Christ Provides – Reflection on Matthew 17:22-27
Would you believe a fish you will be catching will have a coin in its mouth that will satisfy an external need? We may not realize it, but small versions of these kinds of miracles occur frequently in our lives. While not so extraordinary, what about an intuition that caused you to do something, then later you realized it had an unexpected benefit? Isn’t it highly possible that your faith influences your intuitions? Divinity is always ready to spiritually provide for those things that matter most in our lives. As children of God, couldn’t your belief include that Christ provides what we need spiritually for ourselves and others by being one step ahead in our journey? God places beautiful gifts in our path to discover, utilize, and fill us with joy.
Jesus Discourses with His Disciples by James Tissot (full resolution image of painting)
More details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
Matthew 17:22-27 – Scripture*
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.
Jesus and the Temple Tax
24 When they reached Capernaum, the collectors of the temple tax came to Peter and said, “Does your teacher not pay the temple tax?” 25 He said, “Yes, he does.” And when he came home, Jesus spoke of it first, asking, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do kings of the earth take toll or tribute? From their children or from others?” 26 When Peter said, “From others,” Jesus said to him, “Then the children are free. 27 However, so that we do not give offense to them, go to the sea and cast a hook; take the first fish that comes up; and when you open its mouth, you will find a coin; take that and give it to them for you and me.”
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on Matthew 17:22-27 Lectio Reflection – Christ Provides.
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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.
Attributions
This site has written permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible for the passage of Matthew 17.
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Primary Lectio Divina word or phrase: Christ Provides
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