Reflecting Love and Light – Reflection on John 13:31-33A, 34-35
Many years ago, I participated in a retreat on living the Eucharist. When we broke up into groups to discuss the presentation, everyone looked at me until someone said I was to lead the group. For the first time, I realized that years ago, I had humbly moved from a disciple to an apostle of Jesus in the eyes of others. To start the discussion, I suggest we have a silent prayer moment. I recalled their participation in various ministries as I looked at each person. Each person was also a disciple and an apostle in their unique way, reflecting love and light into a hungry world.
The Last Sermon of Our Lord by James Tissot (full resolution image of painting).
More details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website
John 13:31-33A, 34-35 – Scripture*
The New Commandment
31 When he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. 32 If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself and will glorify him at once. 33 Little children, I am with you only a little longer. You will look for me; and as I said to the Jews so now I say to you, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come.’ 34 I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on John 13 – reflecting love and light into a hungry 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 your 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 our communities’ young families experience your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite worldly distractions. Amen
Attributions
* This site has written permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible for the passage of John 13.
This site follows the guidelines for image use on the Brooklyn Museum and the Jewish Museum websites.
Primary Lectio Divina word or phrase: reflecting love and light
Page and discussion group on these Lectio Divina daily Gospel Readings.
Discussion group on St. John of the Cross.