As you Father – Reflection on John 17:20-26
“As you Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.“ Jesus’ prayer for us is one of His instances of not using a parable. Jesus expresses His desire for everyone to be in perfect union with God. He is clear that He wants us to participate with divinity, not in the future after our passing, but within the immediate reality of the here and now. Christ continuously gives us what we need to do, so that we may live in the spiritual sense of Glory. Our invitation is to walk through invisible and human-made barriers with our minds, bodies, and souls, united with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. In doing so, we become the physical and spiritual reality to others.
The Transfiguration by James Tissot painting at full resolution.
More details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website
Additional Eastertide Reflections
John 17:20-26 – Scripture*
20 “I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, 21 that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one, 23 I in them and you in me, that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. 24 Father, I desire that those also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory, which you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world.
25 “Righteous Father, the world does not know you, but I know you; and these know that you have sent me. 26 I made your name known to them, and I will make it known, so that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.”
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on John 17:20-26 Reflection – As you, Father.
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 the distractions of the world. Amen
Attributions
*This site has permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible John 17 Bible passage.
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Primary Lectio Divina word or phrase: As you Father