God’s Grandeur – Reflection on Matthew 6:19-23
The tagline of this Immersive Prayer website, “God’s Grandeur and Christ’s Love,” comes from one of my favorite poems by Gerard Manley Hopkins, titled “God’s Grandeur.” Here are the beginning stanzas:
Based on the many clues from the extraordinary beauty we see all around us, the pinnacles of good feelings we have, and the presence of Jesus, we are full of treasures in our hearts from heaven. We can solidify Divinity’s existence within us by being outwardly present for others, living righteously, and loving despite the influences filled with darkness. With the flaming outward of God’s treasure of love’s purity, we can be and do as St. Francis says by “Preaching the Gospel at all times, and when necessary, use words.” To see with our hearts allows our whole self to become holy and humbly express the grandeur of God.
Jesus Discourses with His Disciples by James Tissot (full-resolution painting)
More details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website
Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
Matthew 6:19-23 – Scripture*
Concerning Treasures
19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; 20 but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
The Sound Eye
22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light; 23 but if your eye is unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on Matthew 6:19-23 Reflection – Humbly Express God’s Grandeur.
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 various forms of expression in this ministry. Do you see God’s grandeur everywhere and unconditionally enjoy sharing the love of Christ that is within you? Are you willing to remain anonymous when sharing your thoughts? 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 distractions of the world.
Attributions
1. Source: Gerard Manley Hopkins: Poems and Prose (Penguin Classics, 1985)
*This site has permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible Matthew 16 passage.
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Primary Lectio Divina word or phrase: Grandeur of God
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