Ignatian + Wheat + Blessings + Conversions
Today’s Scripture Reading
Luke 6: 17-26 But I will be referencing back to Luke 6: 1-26.
Dear Friend,
As we journey together toward deeper listening, I will begin introducing the Ignatian method for approaching and reading scripture. I love this method, and you can learn more about it in a later post, but the scripture lesson for this week felt well suited for this story-based style of listening.
The actual lesson only includes verses 17-26 (link above), but for context, I’d like to take us back to Luke 6 verse 1 (also in a link above). To help frame this devotion, I’d like to share an understanding of how Jesus himself approached his ancient Jewish scriptures as observed by Father Richard Rohr, a Franciscan.
“Jesus clearly did not treat each of his own Jewish scriptures equally. He ignored or openly disobeyed those that were violent, imperialistic, tribal, exclusionary, or merely cultural purity codes. He highlighted, against his own tradition, many ignored texts that were inclusive, merciful, and forgiving. Jesus consistently operated out of a worldview of abundance, because for him grace was not scarce but infinite.”(1) As we begin to practice or introduce the Ignatian Method, in its simplest form it is a way to step into the scene and be a part of or an observer. While you are there, take a moment to talk with Jesus and listen as friends. If you have a prayer journal, you may want it next to you for this reflection.
The Scripture Reflection Using a Modified Ignatian Method
Story 1
Jesus is walking along with his disciples who take some grain and eat it. As if trying to “catch them in some terrible act” the Pharisees immediately call them out - you are working on the Sabbath. Jesus’ response is to take what was supposed to be the “law” and turn it upside down. He dismisses their accusations for the sake of feeding others.
Can you see the scene? Pause and walk alongside Jesus. Allow the warm sun on your face. Open your hand and receive the grain from his kind and nourishing hands. Take what time you need here. What do you ask him? What does Jesus say to you?
Story 2
After this encounter, the author of Luke then tells us that Jesus heals on the Sabbath. “I ask you,” Jesus says, “is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the sabbath, to save life or to destroy it?” Again, Jesus is turning the law upside down - dismissing it for the sake of someone who needs healing. “Stretch out your hand,” he says.
Where are you in this story? What is crippling you? What are you holding on to like the Pharisees? Take what time you need here. What do you say to Jesus? What does Jesus say to you?
Story 3
Next, the author tells us that Jesus calls the disciples by name and they follow. Then he finds a level place where he teaches and heals the great crowd that has gathered around them. People are healed of diseases and unclean spirits. They are pushing forward to reach out and touch him knowing and trusting that the simple act of touch will change them and make them more whole.
Are you brave enough, desperate enough, to reach out and touch Jesus knowing it will change you? Do you make space for someone with a greater need to go before you? What does it feel like? Take what time you need here. What does Jesus say to you?
Story 4
Finally, in our lesson from Sunday, Jesus turns to the disciples. “Blessed are you,” he shares. Blessed are you who are hungry and poor and weeping. Blessed are you when people hate you and revile you. Blessed are you.
And Woe to you. Woe, meaning watch out. Watch out, to those who are rich and full and laughing. Watch out when people speak well of you.
Are you blessed or are you watching out? Is it even fair to say? Can we ever say if we are saint and sinner in all we do? Take what time you need here. What does Jesus say to you?
Processing
What is it like to walk into the story and see yourself there, among the disciples and the crowd? What is it like to pause and listen for Jesus to speak to you?
Does he?
When I first started the practice of listening more deeply to God I thought I had to have this “conversion” experience every time, much like what was described to me during revivals as a child. “Give your life to Christ and then you will be saved. You will be changed!” But it never felt “right” to me. I felt I was always waiting for this smack over the head or bright light or something, which honestly made me feel like I was doing it wrong; like I was an imposter.
Friends, we can’t fabricate or summon up a conversion experience for ourselves (or for anyone else). We can’t have expectations for how and when God will speak and when we will actually hear.
We can practice though.
We can pause and walk into a scripture reading and sit with Jesus as he opens our hearts to the love and grace he offers again and again. We can grow as he challenges our limited understandings and ability to comprehend his boundless grace and love. The more we practice the deeper our ability to listen will seep into the good soil growing strong roots of compassion, understanding, and joy.
As you journey through the rest of this week, know that Christ journeys with you - feeding you, healing you, and blessing you again and again and again.
Grace and peace,
Mitzie
Today’s Deeper Practice
Take some time in your prayer journal to reflect on this reading.
Reference:
Essential Teachings on Love by Richard Rohr. Published by Orbis. This quote is found on page 3.