Belonging to the Truth – Reflection on John 18:33b-37
What does Jesus mean by belonging to the truth? What would you perceive if you could take a moment to eliminate all distractions? Could you allow yourself to enter a deep prayerful focus on God? If you have done so, it is a joyful, peaceful, and spiritual thirst-filling time. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit fill you with love. As you focus only on God, the transcendent within transforms you. If you believe love is the truth, receiving this glorious gift means you are a bridge between love and the world. Let Christ’s voice be full of peace, comfort, and love, flowing from you to others.
Jesus Before Pilate First Interview by James Tissot
Additional details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
John 18:33b-37 – Scripture*
3 Then Pilate entered the headquarters again, summoned Jesus, and asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” 34 Jesus answered, “Do you ask this on your own, or did others tell you about me?” 35 Pilate replied, “I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me. What have you done?” 36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.” 37 Pilate asked him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.”
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on John 18:33b-37.
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 the young families of our communities 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 18.
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Primary Lectio Divina word or phrase: John 18:33b-37 Reflection – Belonging to the Truth
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