Lectio Divina for the Thirty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time
Read the following Scripture two or three times:
Matthew 23:1-12
Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, saying, “The scribes and the Pharisees have taken their seat on the chair of Moses. Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you, but do not follow
their example. For they preach but they do not practice. They tie up heavy burdens hard to carry and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they will not lift a finger to move them. All their works are performed to
be seen. They widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels. They love places of honor at banquets, seats of honor in synagogues, greetings in marketplaces, and the salutation ‘Rabbi.’ As for you, do not be called ‘Rabbi.’ You have but one teacher, you are all brothers. Call no one on earth you father; you have
but one Father in heaven. Do not be called ‘Master’; you have but one master, the Christ. The greatest among you must be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
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?
For they preach but they do not practice.
When have I failed to live according to my beliefs?
How do my actions support and demonstrate my faith?
They tie up heavy burdens hard to carry and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they will not lift
a finger to move them?
How have my actions added to the burdens that others must carry?
How have I failed to assist others in carrying their burdens?
The greatest among you must be your servant.
How can I offer loving service to those around me?
How can I develop a servant’s heart?
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 putting the two feet of love in action:
https://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/what-we-believe/catholic-social-teaching/two-feet-of-love-in-action
