Lectio Divina for The Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time
Read the following Scripture two or three times:
Matthew 9:36—10:8
At the sight of the crowds, Jesus’ heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and
abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is abundant but
the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.”
Then he summoned his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits to drive them out and
to cure every disease and every illness. The names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon called
Peter, and his brother Andrew; James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew,
Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James, the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddeus; Simon from Cana, and Judas Iscariot who betrayed him.
Jesus sent out these twelve after instructing them thus, “Do not go into pagan territory or enter a Samaritan
town. Go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, make this proclamation: ‘The kingdom
of heaven is at hand.’ Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, drive out demons. Without cost you
have Received; without cost you are to give.”
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?
Jesus’ heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep
Without a shepherd.
When have I felt troubled and abandoned? How can I be more attentive to those on the margins who feel
as though no one cares?
The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few.
What gifts has God given to me? How can I express my gratitude for these gifts?
Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.
What gifts has God given to me? How can I express my gratitude for these gifts?
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?
Pray for an increase in vocations to the priesthood, diaconate, and consecrated life.
