Gospel Meditation: 6th Sunday of Easter

Today I offer prayer in a meditative way, rather than a contemplative way as today’s Gospel does not lend itself easily to constructing an imaginative scene. Meditation in the Ignatian tradition is: “a reflective process by which we enter the richness of God’s word and hear that word as spoken to us personally today” [Timothy Gallagher, OMV in Meditation and Contemplation: An Ignatian Guide to Praying with Scripture] Ignatius said that meditation specifically engages our memory, thoughts, and will. We hear the word of God, and we ponder it. We notice any words, images, or ideas that speak to our hearts. We stay with those words, images, or ideas, noticing what feelings, memories, or thoughts arise in us. And we speak to God about all of this.

Read the Gospel passage twice. The first time, just read to get a sense of it, to hear what is being said. The second time, notice any word or phrase, image, or idea that speaks to your heart or “shimmers” for you. Stay with that word, image, or idea and ponder its meaning. Notice how it makes you feel. Let God’s Spirit guide your thinking, imagining, remembering. Savor the experience.

This week’s gospel, like last week’s, is part of a long discourse in given by Jesus at the Last Supper in John’s Gospel. The discourse follows immediately after Jesus washes his disciples’ feet – he is clearly trying to prepare them for when he will no longer be physically present with them. In this week’s passage, Jesus connects love for him with following his commandments. This declaration follows shortly after the “mandatum” – Jesus’ commandment to wash one another’s feet – which gives us an idea of what loving Jesus and following his commandments might look like.

• Choose a position where you can be relaxed but alert.
• Breathe deeply several times and let your body relax
• Breathe out any worries or stressful thoughts and put them in God’s hands
• Become aware of God’s presence here with you now, looking at you with love.

• Ask God for whatever you need at this time during this prayer period.

Read the passage slowly, savoring the words and beginning to imagine the scene. Read it twice if that helps you to visualize it.

John 14:15-21

Jesus says, “if you love me, you will keep my commandments.” What is Jesus saying to you personally when he says “keep my commandments?”

If you are not sure, you might want to ask Jesus.

Jesus says that he will send an Advocate, a helper, the Spirit, to remain in you – and that you yourself will remain in Jesus and he in you, as he is in the Father. He will not leave you orphaned. What does this mean to you? How do you feel?

Is there another word or a phrase that caught your attention as you listened to the Gospel? Ponder it. What does it mean? What feelings, what memories, what thoughts arise in you as you pay attention?

Take a few moments to talk with Jesus about all you have reflected on, and how you are feeling right now. When you are ready, close with a favorite prayer.