To all You Encounter – Reflection on Matthew 10:26-33
In the contemplative tradition, one aspect of the dark is when God becomes hidden away from all external perception in deep prayer, and intense faith prevails. Within this dark, the Spirit speaks in ways your soul can understand, invisible to the prying eyes of evil. What becomes infused within then belongs to all you encounter in numerous ways. When needed, the exchange permeates from the soul in amounts God desires into the rest of your being, and what was dark is available to become visible light. As Saint Paul indicates, it is best to test the Spirit using prudence to know what and how to let God’s whisper that has risen to the surface to appear externally. This way, you can share what has been given in the dark without fear.
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 10:26-33 Scripture*
Whom to Fear
26 “So have no fear of them; for nothing is covered up that will not be uncovered, and nothing secret that will not become known. 27 What I say to you in the dark, tell in the light; and what you hear whispered, proclaim from the housetops. 28 Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. 30 And even the hairs of your head are all counted. 31 So do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows.
32 “Everyone therefore who acknowledges me before others, I also will acknowledge before my Father in heaven; 33 but whoever denies me before others, I also will deny before my Father in heaven.
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on Matthew 10:26-33 Reflection – To all You Encounter.
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 Mark 3 passage.
The Immersive Prayer website follows the guidelines for image web use at the Brooklyn Museum and the Jewish Museum websites.
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