Seek Christ – Reflection on Matthew 5:20-26
How people behave is often shaped by their circumstances. We can try to remember this during our learning process to minimize our reaction to an offense. In all honesty, even if we limit our outward response, we can still have interior frustration. In my opinion, to do so is an internal righteousness test. Improving how we handle ourselves in these situations does not come easy. We should remember to seek Christ through prayer to help us quickly deal with feelings such as anger and contempt. If we do, peace will come. Once we have peace, we can ask for forgiveness for misunderstandings or, if the other person is at fault, forgive and forget if the situation calls for it.
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 5:20-26 – Scripture*
20 For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
Concerning Anger
21 “You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You shall not murder’; and ‘whoever murders shall be liable to judgment.’ 22 But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgment; and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, ‘You fool,’ you will be liable to the hell of fire. 23 So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister and then come and offer your gift. 25 Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are on the way to court with him, or your accuser may hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. 26 Truly I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on Matthew 5:20-26 Reflection – Seek Christ.
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
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.