Hands and Feet of Jesus – Reflection on Luke 1:57-66, 80
I am sure that you are constantly amazed at how children can be the hands and feet of Jesus, spreading their strong independent wings in their unique ways to bring beauty and joy into the world. If you are responsible for children in any way, I am sure you know these blessings of a child. Circumstances played a part in the spiritual naming of one of my children. As each child came into our family, I felt truly blessed, reminded again by people at my children’s Baptisms. As I observe each child throughout their life, I can see the interior values and strength instilled in their youth. I am also now a grandfather and can see that same strength in my grandchild. I am not alone in these observations, as I am sure you cherish God at work with the children in your life. St. Theresa of Alivar, in her Poem Christ has no body but yours expresses these moments:
No hands, no feet on earth but yours,
Yours are the eyes with which He looks
Compassion on this world.
Portrait of Zacharias and Elizabeth by James Tissot (full-resolution painting).
More details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Luke 1:56-66, 80 – Scripture*
The Birth of John the Baptist
57 Now the time came for Elizabeth to give birth, and she bore a son. 58 Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her.
59 On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him Zechariah after his father. 60 But his mother said, “No; he is to be called John.” 61 They said to her, “None of your relatives has this name.” 62 Then they began motioning to his father to find out what name he wanted to give him. 63 He asked for a writing tablet and wrote, “His name is John.” And all of them were amazed. 64 Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue freed, and he began to speak, praising God. 65 Fear came over all their neighbors, and all these things were talked about throughout the entire hill country of Judea. 66 All who heard them pondered them and said, “What then will this child become?” For, indeed, the hand of the Lord was with him.
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel reading and considering this Luke 1:57-66, 80 Reflection – Children.
This site has written permission from New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) to use the Luke 1 Bible passage.
Additional Thoughts
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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 permission in writing from New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) to use the Luke 1 Bible passage.
This site follows the guidelines for image web use at the Brooklyn Museum and the Jewish Museum websites.