I am broken and weak in many ways, yet with prayer, faith, and trust, Jesus temporarily repairs my deficiencies as needed. My awareness increases when I am in a ministry situation. I often pause when I share one of these personal mini miracles with someone that I trust for the first time. Their expression turning into a smile lets me know if their faith allows the belief that this “brief” repair is possible. It is a beautiful cycle because the exchange also strengthens the reality of my faith. I become joyful because I can recall the past, be in the present, and look forward to future times when I can become amazed at beliefs.
Jesus Teaches in the Synagogue by James Tissot.
The full-resolution painting and more details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
Mark 6:1-6 – Scripture*
He left that place and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. 2 On the sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astounded. They said, “Where did this man get all this? What is this wisdom that has been given to him? What deeds of power are being done by his hands! 3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon, and are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. 4 Then Jesus said to them, “Prophets are not without honor, except in their hometown, and among their own kin, and in their own house.” 5 And he could do no deed of power there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and cured them. 6 And he was amazed at their unbelief.
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on Mark 6:1-6 Reflection – Amazed at Beliefs.
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 Mark 6 passage.
The Immersive Prayer website follows the guidelines for image web use at the Brooklyn Museum and the Jewish Museum websites.