Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: June 12, 2024

Date: Wednesday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture Text:  Matthew 5:17-19

Jesus said to his disciples: "Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. Amen, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or the smallest part of a letter will pass from the law, until all things have taken place. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do so will be called least in the Kingdom of heaven. But whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the Kingdom of heaven."

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel reading for today continues our reading of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew. In today’s pericope, Jesus proclaims that He did not come to abolish the law and prophets but rather as fulfillment of the law and prophets. We know that both the law and the prophets insist on “right relationships” with the LORD and with one another, on loving the LORD with all our being and loving one another. Jesus’ life as well as all his teachings show us clearly how we are called to live.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Is love the source of my being and the purpose of my being?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, throughout the ages, You have called us into being and given us the commands of love: love the LORD with all our being and love one another. Through the birth, life, teachings, and death of your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, we came to witness the possibilities of love lived. Send your Spirit to stir within us your never ending love for us so that it might transform us into the daughters and sons You created us to be and the disciples Jesus calls us to be. We 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.