Reflection on Luke 17:5-10 ~
The journey of helping someone understand faith’s depth has milestones. In the early stages, people expect that a favor done is a favor returned. As someone moves further in their journey, expectations change into humble gratitude. It is extremely moving when I observe someone giving without any expectation. Yet, there is more; the truth into transformation for “the other” is to witness an unfolding of spiritual considerations. There is a glorious joy to have participated in the subtle movements of love moving the mulberry tree.
Jesus Discourses with His Disciples by James Tissot (full resolution painting) and for more detail at the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Ordinary time Reflections
Luke 17:5-10 – Scripture (NRSV Bible)
5 The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” 6 The Lord replied, “If you had faith the size of a[c] mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.
7 “Who among you would say to your slave who has just come in from plowing or tending sheep in the field, ‘Come here at once and take your place at the table’? 8 Would you not rather say to him, ‘Prepare supper for me, put on your apron and serve me while I eat and drink; later you may eat and drink’? 9 Do you thank the slave for doing what was commanded? 10 So you also, when you have done all that you were ordered to do, say, ‘We are worthless slaves; we have done only what we ought to have done!’”
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina reflection on Luke 17:5-10 Reflection – Mulberry Tree.
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 17 Bible passage.
The Immersive Prayer website follows the guidelines for image web use at the Brooklyn Museum and the Jewish Museum websites.