Receive Jesus – Reflection on Luke 9:51-56
At a certain point in our journey towards and with Christ, we realize He has already been journeying with us. Looking back, we can see many times when Christ was right there, but we may not have recognized Him. Christ does not give up on us, seeking us out wherever we may have been, both physically and spiritually. We can understand that He wanted us to be part of where He was for many of these times. However, we should learn from them and not regret these missed opportunities. Our primary spiritual process and destination is where Jesus leads us through grace. The ability to receive Jesus and, therefore, receive grace enables us to share and walk together as Christians on a spiritual path. Accepting grace allows us to be in partial union with God in preparation for a later complete union.
He Went Through the Villages on the way to Jerusalem by James Tissot (full-resolution image of painting)
More details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Luke 9:51-56 – Scripture*
A Samaritan Village Refuses to Receive Jesus
51 When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem. 52 And he sent messengers ahead of him. On their way they entered a village of the Samaritans to make ready for him; 53 but they did not receive him, because his face was set toward Jerusalem. 54 When his disciples James and John saw it, they said, “Lord, do you want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?” 55 But he turned and rebuked them. 56 Then they went on to another village.
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on Luke 9:51-56 Reflection – Receive Jesus.
Would you like to contribute related thoughts to these Lectio reflections of the Gospel readings? Since Lectio is not the only contemplative payer style, others might appreciate other 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 experience your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite worldly distractions.
Attributions
This site has written permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible Luke 9 Bible passage.
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Primary Lectio Divina word or phrase: Receive Jesus
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Discussion group on St. John of the Cross.