Be Humbled – Matthew 23:1-12 Reflection
You may know that our bodies often adjust if one of our senses becomes limited. We can get an offsetting increase in another sense. For instance, because of a reduction in one sense, the sensitivity of my skin increased. Initially, it felt like an un-gift. But, ah… the treasure of a Cross around my neck has to move only slightly to remind me that love from Christ is present wherever I may be. The constant tickling sensation of the Cross creates a fraction of a second of grateful prayer. I have noticed the effect of the tickle reminds me to limit my perceptions of others. The movement often triggers my heart to open conversations even when unready. We each live with our human and spiritual burdens, but unseen grace lifts us. It is up to us to be humbled by change and grace. Similar to a change in a sense, if we reduce our pride, it will be offset by an increase in humility. Humility reduces our desire to be seen as elevated by others. Instead, without fanfare, we can joyfully cast love from Christ outward from within.
Curses Against the Pharisees by James Tissot (full-resolution image of the painting)
More details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
Matthew 23:1-12 – Scripture*
Jesus Denounces Scribes and Pharisees
Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, 2 “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat; 3 therefore, do whatever they teach you and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do not practice what they teach. 4 They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on the shoulders of others; but they themselves are unwilling to lift a finger to move them. 5 They do all their deeds to be seen by others; for they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long. 6 They love to have the place of honor at banquets and the best seats in the synagogues, 7 and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have people call them rabbi. 8 But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all students. 9 And call no one your father on earth, for you have one Father—the one in heaven. 10 Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Messiah. 11 The greatest among you will be your servant. 12 All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted.
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on Matthew 23:1-12 Reflection – Be Humbled.
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 23 passage.
The Immersive Prayer website follows the guidelines for image web use at the Brooklyn Museum and the Jewish Museum websites.
Page and discussion group on these Lectio Divina daily Gospel Readings.
Discussion group on St. John of the Cross.