Lectio Divina for the Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Read the following Scripture two or three times:
Matthew 21:28-32
Jesus said to the chief priests and elders of the people: “What is your opinion? A man had two sons. He
came to the first and said, ‘Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.’ He said in reply, ‘I will not, ‘but
afterwards hanged his mind and went. The man came to the other son and gave the same order. He said in reply, ‘Yes, sir, ‘but did not go. Which of the two did his father’s will?” They answered, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Amen, I say to you, tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you. When John came to you in the way of righteousness, you did not believe him; but tax collectors and prostitutes did. Yet even when you saw that, you did not later change your minds and believe him.”
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?
What is your opinion?
How does Church teaching inform my positions and opinions?
How do I deal with people whose views differ from my own?
He said in reply, “I will not,” but afterwards changed his mind and went.
When have I experienced conversion?
What parts of my life require change?
Which of the two did his father’s will? What keeps me from following the Father’s will?
How can I be more faithful to God’s call?
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?
Before going to sleep each night, take some time to reflect on your day: how you experienced God’s
presence during the day, and how you responded to God’s call.
