Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: July 19, 2023
- Dr. Kate Wiskus
- Jul 19, 2023
- 2 min read
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:
The gospel reading for today, Wednesday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time, continues our reading of the Gospel of Matthew. We always want to read scripture within its context. This text for today immediately follows Jesus’ reproach of those who had witnessed his works and heard his teaching yet rejected both his preaching and his deeds. It is in that context that Jesus speaks the words found in today’s reading. Jesus gives praise to the Father who has used Christ to reveal to the childlike –vulnerable, humble, seeking, dependent. It was the non-arrogant who were able to truly hear Jesus’ words and embrace them.
Meditating on the text:
Does my arrogance get in the way of Jesus’ call to me? Do I open myself to the wonders of the LORD aware of my dependence upon the LORD and my need?
Praying:
LORD, Almighty Father, You sent your only begotten Son, Jesus Christ to walk with us as our brother and to reveal your great love for us as well as your desire for our repentance. You asked your Son to lay down his life for us in order to defeat sin and death. Send your Spirit to open our minds and hearts to the words of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Grant that we may embrace not only His words that will illuminate our minds but that we will allow them and your love to transform our hearts and souls. We know of our imperfections, LORD, and yet we dare to ask for your help because we know of your love and your desires for us. We ask this in the name of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and rules with You and the Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.
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