All These Words – Luke 2:15-20 Reflection
The Nativity of the Lord – Mass at Dawn. If you have raised a pet or animal, you know you must keep an eye out for winged and walking predators. The shepherds trusted the visit of the angel of the Lord so much that they left their animals unattended. to see the newborn Emmanuel, God among us. They trusted that God would protect their animals from harm and let them graze in peace. Perhaps more importantly, these hard-working, honorable, and humble men represent the lowest level of dignity of work, food, and shelter. They left behind what little comforts they had to spend time with the holy family. Have you been like those shepherds or Mary when God has asked you to step outside your comfort zone? If you have, isn’t it wonderful you have done so? Like Mary, don’t you treasure those moments as “all these words?”
The Adoration of the Shepherds by James Tissot (full-resolution image of painting)
More details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Christmastide Reflections
Readings for Christmas Dawn, Day, Vigil, and Night Services
Dawn – This Lectio for Luke 2:15-20 Reflection – All These Words
Day – Lectio for John 1:1-18 Reflection – Grace upon Grace
Vigil – Lectio for Matthew 1:1-25 – Name him Emmanuel
Night – Lectio for Luke 2:1-14 Reflection – Good News
Luke 2:15-20 – Scripture*
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. 17 When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on Luke 2:15-20 Reflection – Luke 2:15-20 Reflection – Treasure All These Words.
This site has written permission from New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) to use the Luke 2 Bible passage.
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 2 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.