Luke 13:22-30 Reflection ~
Among other things, being first in the world means seeking pleasure, recognition, prestige, and wealth. The opposite of these vices is the virtue of wanting to be last. This virtue acknowledges the Lord and that neighbors are in front of you, needing your love, mercy, compassion, and prayers. We are not naturally inclined to be last. It is not easy to be at the lowest rank or resist the influence of the cacophony surrounding us. In the challenging quest towards grander virtues, Jesus offers us his hand and heart to help us navigate our way.
He Went Through the Villages on the way to Jerusalem by James Tissot (full resolution) and for more detail at the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
Luke 13:22-30 – Scripture*
The Narrow Door
22 Jesus went through one town and village after another, teaching as he made his way to Jerusalem. 23 Someone asked him, “Lord, will only a few be saved?” He said to them, 24 “Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able. 25 When once the owner of the house has got up and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, ‘Lord, open to us,’ then in reply he will say to you, ‘I do not know where you come from.’ 26 Then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.’ 27 But he will say, ‘I do not know where you come from; go away from me, all you evildoers!’ 28 There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrown out. 29 Then people will come from east and west, from north and south, and will eat in the kingdom of God. 30 Indeed, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.”
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel reading and considering this Lectio Divina Luke 13:22-30 Reflection – To be Last.
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Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities get to know your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite the world’s distractions.
Attributions
This site has written permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible Luke 13 Bible passage.
The Immersive Prayer website follows the guidelines for image web use at the Brooklyn Museum and the Jewish Museum websites.