Lectio Divina for The Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
Read the following Scripture two or three times:
Matthew 5:38-48
Jesus said to his disciples: “You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.
But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is eveil. When someone strikes you on your right cheek,
turn the other one as well. If anyone wants to go to law with your over your tunic, hand over your cloak
as well. Should anyone press you into service for one mile, go for two miles. Give to the one who asks
of you, and do not turn your back on one who wants to borrow.
“You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you,
love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father,
for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have? Do not the tax collectors do the same? And
if you greet your brothers only, what is unusual about that? Do not the pagans do the same? So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
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?
Should anyone press you into service for one mile, go for two miles. How can I be of service to those in
need? How can I share my time with greater generosity?
Give to the one who asks of you, and do not turn your back on one who wants to borrow. How do I view
those who are poor and lack worldly goods? How do I support structures that keep people I poverty?
For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have? Who needs my love and kindness?
What keeps me from loving them?
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?
Learn more about becoming a Christian steward:
https://www.usccb.org/committees/evangelization-catechesis/stewardship
