Peace not Division – Reflection on John 7:40-53
Over two decades have passed since I sat down in my across-the-country plane seat, and I thought the flight would be exciting because the man next to me had a bible on his lap. Unfortunately, as soon as I mentioned I loved the bible and was Catholic, an initially hostile conversation began regarding Catholic prayer. Waiting for my turn to respond, I remained calm during his rant. I asked if he prayed for and with people he knew in heaven. He then answered yes to a series of questions. His yes to each meant I could state my opinion that we could pray with someone we think is in heaven, since they are spiritually closer to God, including Mary. He felt Catholics were praying to her as if she were God, not asking for her to help. I indicated that the words with, to, and asking for assistance make a big difference. He was stunned when I showed him the now over 30-year-old handmade Rosary I daily wear. His misplaced anger melted when I shared that the Rosary is a mechanism that points me toward and reminds me of Mary’s relationship to Jesus and His love for us. Four hours into a very long Christian faith-filled conversation, I will never forget his agreement that our world needs a common ground of love and peace, not division. From that moment forward, I have been especially open to anyone of faith willing to converse, as I enjoy our commonalities. I have found that a feather touch is far better than a sledgehammer.
The Pharisees Question Jesus by James Tissot (full resolution image of the painting).
More details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website
John 7:40-53 – Scripture*
Division among the People
40 When they heard these words, some in the crowd said, “This is really the prophet.” 41 Others said, “This is the Messiah.” But some asked, “Surely the Messiah does not come from Galilee, does he? 42 Has not the scripture said that the Messiah is descended from David and comes from Bethlehem, the village where David lived?” 43 So there was a division in the crowd because of him. 44 Some of them wanted to arrest him, but no one laid hands on him.
The Unbelief of Those in Authority
45 Then the temple police went back to the chief priests and Pharisees, who asked them, “Why did you not arrest him?” 46 The police answered, “Never has anyone spoken like this!” 47 Then the Pharisees replied, “Surely you have not been deceived too, have you? 48 Has any one of the authorities or of the Pharisees believed in him? 49 But this crowd, which does not know the law—they are accursed.” 50 Nicodemus, who had gone to Jesus before, and who was one of them, asked, 51 “Our law does not judge people without first giving them a hearing to find out what they are doing, does it?” 52 They replied, “Surely you are not also from Galilee, are you? Search and you will see that no prophet is to arise from Galilee.”
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this daily Gospel reading and considering this Lectio Divina John 7:40-53 Reflection – Peace not Division.
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Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities experience your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite the world’s distractions.
Attributions
*This site has permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible John 7 passage.
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Primary Lectio Divina word or phrase: peace not division
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