Matthew 23:23-26 Reflection ~
Our world disturbs and alarms me, yet, how am I to be judged if I am not part of its peaceful and loving transformation? I have to constantly ask myself if I have “neglected the weightier things of the law: judgment, mercy, and fidelity.” St. Augustine states: “Our hearts are restless until they rest in Thee, O Lord.” To be caught up in a divine whirlpool would permit cleansing conflicts inside the cup Jesus speaks of so I that may rest. Otherwise, how can I be and do God’s will outside of it?
Woe unto You Scribes and Pharisees by James Tissot (full resolution) or for more detail at the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
Matthew 23:23-26 Scripture (NRSV Bible)
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint, dill, and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. It is these you ought to have practiced without neglecting the others. 24 You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel!
25 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and of the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. 26 You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup, so that the outside also may become clean.
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel reading and considering this Lectio Divina Matthew 23:23-26 Reflection – Conflicts Inside the Cup.
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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 Matthew 23 Bible passage.
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