless and perverse generation, how much longer must I be with you? How much longer must I put up with you? Bring him here to me.” 18 And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him, and the boy was cured instantly. 19 Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?” 20 He said to them, “Because of your little faith. For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.”
Jesus Again Foretells His Death and Resurrection
22 As they were gathering in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into human hands, 23 and they will kill him, and on the third day he will be raised.” And they were greatly distressed.
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on Matthew 17:14-20 Reflection – Move the Mountain.
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 17 passage.
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