Reflection on Luke 11:42-46 ~
Putting yourself into Jesus’s conversation as if you were one of these rigid Pharisees is tough. However, I believe we are supposed to try to do so to help discover internal truths. If we allow time for self-reflection, we will become the “Lawyer” feeling insulted by Jesus. These inner realizations prompted by the quiet time of increasing our friendship with Jesus are only temporarily uncomfortable. To do so means we are unwinding one of the beautiful natures of Christ. We are each far from perfect, but Jesus can expose the hidden from view woes He might say about us. For example, I continue to learn that I should not find fault in others unless I continue to self-explore flaws uncovered in prayer. I have already determined that the horizon will keep moving while I finish the task of unmasking my vices to reveal virtues.
Curses Against the Pharisees by James Tissot, (full resolution painting) and more detail at the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
Luke 11:42-46 – Scripture*
42 “But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and herbs of all kinds, and neglect justice and the love of God; it is these you ought to have practiced, without neglecting the others. 43 Woe to you Pharisees! For you love to have the seat of honor in the synagogues and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces. 44 Woe to you! For you are like unmarked graves, and people walk over them without realizing it.”
45 One of the lawyers answered him, “Teacher, when you say these things, you insult us too.” 46 And he said, “Woe also to you lawyers! For you load people with burdens hard to bear, and you yourselves do not lift a finger to ease them.
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel reading and considering this Lectio Divina Luke 11:42-46 Reflection – Examine Flaws
Would you like to contribute related thoughts to these Lectio reflections of the Gospel readings? Since Lectio is not the only contemplative payer style, others might appreciate these types of expressions in this ministry. Do you see God’s grandeur everywhere and unconditionally enjoy sharing the love of Christ that you have inside? Are you willing to be anonymous in what you would share? If so, email me.
Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities get to know your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite worldly distractions.
Attributions
*This site has written permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible Luke 11 Bible passage.
The Immersive Prayer website follows the guidelines for image web use at the Brooklyn Museum and the Jewish Museum websites.