I have lost track of the numerous times I have fallen to my knees because Christ’s mysterious impression gently called me to do something or profoundly be present for someone. Preparing to do or be in these situations requires deep prayer before the encounter. I have no doubt you have participated with divinity in sometimes challenging ways to be a witness to Jesus influencing human souls and hands to produce “works greater than these.” These are the times we know that the indwelling Son glorifies the Father. When we ask Christ for anything, even for an unknown “other,” we become humble witnesses and participants. Our desire and willingness to increase who we are for the Lord is amazingly fulfilling.
Address to Saint Philip, James Tissot painting at full resolution.
More details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
John 14:7-14 – Scripture*
Jesus the Way to the Father
If you know me, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”
8 Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.” 9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own; but the Father who dwells in me does his works. 11 Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; but if you do not, then believe me because of the works themselves. 12 Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If in my name you ask me for anything, I will do it.
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on John 14:7-14 Reflection – Ask Christ for Anything.
Would you like to contribute related thoughts to these Lectio reflections on the Gospel readings? Since Lectio is not the only contemplative prayer style, others might appreciate these types of expressions in this ministry. Do you see God’s grandeur everywhere and unconditionally enjoy sharing the love of Christ that you have inside? Are you willing to be anonymous in what you would share? If so, email me.
Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities get to know your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite worldly distractions.
Attributions
*This site has permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible John 14 passage.
The Immersive Prayer website follows the guidelines for image web use at the Brooklyn Museum and the Jewish Museum websites.