Luke 7:24-30

Meditatio (Reflecting)

I tell you, among those born of women, no one is greater than John; yet the least in the Kingdom of God is greater than he.

Oratio (Responding)

This is Luke’s version of the gospel that we heard on Sunday from matthew. Jesus is saying two things that are very profound here. First that John is the greatest among men. This does not mean that he is disrespecting his mother at all. Mary was given a special gift of being free of original sin. She could still choose it, but she didn’t, and we believe that it did not pull on and tempt her like it does to us. But of men that were born with original sin, John was the best of us. Some believe that God gave John a special gift of freedom from sin after he was born, but this is only a pius belief, and it is not taught by the church dogmatically. So that is the first thing that he is distinguishing John as a very great man. the second thing that is important about this statement is how it gives us an insight into the kingdom of heaven. That after we die, if we are in a state of grace, and after we make it through the purification of purgatory, anyone that makes it to heaven and sits in the pressence of the lord even the lowest person in heaven, is greater than anyone here on earth. That is amazing to contemplate, and deserves some time and attention to ponder and consider. So sit with that today, and ask yourself what in you needs to be burned away in purgatory, and what parts of you need to be grown and improved in order to be worthy to be in gods pressence. Start working on that today, so that you can lessen your time in purgatory.

Contemplatio (Contemplating)

Take time to simply remain in the presence of God.

Resolutio (Resolving)

Oh lord, enlightedn my soul today so that I can come to understand your will for me, and so that I can become that, and eventually be with you in heaven for eternity.