Moment of Surrender – Reflection on John 15:26-16:4a
As a teenager, I came close to stumbling into spiritual gluttony, nearly reducing Spirit, Christ, and Father to the point of separation. Fortunately, I realized the charismatic group I was in disrupted my attempt at a faith-filled, integrated life. For instance, focusing on speaking in tongues misses all the other, more essential gifts that Saint Paul describes. That experience led me, for some time, to only concentrate on Jesus. Decades ago, when deep prayer came into my life, I realized that a more inclusive believing and knowing of the Trinity’s presence is a more rounded faith approach. Working on knowing the Father through Jesus helps us understand the mingling of our human and divine natures, especially if we place ourselves in ministerial roles. It is difficult, as the “other side” constantly tries to destroy our continuous moment of surrender and immersion into Trinity’s unconditional love. On the other hand, as we learn to process and avoid distractions, there is glorious peace and comfort, and we can physically and spiritually share what we receive from God.
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 15:26-16:4a – Scripture*
26 “When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who comes from the Father, he will testify on my behalf. 27 You also are to testify because you have been with me from the beginning.
John 16:4:1-4
“I have said these things to you to keep you from stumbling. 2 They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, an hour is coming when those who kill you will think that by doing so they are offering worship to God. 3 And they will do this because they have not known the Father or me. 4 But I have said these things to you so that when their hour comes you may remember that I told you about them.
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on John 15:26-16:4a Reflection – Moment of Surrender.
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. Amen
Attributions
*This site has permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible John 15 and John 16 passages.
The Immersive Prayer website follows the guidelines for image use on the Brooklyn and Jewish Museum websites.
Primary Lectio Divina word or phrase: Moment of Surrender
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