Reject Hostility – Reflection on Luke 11:47-54
To emphasize and pass on positive truths, suppressing the negatives inherited from our ancestors is a significant responsibility. Deep in our hearts, we know that the voice of Christ needs to be part of everything we do and who we are. I know first-hand how hard it is to reject hostility when waves of anger, disappointment, and overwhelming emotion rise above everything else. For instance, the vice of our “angry gene” can be challenging to soften without help and effort. It takes time, practice, prayer, listening to the Word, and sometimes someone who can offer advice to reduce anger. When we have endurance and seek God’s help to gather wisdom, our hostility can transform into peace. Jesus needs us to help teach the next generation how to break the cycle of vices. That first step of understanding how vices hide can be instrumental to managing negative emotions. We can accept God’s mercy and forgiveness to reduce hostility to ashes without a flame.
Woe unto You Scribes and Pharisees by James Tissot (full resolution painting).
More details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
Luke 11:47-54 – Scripture*
7 Woe to you! For you build the tombs of the prophets whom your ancestors killed. 48 So you are witnesses and approve of the deeds of your ancestors; for they killed them, and you build their tombs. 49 Therefore also the Wisdom of God said, ‘I will send them prophets and apostles, some of whom they will kill and persecute,’ 50 so that this generation may be charged with the blood of all the prophets shed since the foundation of the world, 51 from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah, who perished between the altar and the sanctuary. Yes, I tell you, it will be charged against this generation. 52 Woe to you lawyers! For you have taken away the key of knowledge; you did not enter yourselves, and you hindered those who were entering.”
53 When he went outside, the scribes and the Pharisees began to be very hostile toward him and to cross-examine him about many things, 54 lying in wait for him, to catch him in something he might say.
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on Luke 11:47-54 Reflection – Reject Hostility.
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 11 passage.
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