To Be Last – Luke 13:22-30 Reflection
Among other things, being first in the world means seeking pleasure, recognition, prestige, and wealth. The opposite of these vices is the virtue of wanting to be last. This virtue acknowledges the Lord and neighbors are before you. The Lord desires your love and everything that goes with love. Your neighbors need your love, mercy, compassion, help, and prayers. We are not naturally inclined to be last. It is difficult to be at the lowest rank or resist the influence of wanting recognition or promoting more surrounding us. In the challenging quest towards grander virtues, Jesus offers us his hand and heart to help us navigate our way.
He Went Through the Villages on the Way to Jerusalem by James Tissot (full-resolution image of painting).
More details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
Luke 13:22-30 – Scripture*
The Narrow Door
22 Jesus went through one town and village after another, teaching as he made his way to Jerusalem. 23 Someone asked him, “Lord, will only a few be saved?” He said to them, 24 “Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able. 25 When once the owner of the house has got up and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, ‘Lord, open to us,’ then in reply he will say to you, ‘I do not know where you come from.’ 26 Then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.’ 27 But he will say, ‘I do not know where you come from; go away from me, all you evildoers!’ 28 There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrown out. 29 Then people will come from east and west, from north and south, and will eat in the kingdom of God. 30 Indeed, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.”
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on Luke 13:22-30 Reflection – To be Last.
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 your 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. Amen.
Attributions
* This site has written permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible for the passage of Luke 13.
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Primary Lectio Divina word or phrase: To Be Last
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