Monday of the Twenty-First Week of Ordinary Time

Lectio

    Matthew 23:13–22

Meditatio

“Woe to you.…”

    Jesus speaks powerful words to some scribes and Pharisees in today’s Gospel. We can imagine the emotion as he cries out, “Woe to you!” What we might forget is that Jesus loves these people whose practices he condemns. He loves them so much that he willingly gives up his life so they can be redeemed. The rebukes we hear in today’s Gospel are made in love and for love. We don’t know if any of the listeners changed as a result of Jesus’ words and love. We, however, can come to a deeper realization of God’s love for us and respond to it. God loves us just as he did these scribes and Pharisees—with an unconditional, enduring love—no matter what. It is important that we know this within ourselves. This knowledge is usually not a feeling, but rather an ever-deepening belief. When life goes smoothly, it may seem easy to believe in God’s love. However, our belief deepens and becomes more life-giving when we are struggling with challenges, darkness, or pain. Such moments are opportunities to turn to God and honestly express our feelings, fears, and needs. Sometimes God seems silent, but we continue to speak and listen. Gradually we become aware that God is our faithful companion who provides us with grace and strength. We experience God’s love for us.

When we believe that nothing will cause God to stop loving us, we are encouraged in our efforts to become more holy. We have the courage and grace to turn to God for forgiveness whenever we sin or give in to our weaknesses. As we continue reflecting on God’s love, we can make another application: God loves everyone unconditionally: everyone with whom I live and work, everyone I meet each day. Aware of this, I therefore seek to accept others as they are, treating them with respect and love, forgiving and asking forgiveness. When we know that God loves us, our own love grows and expands.

Oratio

    Beloved God, it is sometimes hard to believe how much you love me. Thank you for loving me no matter what I do or how I fail! Give me the grace to trust your love. Help me to turn to you for strength, comfort, and grace. Whenever I sin, enable me to turn to you for forgiveness. The more I accept your love for me, the more I am able to love others. It is sometimes so difficult to accept others as they are. Please give me the grace to gradually love as you do. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Contemplatio

    I trust in your love for me.

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ORDINARY GRACE Weeks 18–34: Daily Gospel Reflections (By the Daughters of St. Paul)