GOSPEL READING
THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW
"Worthy of me": Mt 10,24-11,1
Development
In the overview of the chapter, we noted the unity of this part, 10,24-42, and its three sections. We need to review this here so read through the part more closely to see the three sections and how they develop.
Then look at my response.
The disciple and his teacher: 10,24-25
What do verses 24 and 25 say about Jesus and his disciples? For verse 25, look as well at 12,24.
Do not be afraid: 10,26-31
Coming to verses 26 to 31, we have seen how they are bound together by a phrase repeated three times.
What are the implications of "nothing being hidden" in verses 26 and 27?
Verse 28 speaks of "body and soul", a unusual split in the Gospels. We'll come back to this when we look at verse 39 which is more typically biblical.
Verses 29-31 speaks of God's protection in terms of sparrows. Look back to the Sermon on the Mount, 7,26-30.
Whoever: 10,32-42
This section begins with "everyone who..." in verse 31. Count the number of "whoevers" which then follow.
Note as well a unit within this section which is distinctive for its vocabulary.
What verb is found three times in verses 34-35? Who is the subject of the verb?
Verse 35 (see also verse 21) is almost a quotation from Micah 7,6. Read the whole passage: Micah 7,1-7. Contrast the peace of Jesus with the peace of verses 12-13.
In verses 37 and 38, there is another key word appearing three times. See also verse 11. For the cross in verse 38, look at 16,24.
Verse 39 speaks about "life", the great paradox which picks up on verse 28.
Verses 40-42 also look back to the reception of verses 12-13 and indicates the rewards which will be received. How especially are we to understand verse 42? Who are the "little ones"? See 18,6
Conclusion: Mt 11,1
Compare 11,1 with 7,28 and see how Matthew has adapted the conclusion to suit the discourse. Look at the NAB translation for 11,1 and 10,5. To whom is Jesus speaking in 7,28 and to whom is he speaking here? (Note also 10,1.2.5). Look at the translations to see what is said here. The NRSV is I reckon open to misunderstanding.
What happens next?
Then look at my response.
The Sunday Gospels
Two Sunday Gospel readings are taken from this part of the discourse.
On the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time, the reading is the second section with its emphasis on "do not be afraid", 10,26-33.
As usual, comment on the choice of Old Testament reading: Jer 20,10-13. The whole passage needs to be read, especially Jer 20,7-13 and then Jer 20,14-18.
For the 13th Sunday of the Year, much of the "whoever" section is read, 10,37-42. Note that verses 34-36 with the quotation from Micah is omitted.
The Old Testament reading this Sunday is about the prophet Elisha, 2 Kings 4,8-11.14-16. Read this story in your Bibles and consider the missing verses (12-13). It is also helpful to read the rest of the story, up to verse 37.
Then comment upon this story in light of the Gospel.
Then look at my response.
We can now continue with an overview of chapter 11.