Kingdom of God – Reflection on Luke 10:1-9
When we say “Yes” to the Lord, it can be because we are asked uniquely to proclaim that the Kingdom of God is near. Think about how the Kingdom’s nearness is evident in your local community town. It can be experienced as warm, genuine smiles received for what people do from their hearts as the unconditional love of each other. We can also identify with the Kingdom’s closeness and presence when Christian love and peace fill us for ministry where we might lead, guide conversation, or pray. Remarkably, what could drain us, such as the giving we receive as Christian love, manifests as profound peace and the courage to keep going. We are the ongoing “mission of the seventy,” helping others see how close the kingdom is for them.
He Sent them out Two by Two by James Tissot (full resolution image of painting).
More details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
Luke 10:1-9 – Scripture*
The Mission of the Seventy
10 After this the Lord appointed seventy others and sent them on ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he himself intended to go. 2 He said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. 3 Go on your way. See, I am sending you out like lambs into the midst of wolves. 4 Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and greet no one on the road. 5 Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this house!’ 6 And if anyone is there who shares in peace, your peace will rest on that person; but if not, it will return to you. 7 Remain in the same house, eating and drinking whatever they provide, for the laborer deserves to be paid. Do not move about from house to house. 8 Whenever you enter a town and its people welcome you, eat what is set before you; 9 cure the sick who are there, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina meditation on Luke 10:1-9 – Kingdom of God.
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 experience 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 10 passage.
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Primary Lectio Divina word or phrase: Kingdom of God
Page and discussion group on these Lectio Divina daily Gospel Readings.
Discussion group on St. John of the Cross.