See what you See – Reflection on Luke 10:17-24
Once in a while, there are times when it feels like nothing can harm us because we are worthy disciples. Yet, for the most part, if you are like me, we are fragile humans affected by even subtle disturbances. This is especially true in work situations. In these times, a trained habit of thinking, touching, or viewing something sacramental can remind us to pray silently. Even if the prayer lasts for a single breath, clarity can arrive. Once that happens, we can spiritually express a thank you, Father. For instance, I wear the gift of a rosary that I have had to rebuild several times in the more than 30 years I have worn it. No one notices the childlike touch of the hidden Trinity Cross under my shirt. Nor do they know I have the Cross as a reminder. However, they may sense a change of peace with me because I remember that Christ is with us. More importantly, I instantly intellectually can recall numerous times before God became visible in people I met. We are all witnesses to these kinds of moments when Jesus’s words “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see!” become personal for us because we have participated in the calming of distractions or conflicts.
Jesus Discourses with His Disciples by James Tissot (full resolution painting).
More details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
Luke 10:17-24 – Scripture*
The Return of the Seventy
17 The seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, in your name even the demons submit to us!” 18 He said to them, “I watched Satan fall from heaven like a flash of lightning. 19 See, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing will hurt you. 20 Nevertheless, do not rejoice at this, that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
Jesus Rejoices
21 At that same hour Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. 22 All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, or who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.”
23 Then turning to the disciples, Jesus said to them privately, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see! 24 For I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it.”
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on Luke 10:17-24 Reflection – See what you See.
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 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 written permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible Luke 10 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.
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