Imaginative contemplation, developed by St. Ignatius, is a powerful method for engaging with biblical narratives. This approach encourages readers to visualize scenes from the Bible, using their senses and emotions to deepen understanding and connection with the text. By actively participating in the narrative, readers can experience the story as if they are present within it, enhancing both comprehension and spiritual reflection.
This sets up today’s reflection.
If you could go back in time to witness any event described in the Bible, which would you choose? Outside of the Passion days or the cross, what scene throughout Biblical history would you like to witness? The Bread of Life discourse, feeding of the 5,000, Burning Bush, David slaying Goliath, maybe the Annunciation – so many to choose from.
Share on this reflection’s comments that scene and a quick why it is so intriguing.
I’ve spent several days meditating on this post and what I’d like to witness. I’ve imagined myself at the hill, listening to Jesus teach the Beatitudes – Christ looking down and making eye contact. I’ve wondered how I’d be during the Passion, would I have had the courage to stand at the cross, proclaiming ‘this is the Son of God”?
I’ve settled to share my thoughts on one incredible story. The raising of Lazarus. I can imagine hearing Jesus command, “Lazarus, come out.” And, expectedly turning to see Lazarus walk through the doorway. WOW! How did everyone react to seeing this? Some proclaimed this miracle in awe. Some ran, terrified to see a mummy. Even knowing what would come, I can only imagine being in total awe.
“Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” She said to him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one coming into the world.” – John 11:24-26
“Jesus weeps” – John 11:35
“Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, “Lord, already there is a stench because he has been dead four days.” Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?” So they took away the stone. And Jesus looked upward and said, “Father, I thank you for having heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I have said this for the sake of the crowd standing here, so that they may believe that you sent me.” When he had said this, he cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, his hands and feet bound with strips of cloth, and his face wrapped in a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.” – John 11:39-44
Share your scene. Spend time today asking the Holy Spirit to take you there as you read through and reflect upon ‘your’ scene. Then, close your eyes and be there. Imagine the smells, the murmurs, feel the breeze. Let the Holy Spirit guide you and ‘take you’ to this moment.
I’ve often thought about this question, and I keep returning to the road to Emmaus, the moment when their eyes were opened and they recognized Jesus. There’s something so deeply moving about realization and presence in that moment. Thank you for this thoughtful exercise.
Emmaus is a favorite of mine for sure – I can relate to being downcast and having Jesus step in and explain things as He walks with me
He is such an amazing God!