Lectio Divina: Day 8

1) Opening prayer

God our Father and protector, without You nothing is holy, nothing has value. Guide us to everlasting life by helping us to use wisely the blessings You have given to the world. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

2) Reading - Matthew 13:54-58

Jesus came to his native place and taught the people in their synagogue. They were astonished and said, “Where did this man get such wisdom and mighty deeds? Is he not the carpenter's son? Is not his mother named Mary and his brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas? Are not his sisters all with us? Where did this man get all this?” And they took offense at him. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and in his own house.” And he did not work many mighty deeds there because of their lack of faith.

3) Reflection - What the Word suggests to me

A) Read the Word again.

B) Select a word or a brief phrase which moved you or impressed you. Repeat this word/phrase aloud and slowly 3 times. Between each repetition, allow a moment of silence for the Word to enter into our hearts.

C) Remain silent for 3 minutes, and let the Lord speak to you.

D) Now write down what the Lord has given you in this word. Start with, “To me this word has said …”

4) Personal questions

• In Jesus something changed in His relationship with the community of Nazareth. Since you began to participate in community, has anything changed in your relationship with your family? Why?

• Has participation in the community helped you to accept and to trust people, especially the more simple and the poorest?

• When two join to form a new community in marriage, their relationship with their families also changes. Reconsider the previous questions in light of this as well.

5) Concluding Prayer

For myself, wounded wretch that I am, by Your saving power raise me up! I will praise God's name in song, I will extol Him by thanksgiving. (Ps 69: 29-30)