Settle the Case – Reflection on Luke 12:54-59
It is easy to think that Jesus only focuses on human conditions, such as settling something before it gets out of hand. The rawness of His metaphors often strikes deeply into the effect of our “trespasses” of each other. Most of the time, Jesus seems to speak about the truth about the visible side of who we are, so what He means is more pronounced. His thoughts about spirituality and the sanctity of our relationship with each other and God in the here and now are more subtle. For instance, today’s reading could also be interpreted as thinking about how to settle the case of wrongs with God before we have passed and are on our way to heaven. Consider God is present right now. Shouldn’t we be willing to forgive and ask others and God to be forgiven so our souls and spirits rise to the surface while we are alive?
Jesus Teaches the People by the Sea by James Tissot (full-resolution image of painting)
More details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
Luke 12:54-59 – Scripture*
Interpreting the Time
54 He also said to the crowds, “When you see a cloud rising in the west, you immediately say, ‘It is going to rain’; and so it happens. 55 And when you see the south wind blowing, you say, ‘There will be scorching heat’; and it happens. 56 You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky, but why do you not know how to interpret the present time?
Settling with Your Opponent
57 “And why do you not judge for yourselves what is right? 58 Thus, when you go with your accuser before a magistrate, on the way make an effort to settle the case, or you may be dragged before the judge, and the judge hand you over to the officer, and the officer throw you in prison. 59 I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the very last penny.”
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on Luke 12:54-59 Reflection – Settle the Case.
Would you like to contribute related thoughts to these Lectio reflections on 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 12 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: Settle the case
Page and discussion group on these Lectio Divina daily Gospel Readings.
Discussion group on St. John of the Cross.