Jesus Mingling Within – Reflection on Matthew 10:37-42
Have you ever thought about the different kinds of love? You may have heard that cultures close to the Artic, such as Innuit’ have dozens of words for snow. For instance, soft, deep snow on the ground is known as “muruaneq.” One word to say five. In English, the word love often requires context because its weight or how it is being used can be confusing. What if you said you love your friend without extra context, would everyone or just those close to you know what you mean? Where is God in your hierarchy of love? Jesus challenges us to have God elevated to the top type of love. It becomes easier to understand why when we believe the result of God’s intent of Jesus on earth was to amplify Trinity’s love by giving us Jesus mingling within.
The Exhortation to the Apostles, James Tissot, (full-resolution painting).
More details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
Matthew 10:37-42 – Scripture*
Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; 38 and whoever does not take up the cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Those who find their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it.
Rewards
40 “Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. 41 Whoever welcomes a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward; and whoever welcomes a righteous person in the name of a righteous person will receive the reward of the righteous; 42 and whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple—truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward.”
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on Matthew 10:37-42 Reflection – Jesus Mingling Within.
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 10 passage.
The Immersive Prayer website follows the guidelines for image web use at the Brooklyn Museum and the Jewish Museum websites.
Facebook Groups
Facebook member-only discussion group on St. John of the Cross.
Facebook member-only and a moderated discussion group on Lectio Divina daily Gospel Readings.