Lectio Divina for the Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Read the following Scripture two or three times:
Matthew 18:15-20
Jesus said to his disciples: “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and
him alone. If he listens to you, you have won over your brother. If he does not listen, take one or two
others along with you, so that ‘every fact may be established on the testimony of two or three witnesses.’
If he refuses to listen to them, tell the church. If he refuses to listen even to the church, then treat him as
you would a Gentile or a tax collector. Amen, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in
heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again, amen, I say to you, if two
of you agree on earth about anything for which they are to pray, it shall be granted to them by my
heavenly Father. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of
them.”
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?
If he listens to you, you have won over your brother.
How often have I spoken with others about what I believe?
How have I accompanied those who are struggling with doubt?
Every fact may be established on the testimony of two or three witnessses.
Whose faith witness have I found most compelling?
How can I strengthen my own witness to what I believe?
Again, amen, I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything for which they are to pray, it
shall be granted to them by my heavenly Father.
What are my favorite ways to pray?
How do I like to pray with others (my family, a small group, my parish community)?
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?
Attend Sunday Mass and be aware of Christ present in the gathered community.
