The Living Flame of Love – Luke 1:5-17 Reflection
Imagine yourself as either Zechariah or Elizabeth, intensely practicing your faith, praying constantly, and being righteous. Your lifelong desire to have a child finally has become possible even in your old age. In your imagination, a thought surfaces that you will help make way for the Lord. Ah…, In this scene, God knows the dream and its incredible mosaic. Now, with your dreams and desires of beauty, peace, and love in silent prayer, let the Holy Spirit emerge. Saint John of the Cross paints this experience in poetic words with “The Living Flame of Love.” Jesus is alive in your heart ready with your unique flame of love. Imagine that what you thought was only in your mind is an actual reality, preparing you to let others see and feel God in action.
The Vision of Zacharias, by James Tissot (full resolution image of painting).
More details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
Luke 1:5:17 – Scripture*
The Birth of John the Baptist Foretold
5 In the days of King Herod of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly order of Abijah. His wife was a descendant of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6 Both of them were righteous before God, living blamelessly according to all the commandments and regulations of the Lord. 7 But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were getting on in years.
8 Once when he was serving as priest before God and his section was on duty, 9 he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to enter the sanctuary of the Lord and offer incense. 10 Now at the time of the incense offering, the whole assembly of the people was praying outside. 11 Then there appeared to him an angel of the Lord, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. 12 When Zechariah saw him, he was terrified; and fear overwhelmed him. 13 But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will name him John. 14 You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, 15 for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He must never drink wine or strong drink; even before his birth he will be filled with the Holy Spirit. 16 He will turn many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. 17 With the spirit and power of Elijah he will go before him, to turn the hearts of parents to their children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this daily Gospel reading and considering this Luke 1:5-17 Reflection – The Living Flame of Love.
This site has written permission from New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) to use the Luke 1 Bible passage.
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