Reflection on Matthew 23:23-26 – Inside the Cup
To make what surrounds us better, we must first be at peace. St. Augustine states: “Our hearts are restless until they rest in Thee, O Lord.” Deep prayer lets one be caught up in a divine and wonderous whirlpool inside the cup Jesus speaks of. Sacred time with God cleanses and washes away life’s conflicts so we can rest our beating hearts. Rested from our human conditions and freshly spirit-filled, we can do God’s will outside the cup. Here are a few clues to uncovering your sense of divine cleanliness. Does our rapidly changing world concern you to the point of fighting for or against change without seeking God’s guidance and help? If you honestly judge yourself, do you find hidden anger or limits to love and peace? Have you experienced “neglecting the weightier things of the law of justice, mercy, and fidelity within yourself or others?”
Woe unto You Scribes and Pharisees by James Tissot (full resolution image of painting).
More details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
Matthew 23:23-26 Scripture*
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint, dill, and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. It is these you ought to have practiced without neglecting the others. 24 You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel!
25 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and of the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. 26 You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup, so that the outside also may become clean.
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on
Divina Matthew 23:23-26 Reflection – Inside the Cup.
Would you like to contribute related thoughts to these Lectio reflections of the Gospel readings or other contemplative material to this Web-based 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 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) Matthew 23 Bible passage.
The Immersive Prayer website follows the guidelines for image web use at the Brooklyn Museum and the Jewish Museum websites.
Primary Lectio Divina word or phrase: Inside the Cup
Page and discussion group on these Lectio Divina daily Gospel Readings.
Discussion group on St. John of the Cross.