around him he said to them, “Whoever welcomes a child such as this in my name, welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me, welcomes not me, but the One who sent me.”

Lectio Divina
Read: The theme of violence and conflict permeates the readings today. The wicked cannot stand the righteous and plot the latter’s downfall. Jesus prophesizes about his own suffering and death at the hands of the enemies. James provides an insight into all violence – it is the result of jealous cravings and disordered desires.
Reflect: Competition, jealousy and violence happen only when the other is seen as an entity separate and different from us. If one is able to see the underlying unity of reality and the deep connectedness we have with everyone and everything else, this drive to be first and beat the rest will subside. Further, it will also help us deal with violence meted out to us with compassion and nonviolence, as Jesus could.
Pray: We shall pray for reduction of violence and promotion of peace in the world.
Act: Meditate on the interconnectedness of everything.

© Copyright Bible Diary 2018