Lectio Reflection on John 8:21-30 – Walking with Jesus
I vividly remember the first time I looked up at what I previously thought was an artist’s interpretation of Jesus cast in bronze mounted on a wooden Cross. Upon the recommendations of my spiritual director, I became enthralled by the writings of John of the Cross. I was alone in the silence of my time slot for Adoration. When my gaze went over the top of the monstrance to the bronzed Jesus, I knew something previously unknown. I now understand that our journeys often include transformational steps with Trinity. The intensity increases even more so after death to “self.” Even before our physical end, we can reach beyond, walking with Jesus in the above and knowing the embrace of I Am’s loving arms.
The Pharisees Question Jesus by James Tissot
The full-resolution painting and more details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
John 8:21-30 – Scripture*
Jesus Foretells His Death
21 Again he said to them, “I am going away, and you will search for me, but you will die in your sin. Where I am going, you cannot come.” 22 Then the Jews said, “Is he going to kill himself? Is that what he means by saying, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come’?” 23 He said to them, “You are from below, I am from above; you are of this world, I am not of this world. 24 I told you that you would die in your sins, for you will die in your sins unless you believe that I am he.” 25 They said to him, “Who are you?” Jesus said to them, “Why do I speak to you at all? 26 I have much to say about you and much to condemn; but the one who sent me is true, and I declare to the world what I have heard from him.” 27 They did not understand that he was speaking to them about the Father. 28 So Jesus said, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will realize that I am he, and that I do nothing on my own, but I speak these things as the Father instructed me. 29 And the one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what is pleasing to him.” 30 As he was saying these things, many believed in him.
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on John 8:21-30 Reflection – Walking with Jesus.
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 8 passage.
The Immersive Prayer website follows the guidelines for image web use at the Brooklyn Museum and the Jewish Museum websites.