The Light of God – Reflection on John 3:16-21
In the words of St. John of the Cross, “The Blessed Trinity inhabits the soul by divinely illumining its intellect with the wisdom of the Son, delighting its will in the Holy Spirit, and absorbing it powerfully and mightily in the unfathomed embrace of the Father’s sweetness.” The world needs to see us walk with wisdom and delight, embraced by Trinity that St. John of the Cross so eloquently states. The light of God inside each of us can drive back darkness to reveal the truth of why “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son.” Along with other values, this truth means we are united by the inseparable unity of God in our souls. Harm to one of us causes a ripple to all of us. Love’s wonderful light for one is love for all of us.
The Ascension by James Tissot. (full-resolution image of painting).
More details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Eastertide Reflections
John 3:16-21 – Scripture*
16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.
17 “Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. 18 Those who believe in him are not condemned; but those who do not believe are condemned already, because they have not believed in the name of the only Son of God. 19 And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. 20 For all who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed. 21 But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God.”
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on John 3:16-21 Reflection – The Light of God.
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 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 3 passage.
The Immersive Prayer website follows the guidelines for image web use at the Brooklyn Museum and the Jewish Museum websites.
Primary Lectio Divina word or phrase: The Light of God
Page and discussion group on these Lectio Divina daily Gospel Readings.
Discussion group on St. John of the Cross.