Day 1: With Jesus as He Hears of John the Baptist's Death
Take a moment to quiet yourself: close your eyes and take some deep breaths.
Pray this prayer or something similar in your own words: Jesus, help me draw close to you by seeing my suffering in yours and your suffering in mine.
In today's reading, Jesus learns that his cousin, John the Baptist, has been murdered by Herod. Their mothers were close: soon after Mary learned she was pregnant with Jesus, she visited Elizabeth. Jesus and John may have shared a special bond growing up, even before John prepared the way for Jesus' coming.
As you read the passage the first time, slow down with the last few sentences, simply noticing the few concrete details we have about this moment.
Read the passage a second time and imagine you are present as John's disciples arrive to tell Jesus how John died. Where are you: in a home, in the countryside, next to the sea? Are you with John's disciples, with Jesus' disciples, or watching from a distance? What do you see on their faces? Then, as Jesus finds a boat and withdraws to a solitary place, what do you do? Do you watch him leave, or follow quietly behind? What might that time alone with his Father have been like?
As you conclude this first day of imaginative prayer, share with Jesus anything that might be staying with you.
Reflection Questions
Personal reflection:
As you imagine yourself in this scene, what emotions emerge as Jesus hears the news of John's death and withdraws to a solitary place?
Community discussion:
As you consider your own challenges, what in Jesus' experience of grief here resonates with yours? How might your circumstances help you connect with what Jesus may have been experiencing?