Lectio Divina for The Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Read the following Scripture two or three times:
Matthew 10:37-42
Jesus said to his apostles: “Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and
whoever loves son or daughter more than me in not worthy of me; and whoever does not take up his
cross and follow after me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his
life for my sake will find it.
“Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.
Whoever receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and whoever
receives a righteous man because he is a righteous man will receive a righteous man’s reward.
And whoever gives only a cup of cold water to one of these little ones to drink because the little one is a
disciple—amen, I say to you, he will surely not lose his reward.”
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?
Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me.
What do I love more than God? How can I re-orient my life to place God at its center?
Whoever does not take up his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me.
What cross is Jesus asking me to carry this week? Is there someone I can help to carry is or her cross?
Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.
Who is excluded from my welcome? How can I be more welcoming?
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?
Read and reflect on Strangers No Longer:
www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/immigration/strangers-no-longer-together-on-the-journey-of-hope
