Help Reveal Christ – Reflection on John 15:18-21
There are signs we are in rather than of the world, such as needing to distance ourselves from some conversations, decreased need for recognition, and, like breathing, practicing daily solace in prayer. For even the strongest Christians, a complete exit from of the world is rare. Despite the harsh reality of the necessary struggles, Christ desires that most of us remain in even if we are unconsciously not fully surrendered, to help reveal Christ. It is also possible to carefully straddle to be in the world for ministry, family, and the flexibility and partial participation of the world when necessary. To understand what partially participating of the world means is not abandoning our Christianity, but still enjoying the occasional luxuries of the world, such as a nice restaurant meal with friends or family.
The Exhortation to the Apostles by James Tissot (image of painting at full resolution.)
More details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Eastertide Reflections
John 15:18-21 – Scripture*
The World’s Hatred
18 “If the world hates you, be aware that it hated me before it hated you. 19 If you belonged to the world, the world would love you as its own. Because you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world—therefore the world hates you. 20 Remember the word that I said to you, ‘Servants are not greater than their master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you; if they kept my word, they will keep yours also. 21 But they will do all these things to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me.
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on John 15:18-21 Reflection – Help Reveal Christ.
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 experience 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 15 passage.
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Primary Lectio Divina word or phrase: Help Reveal Christ
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Discussion group on St. John of the Cross.
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