Into the World – Reflection on John 10:31-42
We can claim that we are sent into the world as children of God! Witness to miracles; yes. Love God and neighbor; yes. Do good works; yes. Listen to the Word; yes. Be part of a vibrant community; yes. Believe that Christ is God’s Son, our friend and brother; yes. Forgive others; yes. Speak out against hypocrisy, yes. However, we can be compassionate against a disconnected society rejecting an integrated faith life. Undoubtedly, as believers, metaphoric stones are being thrown at us. The truth of the Cross is that the Trinity of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit inside guides and protects us.
The Jews Took Up Rocks to Stone Jesus by James Tissot.
The full-resolution painting and more details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
John 10:3-42 – Scripture*
31 The Jews took up stones again to stone him. 32 Jesus replied, “I have shown you many good works from the Father. For which of these are you going to stone me?” 33 The Jews answered, “It is not for a good work that we are going to stone you, but for blasphemy, because you, though only a human being, are making yourself God.” 34 Jesus answered, “Is it not written in your law, ‘I said, you are gods’? 35 If those to whom the word of God came were called ‘gods’—and the scripture cannot be annulled— 36 can you say that the one whom the Father has sanctified and sent into the world is blaspheming because I said, ‘I am God’s Son’? 37 If I am not doing the works of my Father, then do not believe me. 38 But if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, so that you may know and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.” 39 Then they tried to arrest him again, but he escaped from their hands.
40 He went away again across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing earlier, and he remained there. 41 Many came to him, and they were saying, “John performed no sign, but everything that John said about this man was true.” 42 And many believed in him there.
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on John 10:31-42 Reflection – Into the World.
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 10 passage.
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Primary Lectio Divina word or phrase: Into the World
Page and discussion group on these Lectio Divina daily Gospel Readings.
Discussion group on St. John of the Cross.