Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: July 17, 2024

Date: Wednesday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture Text:  Mt 11:25-27

At that time Jesus exclaimed:

“I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike. Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him.”

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel reading for today from Matthew comes after Jesus’ response to John the Baptist’s disciples who questioned Jesus if He was “the one to come.” Jesus’ prayer to the Father points to His relationship with the Father Almighty as well as His role as “the WORD” who reveals the Father’s love for us.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Do I embrace Jesus as “the WORD made flesh”? Do I accept Jesus as Son of God?

Praying:

LORD, You sent your only begotten Son to dwell among us, to save us not from a distance but as our brother. Send your Spirit to open our eyes, our ears, our minds and our hearts to Christ, the WORD made flesh. Grant that we may embrace fully Jesus Christ, Son of God, Son of Man, sent as our brother, our teacher, our savior. May we use His words, His example as guides for our journey home to You, our loving Father. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ who lives and reigns with You and the Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.