Reflection on Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25 ~
Do your second thoughts that you may not be teaching and proclaiming what you believe in your words and actions quickly dissipate? Is the spiritual healing that Jesus ministers within you worth the spiritual battle you might be enduring? Is Jesus’s light within overshadowing the darkness surrounding you because you actively practice your Christianity? If you are withdrawing every day to pray for yourself to be filled with peace, hope, joy, and love for others, then the answer to these questions is a quieting humble yes.
Jesus Teaches in the Synagogue, James Tissot, Brooklyn Museum
Additional Christmastide Reflections
Matthew 4:12-17 – Scripture
Jesus Begins His Ministry in Galilee
12 Now when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. 13 He left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, 14 so that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled:
15 “Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali,
on the road by the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—
16 the people who sat in darkness
have seen a great light,
and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death
light has dawned.”
17 From that time Jesus began to proclaim, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”
Jesus Ministers to Crowds of People
23 Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness among the people. 24 So his fame spread throughout all Syria, and they brought to him all the sick, those who were afflicted with various diseases and pains, demoniacs, epileptics, and paralytics, and he cured them. 25 And great crowds followed him from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and from beyond the Jordan.
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this daily Gospel reading and considering this Lectio Divina Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25 Reflection – Pray for Yourself.
This site has written permission from New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) to use the Matthew 4 Bible passage.
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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.