Relfection
A challenging Gospel today. But what does Jesus mean by preferring family before him?
If family call you to sin, to do evil, to go against your conscience, then they are challenging your allegiance to Christ. We are called to love our family as we love all our ‘neighbours’, but that doesn’t include leaving the good and right path for them.
Has any friend or family member tried to get you to go against your conscience?
What was your reaction? Do you imagine Jesus would have reacted in the same way?
Pray that you can bring peace and joy to all you meet.
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.
Scripture
Matthew 10:34-39 WEB
“Don’t think that I came to send peace on the earth. I didn’t come to send peace, but a sword.
For I came to set a man at odds against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.
A man’s foes will be those of his own household.
He who loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me;
and he who loves son or daughter more than me isn’t worthy of me.
He who doesn’t take his cross and follow after me isn’t worthy of me.
He who seeks his life will lose it; and he who loses his life for my sake will find it.
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
Seek ye First the Kingdom of God: sung by St Andrew’s Choir, Barrhead.