Loving Response – Luke 9:46-50 Reflection
You likely know people who can manipulate a conversation to their favor. Listening to the depth of the changed conversation can be challenging until you understand. This is especially true if you feel it may be necessary to comment. We can use St. John as an example. It is possible St. John knew he was supposed to subtly shift the conversation about who was the greatest. Perhaps St John did this so the other disciples could let what Jesus said affect their hearts. Jesus’s response is helpful for future disciples to more readily comprehend a loving response to awkward conversations in the same way a child would respond.
Jesus and the Little Child by James Tissot (full-resolution image of painting).
More details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Ordinary time Reflections
Luke 9:46-50 – Scripture*
True Greatness
46 An argument arose among them as to which one of them was the greatest. 47 But Jesus, aware of their inner thoughts, took a little child and put it by his side, 48 and said to them, “Whoever welcomes this child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me; for the least among all of you is the greatest.”
Another Exorcist
49 John answered, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he does not follow with us.” 50 But Jesus said to him, “Do not stop him; for whoever is not against you is for you.”
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on Luke 9:46-50 Reflection – Jesus’s Loving Response.
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 your 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 experience your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite worldly distractions. Amen.
Attributions
* This site has written permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible for the passage of Luke 9.
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Primary Lectio Divina word or phrase: Loving Response
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