Lectio Reflection on John 8:31-42 – The Source of Love
After a Reconciliation, you are free from sin, have been forgiven, and forgiven others, and you know the truth of Christ’s peace. For a moment, all is right with the world, and your heart is full of love. Having been one-on-one in Jesus’s presence, there is a diminished chance that you might sin. You are ready to “do what you have heard from the Father” through Jesus. Unfortunately, if you are like me, as a balloon slowly loses air, our newfound freedom from sin begins to slip away. However, with practice, like any exercise, we can remind ourselves that Christ is there for us. We just need to turn toward Him as the source of love and truth to help prevent our trespasses.
The Pharisees Question Jesus by James Tissot.
The full-resolution painting and more details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website
John 8:31-42 – Scripture*
True Disciples
31 Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” 33 They answered him, “We are descendants of Abraham and have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean by saying, ‘You will be made free’?”
34 Jesus answered them, “Very truly, I tell you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin. 35 The slave does not have a permanent place in the household; the son has a place there forever. 36 So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed. 37 I know that you are descendants of Abraham; yet you look for an opportunity to kill me, because there is no place in you for my word. 38 I declare what I have seen in the Father’s presence; as for you, you should do what you have heard from the Father.”
Jesus and Abraham
39 They answered him, “Abraham is our father.” Jesus said to them, “If you were Abraham’s children, you would be doing what Abraham did, 40 but now you are trying to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. This is not what Abraham did. 41 You are indeed doing what your father does.” They said to him, “We are not illegitimate children; we have one father, God himself.” 42 Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now I am here. I did not come on my own, but he sent me.
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on John 8:31-42 Reflection – The Source of Love.
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 Luke 9 passage.
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