Old to New – Reflection on Matthew 13:47-53
When we hear about separating evil from the righteous, we think of comparing someone who is evil to someone who is saintly. I believe Jesus could be providing us to consider our vices and virtues when removing evil from within to become new. With our skill sets, we can only go so far as to transform ourselves from old to new to be fully righteous. Some of what is not new inside require special handling by God and through graced helpers. As willing Christians, we can refer to scriptures such as reshaping like the potter with the clay or the seamstress recasting the mother of a bride’s wedding dress for her precious daughter, the new bride. Like the bride surrendering to the expert, the balance of reforming our old self prepares us for the Heaven we do not yet know.
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 13:47-53 – Scripture*
47 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and caught fish of every kind; 48 when it was full, they drew it ashore, sat down, and put the good into baskets but threw out the bad. 49 So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous 50 and throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Treasures New and Old
51 “Have you understood all this?” They answered, “Yes.” 52 And he said to them, “Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like the master of a household who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.” 53 When Jesus had finished these parables, he left that place.
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on Matthew 13:47-53 Reflection – From Old to New.
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 written permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible for the Matthew 13 Bible passage.
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