Whenever I
start thinking too highly of myself, I try to spend more alone time with my wife
or daughters or grandchildren—or reading Matthew 23:1-12 or praying the rosary. All of these provide a great reminder for me regarding
my place in the world. In that Gospel
reading, Jesus is speaking to the crowds about the scribes and Pharisees. Jesus acknowledges their standing and even
told the people to “do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you.”
But then He tells them not to follow
their example.
Jesus is
clear in recognizing the authority of the scribes and Pharisees, but then hits
them hard on several fronts. First,
Jesus notes that the scribes and Pharisees expect others to strictly follow
laws central to their teachings (e.g., Sabbath, purity codes) without regard to
the onerous burden these laws place on the poor or marginalized—or without
assisting them, in any way, with these conditions. He then states that the scribes and Pharisees
engage in works meant to be seen. They
not only seek out, but “love” places of honor at banquets and being honorably
recognized and called “Rabbi” or “Father.” And then the final blow—"The greatest
among you must be your servant. Whoever
exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
Although
there’s a lot to unwrap here, I would suggest we consider the following
practical ways of living out these words of Jesus. First, Jesus reminds us of the importance of
flexibility and context when applying the laws of scripture. He also emphasizes the value of humility in
life. And He’s keen to point out that we
have but one Father in heaven and one Master and that is Christ. So, it’s wise to listen to their words in
scripture, but also to remind ourselves of the importance of following the
example that Jesus provided to us on earth. Never assume that we’re better than anyone
else, treat all people in an egalitarian manner, search for opportunities to
bring about justice, and act without fanfare, but with a sense of humility. And remember: All for the great glory of God –
not self.
Meditations
on the Luminous mysteries of the Most Holy Rosary are reflections on the events
in the life of Jesus that reveal His divine glory and his mission. As with the
other mysteries, the joyful, the sorrowful, and the glorious, there are five
events: the baptism of Jesus at the Jordan, the miracle at the wedding feast in
Cana, the proclamation of the kingdom of God, the transfiguration, and the
institution of the Eucharist. These
meditations are based on the gospel accounts of these events and their
significance for the faith of the disciples and the Church.
Over the
next week, I’ll be presenting a brief meditation and a scriptural meditation
format for each of the five, as I did last week with the joyful mysteries in
the hope that it helps you to pray your own rosary more deeply. Again, I will focus on the “Highs and Lows,
the Ups and Downs of the Most Holy Rosary”.
The luminous
mysteries:
I. The Baptism of Jesus at the Jordan River
Brief meditation:
Jesus’
baptism in the Jordan River illuminates not only Jesus’ identity as God’s
beloved Son, but it also reveals with bright clarity His mission as Messiah—the
anointed one—as well. When Jesus was
baptized by John the Baptist, He was anointed by his heavenly Father “with
the Holy Spirit and with power” (Acts 10:38). When the evangelist John described the descent of the Holy Spirit upon Jesus, he placed
these words on the lips of the Baptist: “I saw the
Spirit come down like a dove from the sky and remain upon him” (Jn
1:32). The word remain in this context emphasizes the permanence of this
ongoing relationship of God’s Spirit with us as well.
Scriptural
meditation:
1. John the Baptist said, “I am the voice of one
crying in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way
of the Lord,’ as the prophet Isaiah said.” (John 1:23)- Hail Mary…
2. And [John] preached, saying, “After me comes
he who is mightier than I, the thong of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie.” (Mark 1:7)- Hail Mary…
3. “I baptize you with water for repentance, but
he who is coming after me . . . will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with
fire.” (Matthew 3:11)- Hail Mary…
4. [John] saw Jesus coming toward him, and said,
“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29) -Hail
Mary…
5. Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to
John, to be baptized by him. (Matthew 3:13) -Hail Mary…
6. John would have prevented him, saying, “I
need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” (Matthew 3:14) -Hail Mary…
7. But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now,
for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then [John] consented. (Matthew 3:15) -Hail
Mary…
8. And when Jesus was baptized, he went up immediately from the water, and behold, the heavens
were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending
like a dove and alighting on him. (Matthew 3:16) -Hail Mary…
9. And behold, a voice
from heaven, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew
3:17) -Hail Mary…
10. The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness, and he was in the wilderness
forty days, tempted by Satan. (Mark 1:12-13) -Hail Mary…
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