The Lord is with You – Reflection on Luke 1:26-38
Christ is in your heart, reinforced by consuming the Word or unconditionally giving yourself to others. By doing so, we experience a symbolic union of Mary’s womb with Christ. John of the Cross emphasizes union with God as the pinnacle of faith. Mary as our perfect example in the ultimate journey of union with God. You may even repeat the Lord is near you to those like Mary that you know. The metaphors of the womb and union take many other forms. You may know it because you are Christ’s Tabernacle filled with refreshing living water. While we are light-years apart from Mary’s greatness, we know our “Yes” helps to wash away our imperfections and elevates our God-given gifts. As humble witnesses to the grace within, you can confirm that the Lord is with you, outwardly manifesting in many ways.
The Annunciation by James Tissot.
The full-resolution painting and more details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Other reflections on Luke 1:26-38
Luke 1:26-38 Reflection – Grace within, like Mary’s, Luke 1:26-38 Reflection – Grace that Manifests into Miracles, Luke 1:26-38 Reflection – Mary’s Yes, Our Yes, Luke 1:26-38 Reflection – Our Spiritual Wombs
Additional seasonal reflections:
Advent, Lenten, Eastertide
Luke 1:26-38 – Scripture*
The Birth of Jesus Foretold
26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, 27 to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” 29 But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. 30 The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. 33 He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” 34 Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” 35 The angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. 36 And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on Luke 1:26-38 Reflection – The Lord is with You.
Would you like to contribute related thoughts to these Lectio reflections on the Gospel readings? Since Lectio is not the only contemplative prayer 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 permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible Luke 1 passage.
The Immersive Prayer website follows the guidelines for image web use at the Brooklyn Museum and the Jewish Museum websites.
Page and discussion group on these Lectio Divina daily Gospel Readings.
Discussion group on St. John of the Cross.
Other affiliations