Light has Dawned – Reflection on Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25
Do your second thoughts that you may not be teaching and proclaiming what you believe in your words and actions quickly dissipate? Is the spiritual healing that Jesus ministers within you worth the spiritual battle you may be enduring? Is Jesus’s presence within overshadowing the darkness surrounding you because you actively practice Christianity? Do you withdraw every day to include praying for yourself and others to be filled with peace, hope, joy, and love.? Do you apply that love to the world around you? If the answers to these questions are quieting and humbling, the kingdom of God’s light has dawned on you.
Jesus Teaches in the Synagogue by James Tissot (high resolution image of painting).
More details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Christmastide Reflections
Matthew 4:12-17 – Scripture*
Jesus Begins His Ministry in Galilee
12 Now when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. 13 He left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, 14 so that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled:
15 “Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali,
on the road by the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—
16 the people who sat in darkness
have seen a great light,
and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death
light has dawned.”
17 From that time Jesus began to proclaim, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”
Jesus Ministers to Crowds of People
23 Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness among the people. 24 So his fame spread throughout all Syria, and they brought to him all the sick, those who were afflicted with various diseases and pains, demoniacs, epileptics, and paralytics, and he cured them. 25 And great crowds followed him from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and from beyond the Jordan.
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25 Reflection – Light has Dawned.
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 your 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 our communities’ young families experience your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite worldly distractions. Amen
Attributions
* This site has written permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible for the passage of Matthew 4
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: Light has Dawned
Page and discussion group on these Lectio Divina daily Gospel Readings.
Discussion group on St. John of the Cross.