Believe in Christ – Lectio Reflection on John 5:31-47
Do we reflect the Father’s Son’s light, and what of our journey towards the Cross? We should try to witness our journey to others despite our obstacles. One of mine is reading aloud. For instance, when I lead the Rosary, I know my learning disability will kick in. Verbalizing a Hail Mary sometimes becomes unrecognizable within my mind, yet I have learned to trust Jesus. With their strong voices, fellow believers build confidence that nothing is wrong despite what I hear seems like ramblings. I have learned to ignore the sorrow and disappointment whispered inside my head because the Holy Spirit’s gift of courage takes over. Perhaps a tiny miracle as the bumps in prayer smooth out in the mingling of all. When people tell me it was a nice Rosary or anything I read, it confirms that God wants me to testify in faith by reading aloud. To believe in Christ and His compassion and practicing with and for others is a grace. The Father’s light shines each time; everyone shares in Jesus’s Glory.
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The Pharisees Question Jesus by James Tissot
The full-resolution painting and more details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
John 5:31-47 – Scripture*
Witnesses to Jesus
31 “If I testify about myself, my testimony is not true. 32 There is another who testifies on my behalf, and I know that his testimony to me is true. 33 You sent messengers to John, and he testified to the truth. 34 Not that I accept such human testimony, but I say these things so that you may be saved. 35 He was a burning and shining lamp, and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light. 36 But I have a testimony greater than John’s. The works that the Father has given me to complete, the very works that I am doing, testify on my behalf that the Father has sent me. 37 And the Father who sent me has himself testified on my behalf. You have never heard his voice or seen his form, 38 and you do not have his word abiding in you, because you do not believe him whom he has sent.
39 “You search the scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that testify on my behalf. 40 Yet you refuse to come to me to have life. 41 I do not accept glory from human beings. 42 But I know that you do not have the love of God in you. 43 I have come in my Father’s name, and you do not accept me; if another comes in his own name, you will accept him. 44 How can you believe when you accept glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the one who alone is God? 45 Do not think that I will accuse you before the Father; your accuser is Moses, on whom you have set your hope. 46 If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me. 47 But if you do not believe what he wrote, how will you believe what I say?”
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on John 5:31-47 Reflection – Believe in Christ.
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 get to know 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 5 passage.
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Primary Lectio Divina word or phrase: Believe in Christ
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Discussion group on St. John of the Cross.