Gentleness
Although we usually portray Mary, the mother of Jesus as a gentle woman, this doesn’t imply that all was happiness and joy in her life. There were many things that caused her to ponder, and even to worry. Today in our scripture we hear Simeon predicting that “A sword will pierce your own soul.”
Can we imagine what she made of that?
How does Mary, as revealed in Scripture embody gentleness for us?
Today’s Prayer
Preparation: Begin by stilling; then dedicating the time of prayer to God and asking God that all you think, feel and imagine are for the glory of God.
Gift: Ask for what you desire. Suggestion: To understand the true meaning of gentleness.
Setting: Today’s Scripture is set in the Temple in Jerusalem. Imagine you are one of the characters in the story. What does the story say to you? Imaginative Contemplation.
Scripture
Luke 2: 25-35 NIVUK
Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:
“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you may now dismiss your servant in peace.
For my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and the glory of your people Israel.”
The child’s father and mother marvelled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”
Conversation: Talk to Jesus in your own words as a friend
Final Prayer: End with a formal prayer such as the Lord’s Prayer/Our Father.
Today’s Music
Gentle Woman