Taste Death – Reflection on John 8:51-59
Fifteen years ago, my daily Lectio reflection for this Bible passage resulted in a poem on what I believe Jesus meant by “never tasting death” titled “Nine Lives.” Now, successfully thriving during advanced cancer confirms my spirit and soul will never taste death. Below is the last Stanza:
At fifty I died a different death, a haunting lasting death to self
This pain of recognizing others needs greater than anything felt
At fifty three it’s a daily death, as night time calls each day end
God’s peace settles in, refreshing me for tomorrow’s resurrection
Complete Nine Lives Poem
The Jews Took Up Rocks to Stone Jesus by James Tissot (full-resolution image of painting).
More details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
John 8:51-59 – Scripture*
51 Very truly, I tell you, whoever keeps my word will never see death.” 52 The Jews said to him, “Now we know that you have a demon. Abraham died, and so did the prophets; yet you say, ‘Whoever keeps my word will never taste death.’ 53 Are you greater than our father Abraham, who died? The prophets also died. Who do you claim to be?” 54 Jesus answered, “If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing. It is my Father who glorifies me, he of whom you say, ‘He is our God,’ 55 though you do not know him. But I know him; if I would say that I do not know him, I would be a liar like you. But I do know him and I keep his word. 56 Your ancestor Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day; he saw it and was glad.” 57 Then the Jews said to him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?” 58 Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, before Abraham was, I am.” 59 So they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple.
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on John 8:51-59 Reflection – Taste Death.
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 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
.Primary Lectio Divina word or phrase: Taste Death
Page and discussion group on these Lectio Divina daily Gospel Readings.
Discussion group on St. John of the Cross.