Lectio Divina for the Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Read the following Scripture two or three times:
Matthew 22:15-21
The Pharisees went off and plotted how they might entrap Jesus in speech. They sent their disciples
to him, with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are a truthful man and that you teach
the way of God in accordance with the truth. And you are not concerned with anyone’s opinion, for you
do not regard a person’s status. Tell us, then, what is your opinion: Is it lawful to pay the census tax to
Caesar or not?” Why are you testing me, you hypocrites? Show me the coin that pays the census tax.”
Then they handed him the Roman coin. He said to them, “Whose image is this and whose inscription?” They replied, “Caesar’s.” At that he said to them, “Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to
God what belongs to God.”
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?
The Pharisees went off and plotted how they might entrap Jesus in speech.
Is my speech (in person and on social media) true and kind?
How can I moderate my speech to bring people closer to Christ?
You teach the way of God in accordance with the truth.
How have I learned about my faith?
How am I continuing to learn?
Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.
What role does my faith play in ny life as a citizen?
How can I be a better steward of all that God has given me?
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?
Learn more about becoming a faithful citizen:
https://www.usccb.org/offices/justice-peace-human-development/forming-consciences-faithful-citizenship
