Word of God – Reflection on Luke 11:27-28
Imagine spiritually being in your mother’s womb as you absorb her glowing warmth. In this protective place, your senses are limited, and colors are pale because of the blocked light. Your muted hearing and your inability to speak make the world’s troubles dissipate. This seemingly odd metaphor can help our thoughts when reading or hearing the word of God. Finding that quiet place, even in the din, for the warmth of the Lord and the perception of subdued (but not shut off) senses can be challenging, but it is possible. In this way, you may spiritually know the touch of Christ’s loving light. Your “place” allows you to minimize what is happening around you and helps open your heart and ears to illuminate and hear the word of God. If your precious time with the Lord provides rest and brings you peace, comfort, or joy, then that is a sign these moments work for you. Remember that you have not left yourself behind; you are still whole. However, we can create a more open space for divinity by managing external stimuli. We can also let the divinely inspired positives of being human and divine remain as we exit to enter the world.
A Woman Cries Out in a Crowd by James Tissot (full-resolution image of painting)
More details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
Alternative Lectio Reflections on the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
https://immersiveprayer.org/luke-139-56-reflection-my-spirit-rejoices/
https://immersiveprayer.org/luke-139-56-reflection-to-magnify-the-lord/
Luke 11:27-28 – Scripture*
True Blessedness
27 While he was saying this, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said to him, “Blessed is the womb that bore you and the breasts that nursed you!” 28 But he said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it!”
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on 11:27-28 Reflection – Word 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 11 passage.
The Immersive Prayer website follows the guidelines for image web use at the Brooklyn Museum and the Jewish Museum websites.
Primary Lectio Divina word or phrase: Word of God
Page and discussion group on these Lectio Divina daily Gospel Readings.
Discussion group on St. John of the Cross.