Unconditional Love – Reflection on Matthew 11:20-24
Like many others, I have my own story of overpowering the evil of 9/11. I was very close to being a victim as the plane I was on landed in DC minutes before the plane crashed into the Pentagon. The next day the military found a car for me and permitted me to go directly home to my wife and children in Massachusetts. The entire country was frozen in fear, grief, and pain. Travel was shut down, but I took the 13-hour drive on the arc of roads they told me to take home. The overall turmoil of 9/11 sent me to my favorite prayer rock in the forest behind my home. As I prayed that God would give peace to the families of the victims of the tragedy, the desire for internal transformation overpowered my thoughts. It took some time, but I was no longer a victim because unconditional love emerged from deep within. I began to agree with the absolute yearning and everything necessary for prayer to let me inhale and exhale God’s love so it can flow outward. While I remain an imperfect person, it is my sincere belief that God is pleased when we try.
Jesus Teaches the People by the Sea, by James Tissot (full resolution painting) and for more details at the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
Matthew 11:20-24 – Scripture (NRSV Bible)
Woes to Unrepentant Cities
20 Then he began to reproach the cities in which most of his deeds of power had been done, because they did not repent. 21 “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the deeds of power done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. 22 But I tell you, on the day of judgment it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon than for you. 23 And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? No, you will be brought down to Hades.
For if the deeds of power done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. 24 But I tell you that on the day of judgment it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom than for you.”
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel reading and considering this Lectio Divina Matthew 11:20-24 Reflection – Unconditional Love.
Would you like to contribute related thoughts to these Lectio reflections of the Gospel readings or other contemplative material to this Web-based 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 the world’s distractions.
Attributions
This site has written permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible for the Matthew 11 Bible passage.
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