Lectio Divina for The Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Read the following Scripture two or three times:
Matthew 5:1-12a
Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he has sat down, his disciples came to him.
He began to teach then, saying:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land.
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you
falsely because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.”
Meditation
After the reading, take some time to reflect in silence on or more of the following questions:
– What word or words in this passage caught your attention?
– What in this passage comforted you?
– What in this passage challenged you?
Contemplation
Read the Scripture again, followed by this reflection:
What conversion of mind, heart, and life is the Lord asking of me?
Blessed are the meek,/ for they will inherit the land. When have I depended too much on my own
strength and abilities? When have I built myself up by diminishing others?
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,/ for they will be satisfied. What injustices do
I see around me? What actions can I take against violence and injustice?
Blessed are the merciful,/ for they will be shown mercy. Who do I need to forgive? From whom do I
need to seek forgiveness?
After a period of silent reflection recite the Lord’s Prayer.
Living the Word This Week
How can I make my life a gift for others in charity?
Join the issue advocacy network of your diocese or state Catholic conference.
