Stretch out your Hand – Reflection Luke 6:6-11
I am sure many of you have a similar routine to my wife and I. We reserve Sunday afternoons for extending the morning church service of being with and loving the Lord outwardly. Filled with God’s love, we enjoy conversations with friends before leaving the church building and walking into the world. We intentionally seek many choices of quieter places so we can continue to be restored. Being with the Lord instills the desire to be authentic with people. Doing so is an uncomplicated way to subtly create a micro version of the Lord’s “stretch out your hand.” I am constantly amazed at the results of this nearly silent and effortless invitation. When we are present to the other person, we can bring the Lord’s presence through us. It also creates joy with others, be they friends or strangers. It is no longer surprising that a genuine, simple question of “How are you doing?” can start beautiful conversations. However, I am often surprised at the depth of what they contain.
The Man with the Withered Hand by James Tissot (full resolution painting)
More details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
Luke 6:6-11 – Scripture*
The Man with a Withered Hand
6 On another sabbath he entered the synagogue and taught, and there was a man there whose right hand was withered. 7 The scribes and the Pharisees watched him to see whether he would cure on the sabbath, so that they might find an accusation against him. 8 Even though he knew what they were thinking, he said to the man who had the withered hand, “Come and stand here.” He got up and stood there. 9 Then Jesus said to them, “I ask you, is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the sabbath, to save life or to destroy it?” 10 After looking around at all of them, he said to him, “Stretch out your hand.” He did so, and his hand was restored. 11 But they were filled with fury and discussed with one another what they might do to Jesus.
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel reading and considering this Lectio Divina Luke 6:6-11 Reflection – Stretch out your Hand.
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Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities get to know your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite the world’s distractions.
Attributions
This site has written permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible Luke 6 Bible passage.
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This Lectio Divina on Luke 6:6-11 Reflection – Stretch out your Hand is in the Lectionary season of Ordinary Time.
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