Light of the World – Reflection on John 8:12-20
As Christians, we are aware of the Light of the World inside. Our testimony can be valid because we are filled with the Trinity and are witnesses of Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and the Father. However, proclaiming about this light becomes suspect if we push divinity’s whispers aside to be replaced by our humanness. When we do not embrace the fullness of divinity, our witness of Jesus’s love flowing from within can become two-faced. One of the faces is not virtuous and contains subtle envy, jealousy, or bitterness. Our commitment to let Jesus’ light shine through us means we should not let the vices of darkness cause others to misjudge Christianity by human standards.
The Pharisees Question Jesus by James Tissot (full resolution image of the painting).
More details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website
John 8:12-20 – Scripture*
Jesus the Light of the World
12 Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” 13 Then the Pharisees said to him, “You are testifying on your own behalf; your testimony is not valid.” 14 Jesus answered, “Even if I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is valid because I know where I have come from and where I am going, but you do not know where I come from or where I am going. 15 You judge by human standards; I judge no one. 16 Yet even if I do judge, my judgment is valid; for it is not I alone who judge, but I and the Father who sent me. 17 In your law it is written that the testimony of two witnesses is valid. 18 I testify on my own behalf, and the Father who sent me testifies on my behalf.” 19 Then they said to him, “Where is your Father?” Jesus answered, “You know neither me nor my Father. If you knew me, you would know my Father also.” 20 He spoke these words while he was teaching in the treasury of the temple, but no one arrested him, because his hour had not yet come.
Thank you for meditating on this daily Gospel reading and considering this Lectio Divina reflection on John 8:12-20 – Light of the World.
Additional Thoughts
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 our communities’ young families 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 8.
The Immersive Prayer website follows the guidelines for image use on the Brooklyn Museum and the Jewish Museum websites.
Primary Lectio Divina word or phrase: Light of the World.
Page and discussion group on these Lectio Divina daily Gospel Readings.
Discussion group on St. John of the Cross.