Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: July 18,2026

LECTIO - Read Scripture Text:   Matthew 12:14-21

The Pharisees left and held council against him on how they might destroy him. But Jesus knew it and withdrew himself from there. And great multitudes followed him, and he healed them all and charged them to not tell others and make his actions known that Isaiah’s prophecy might be fulfilled:

Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved, in whom I am well pleased. I will put my Spirit upon him and he shall proclaim justice to the Gentiles. He shall not struggle nor cry out, nor will another hear his voice in the streets. A bruised reed he will not break, a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory. And in his name, the Gentiles will hope.

MEDITATIO - Meditate on text, allow the LORD to touch us with His Word:

Can I follow Jesus and be a gentle servant who works for others for love of the LORD and others?

BREAKING OPEN THE TEXT:

In today’s gospel reading, we see how Jesus’ acts of loving mercy rather than legalistic compliance provoked the Pharisees who began to plot against him. Knowing this, we see Jesus withdraws from that area to continue His mission to the masses.

ORATIO – Lifting our minds and hearts to the LORD in prayer:

Almighty Father, as I seek to follow in your beloved Son’s footsteps as His disciple, send the Spirit to help me to seek always the gentle path of the servant. I ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.

CONTEMPLATIO – Sitting with the LORD in silence for a minute or more