Amazed – Luke 2:16-21 Reflection
Have you been like the shepherds headed for Bethlehem, quickly leaving everything behind to see a newborn? Perhaps you have been like Mary, accepting God’s will when asked to step outside your comfort zone. How often have you gone to see and be with Jesus – God among us? If you have, are you not evangelizing as the shepherds did? Isn’t it a reassuring treasure when the beautiful words spoken to Mary by the shepherds and held in her heart about Jesus resonant for you? Do you feel wonder and become amazed by words you read in scripture or hear from others and ponder them in your heart like Mary?
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
Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
Luke 2:16-21 – 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.
Jesus Is Named
21 After eight days had passed, it was time to circumcise the child; and he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on Luke 2:16-21 Reflection – Amazed.
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.