Daily Retreat 09/21/09
2009 Sep 21 Mon:Matthew, ap, ev F
Eph 4: 1-7. 11-13/ Ps 18(19): 2-3. 4-5/ Mt 9: 9-13
From today’s readings: “Grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.... The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims His handiwork.... As Jesus passed by, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post, and He said to him, ‘Follow Me.’”
Matthew’s the man!
While we certainly can chew on divine biblical wisdom one proverb at a time, in general, it’s best to have a plan and commitment to read through whole books of the Bible. St. Matthew’s gospel is an ideal starting point, since it is the first book of the New Testament, and most people find his the most organized of the gospels.
Matthew’s text (with 28 chapters) is actually slightly shorter than Luke’s gospel (24 chapters). Even so, it will take several hours to read through in its entirety, especially since there’s little point in just speed-reading! Instead, set aside the time for a truly reflective reading. Perhaps you can make the time to do that today, but if that’s not feasible, read the book over the course of a week (just 4 chapters a day!) or even over the course of a month, covering one chapter a day.
In order to get through the book, you will have to be like St. Matthew - set aside your excuses of busyness and all the rest of your business in order to respond to Jesus’ invitation to closer friendship with Him! St. Matthew never regretted making Jesus his priority, and neither will we!
Eph 4: 1-7. 11-13/ Ps 18(19): 2-3. 4-5/ Mt 9: 9-13
From today’s readings: “Grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.... The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims His handiwork.... As Jesus passed by, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post, and He said to him, ‘Follow Me.’”
Matthew’s the man!
While we certainly can chew on divine biblical wisdom one proverb at a time, in general, it’s best to have a plan and commitment to read through whole books of the Bible. St. Matthew’s gospel is an ideal starting point, since it is the first book of the New Testament, and most people find his the most organized of the gospels.
Matthew’s text (with 28 chapters) is actually slightly shorter than Luke’s gospel (24 chapters). Even so, it will take several hours to read through in its entirety, especially since there’s little point in just speed-reading! Instead, set aside the time for a truly reflective reading. Perhaps you can make the time to do that today, but if that’s not feasible, read the book over the course of a week (just 4 chapters a day!) or even over the course of a month, covering one chapter a day.
In order to get through the book, you will have to be like St. Matthew - set aside your excuses of busyness and all the rest of your business in order to respond to Jesus’ invitation to closer friendship with Him! St. Matthew never regretted making Jesus his priority, and neither will we!
posted by FrPitstick | 9/20/2009
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