I Say to You Rise – Reflection on Luke 7:11-17
Occasionally I am reminded by others that I need to acknowledge that I try to be realistic, honest, and vulnerable in the oftentimes challenging task of trying to be a Christian. My hope is these Lectio reflections resonate for you in your own journeys. I have been trying to slow my pace down in an intentional, more Christ-like behavior for almost two decades. For instance, I changed my driving speed to no more than ten miles an hour over the limit, and I more consciencely wait my turn at stop signs and rotaries. The result is better observance and consideration of unprotected pedestrians, motorcycles, and bicycles. Unfortunately, other drivers are not thrilled with me, and I get distracted by angry looks and horn blasting. I have also increased my morning prayer time for others, but that also comes with a significant cost of increased distractions. These examples are related to Newton’s third law of motion, that every action has an equal and opposite reaction. My desire to pay more attention to others is spiritually oriented, and it takes courage and hard work to counter numerous distractions. I am confident Jesus has said, “Young man, I say to you rise!” to me in uncountable times in subtle ways. I believe He is guiding a more than decades-long, slowly progressing rise from my “death to self.”
The Resurrection of the Widows Son by James Tissot (full resolution painting).
More details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
Luke 7:11-17 – Scripture*
Jesus Raises the Widow’s Son at Nain
11 Soon afterwards he went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went with him. 12 As he approached the gate of the town, a man who had died was being carried out. He was his mother’s only son, and she was a widow; and with her was a large crowd from the town. 13 When the Lord saw her, he had compassion for her and said to her, “Do not weep.” 14 Then he came forward and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, “Young man, I say to you, rise!” 15 The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother. 16 Fear seized all of them; and they glorified God, saying, “A great prophet has risen among us!” and “God has looked favorably on his people!” 17 This word about him spread throughout Judea and all the surrounding country.
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on Lectio Divina reflection on Luke 7:11-17 – I Say to you Rise.
Would you like to contribute related thoughts to these Lectio reflections of the Gospel readings or other contemplative material to this Web-based 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 the world’s distractions.
Attributions
This site has written permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible Luke 7 Bible passage.
The Immersive Prayer website follows the guidelines for image web use at the Brooklyn Museum and the Jewish Museum websites.
Facebook discussion group on St. John of the Cross.
Facebook page on Lectio Divina daily Gospel Readings.
This Lectio Divina on Matthew 19:16-22 on Giving up Much is in the Lectionary season of Ordinary Time.
Additional Lectio Divina Scripture reflections are available by season.