“Ah, The Sheer Grace” – Reflection on John 16:20-23
To quote John of the Cross, “One dark night, fired with love’s urgent longings, ah, the sheer grace!” as nothing seems to get in the way of joy. John of the Cross also speaks of times during these nights of sense and soul when God seems to abandon the person. creating significant anguish and pain. This process of losing the sense of God’s presence is actually when hidden purifying grace transforms the person with a new hunger, a taste of love’s perfection; all is gained, not lost. Like a spiraling roller coaster, we must wait out the fear of the unknown and then climb towards complete joy. These nights inform us through our soul, assuring us we can ask when we are ready to give it all away. “Ah, the sheer grace” is part of the wonder of the mystery of prayer and asking in Jesus’s name and receiving!
The Exhortation to the Apostles by James Tissot painting at full resolution.
More details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
John 16:20-23 – Scripture*
20 Very truly, I tell you, you will weep and mourn, but the world will rejoice; you will have pain, but your pain will turn into joy. 21 When a woman is in labor, she has pain, because her hour has come. But when her child is born, she no longer remembers the anguish because of the joy of having brought a human being into the world. 22 So you have pain now; but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. 23 On that day you will ask nothing of me. Very truly, I tell you, if you ask anything of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. 24 Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete.
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on John 16:20-23 Reflection – Sheer Grace!
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 16 passage.
The Immersive Prayer website follows the guidelines for image web use at the websites of the Brooklyn Museum and the Jewish Museum.
Primary Lectio Divina word or phrase: Sheer Grace
Page and discussion group on these Lectio Divina daily Gospel Readings.
Discussion group on St. John of the Cross.