Reading for Formation

Lately I have been listening to www pray-as-you-go.org. Each day includes music, silence, a scripture reading, a few comments or questions, a repeat reading of the passage, a few final comments, and then a bit more music. All this occurs within 15 minutes or less. I find the pace and repetition to be assets to engage with the text.

I would like to share what was read and said for Sunday, September 16. The passage was from Luke 2:33-35.

And the father and mother of the child Jesus were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother, Mary “This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed and a sword will pierce your own soul to.”

For nearly 700 years the prophecy of Simeon has been taken as the first of Mary’s seven sorrows, however the emotion Mary initially shows is amazement at what is being said about Jesus. I might ask myself are there things about Jesus that still amaze me when I read or hear the gospel or has Jesus become to me just a piece of cultural wallpaper?

Simeon’s prediction records another New Testament passage that speaks of the word of God as something alive and active. Is that the sort of effect the gospel has on me?

How does hearing this gospel now with its pronouncement about Jesus and his power to reveal what is true effect how I feel? How hopeful do I feel knowing Jesus can amaze me and help me move beyond my weaknesses and failings?

As the gospel is read again let these words encourage you to name for yourself some of the things you would like Jesus to help you sort out.

And the father and mother of the child Jesus were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother, Mary “This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed and a sword will pierce your own soul to.”

Ask God now in these few closing moments of today’s prayer for the gift of knowing Jesus better, of feeling more deeply drawn to him and so coming to be more like him.

If you listen to this piece you would notice there is no rush to the presentation, but a sense of peace and calm as though the stillness and silence are just as valuable as the words spoken. Could you learn to read or hear the gospel in this way? Could slowing down your reading, repeating the passage and allowing times of quiet enhance your connection with Jesus?