Great in the Kingdom – Reflection on Matthew 5:17-19
Throughout the Gospels, Jesus’s thoughts of who we are and need to become are about loving God and our neighbors. Jesus emphatically states, “but whoever does them (Commandments) and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” Boiled down to their essence, the Commandments are the rights and wrongs of doing of loving God and neighbor. If we keep the Commandments top of mind and in our hearts for ourselves and others, we stay on the right path in our journey toward the fullness of heaven. Moses’ Commandments are best thought of as a framework to build upon. We can be great in the kingdom here on earth by following Christ’s example of love, humility, respect, forgiveness, compassion, mercy, and peace.
Jesus Discourses with His Disciples by James Tissot.
The full-resolution painting and more details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
Matthew 5:17-19 – Scripture*
The Law and the Prophets
17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. 18 For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. 19 Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on Matthew 5:17-19 Reflection – The Golden Rule.
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 5 passage.
The Immersive Prayer website follows the guidelines for image web use at the Brooklyn Museum and Jewish Museum websites.