Matthew 12:14-21 Reflection ~
Through the first three decades of my life, I wondered what it would be like to feel fulfilled all the time instead of in a brief burst. I had perceived but not yet connected the dots that, for me, true fulfillment comes from desiring Christ’s embrace. I now realize that the sense of satisfaction is especially victorious when it includes not just Trinity but all the others. Truly accepting that Christ lives within our unique repositories has filled me with hope and cured me of that feeling of unfulfillment. I am confident that God is delighted with my progress. We should keep in mind that we are beloved by God regardless of our human emotions, even with our failures and weaknesses.
The Pharisees and the Herodians Conspire Against Jesus by James Tissot and for more detail at the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
Matthew 12:14-21 – Scripture (NRSV Bible)
14 But the Pharisees went out and conspired against him, how to destroy him.
God’s Chosen Servant
15 When Jesus became aware of this, he departed. Many crowds followed him, and he cured all of them, 16 and he ordered them not to make him known. 17 This was to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah:
18 “Here is my servant, whom I have chosen, my beloved, with whom my soul is well pleased. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles. 19 He will not wrangle or cry aloud, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets. 20 He will not break a bruised reed or quench a smoldering wick until he brings justice to victory. 21 And in his name the Gentiles will hope.”
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel reading and considering this lectio Divina Matthew 12:14-21 Reflection – Beloved by God.
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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 12 Bible passage.
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