Lectio Divina for the Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Read the following Scripture two or three times:
Matthew 16:21-27
Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer greatly from the elders, the chief priests,
and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised. Then Peter took Jesus aside and began to rebuke him, “God forbid, Lord! No such thing shall ever happen to you.” He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan!
You are an obstacle to me. You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do.”
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? Or what can one give in exchange for his life?
For the Son of Man will come with his angels in his Father’s glory, and then he will repay all according to his
conduct.”
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?
You are an obstacle to me.
What people, places, or things are obstacles to my growth in faith?
How have I been an obstacle to others’ faith?
You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do.
W hen have I judged my circumstances with the world’s values?
When have I judged my circumstances in accord with God’s will?
Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.
What cross do I need to bear?
How can I give of myself to help others bear their crosses?
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?
Offer a sacrifice this week for those around the world who are persecuted for their faith in Christ.
