Luke 7:18b-23 Reflection ~
St. John the Baptist had participated in the baptism of Jesus, so why does he appear to question Jesus’s authority? I believe St. John knew his disciples needed to be with Jesus and see the results of His light. In this way, they might graciously leave John and follow Jesus to ripple the Good News to others. This grace is the same for any Christian. We should strive not to be the light but humbly reflect the light of Jesus. Optimally we should willingly accept the transforming challenge of being and doing as Jesus requests.
Saint John the Baptist Sees Jesus from Afar by James Tissot. The full-resolution painting and more detail are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Luke 7:18b-23 – Scripture*
Messengers from John the Baptist
18 The disciples of John reported all these things to him. So John summoned two of his disciples 19 and sent them to the Lord to ask, “Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?” 20 When the men had come to him, they said, “John the Baptist has sent us to you to ask, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?’” 21 Jesus had just then cured many people of diseases, plagues, and evil spirits, and had given sight to many who were blind. 22 And he answered them, “Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have good news brought to them. 23 And blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me.”
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on Luke 7:18b-23 Reflection – Our Willing Acceptance of Jesus.
Additional Thoughts
Would you like to contribute related thoughts to these Lectio reflections on the Gospel readings? Since Lectio is not the only contemplative payer 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 7 passage.
The Immersive Prayer website follows the guidelines for image web use at the Brooklyn Museum and the Jewish Museum websites.