Lectio Divina for the Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Read the following Scripture two or three times:
Matthew 22:34-40
When the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together, and one of
them, a scholar of the law tested him by asking, “Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?” He said to him, “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second is like it:
You shall love your neighbor as yourself. The whole law and the prophets depend on these two commandments.”
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?
When the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees.
Whose voices are missing in public discourse?
Whose voices do I fail to listen for?
Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?
Which of God’s commandments do I find the greatest challenge?
Which of God’s commandments do I find the greatest joy?
You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
Who is my neighbor?
How do I express my love for my neighbor?
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?
Join the issue advocacy network of your diocese or state Catholic conference
