Reflection
We can show off our wealth, our good taste, our beautiful body, our holy, pious behaviour. Whenever we show off, we put ourselves at the centre.
I ask God to help me put the needs of others first.
Today’s Prayer
Preparation: Begin by stilling; then dedicating the time of prayer to God and asking God that all you think, feel and imagine are for the glory of God.
Gift: Ask for what you desire. Suggestion: To know Jesus more clearly, love him more dearly, and follow him more nearly.
Setting: A Scripture reading to ponder – Lectio Divina or imaginative contemplation.
Scripture
Matthew 23:1-12
Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to his disciples, saying,
“The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat.
All things therefore whatever they tell you to observe, observe and do,
but don’t do their works; for they say, and don’t do.
For they bind heavy burdens that are grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders;
but they themselves will not lift a finger to help them.
But they do all their works to be seen by men.
They make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the fringes of their garments, and love the place of honour at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues, the salutations in the marketplaces, and to be called ‘Rabbi by men.
But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi’, for one is your teacher, the Christ, and all of you are brothers.
Call no man on the earth your father, for one is your Father, he who is in heaven.
Neither be called masters, for one is your master, the Christ.
But he who is greatest among you will be your servant.
Whoever exalts self will be humbled, and whoever humbles self will be exalted.
Conversation: Talk to Jesus in your own words as a friend
Final Prayer: End with a formal prayer such as the Lord’s Prayer/Our Father.
Today’s Music
The Servant Song: written by Richard Gillard performed by Cyprian Consiglio and James Makil