Leaning on Love
“For the Souls in Purgatory – Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord”
John 13:21-26
When Jesus had said this, he was deeply troubled in spirit, and testified, “Amen, amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” The disciples looked at one another, at a loss as to whom he meant. One of his disciples, the one whom Jesus loved, was reclining at Jesus’ side. So Simon Peter nodded to him to find out whom he meant. He leaned back against Jesus’ chest and said to him, “Master, who is it?” Jesus answered, “It is the one to whom I hand the morsel after I have dipped it.” So he dipped the morsel and took it and handed it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot.
Grace Prayed For
The grace this passage prompts us to pray for is the grace of intimacy with Jesus. It is the grace to be aware of His constant presence, to trust Him completely, and to lean on Him in all circumstances, both in our joys and our sorrows.
Reflection
In this quiet, tense moment, we see a beautiful and powerful image: a disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, leaning against Jesus’ chest. This is more than just a physical position; it is a profound picture of intimacy and trust. This is not just John’s story; it’s our story. Jesus invites each of us to be this beloved disciple. He knows our names, our hearts, and every fear and joy we carry. He desires for us to lean on Him, to rest in His very being, to find comfort in the rhythm of His heart.
Think about how Jesus has loved you. Maybe it’s a quiet strength that has gotten you through a hard time, or a sudden moment of peace that helped you forgive someone. He has sought you out and called you by name. He makes you His intimate disciple not because of anything you have done, but because He is love itself. He invites you to rest in His love, just like the disciple who leaned on His chest. This is the grace that transforms us from the inside out.
And what is the result of this deep love? A mission. As we lean on Jesus, we hear His heart. We feel the profound love He has for the world, for every person, especially those who are lost or hurting. Our intimacy with Him isn’t just for us; it is so that we can take His love into the world. It is a mission to restore all of creation, to bring His light into every dark corner. When we are full of His love, we can’t help but share it.
Announcing Jesus in Our Lives
Evangelization in Daily Life
Evangelizing isn’t just about big sermons or grand gestures. It’s about letting the love of Jesus overflow from your heart into your daily life.
- A Simple Smile: Offer a warm, genuine smile to the cashier at the grocery store. It’s a simple act of kindness that can be a reflection of God’s love.
- A Listening Ear: Take the time to truly listen to a friend or coworker who is going through a tough time, without interrupting or offering quick fixes.
- Serving Others: Carry a neighbor’s groceries or help a family member with a chore. These small acts of service demonstrate the love of Christ in action.
- Speaking Words of Encouragement: Offer a sincere compliment to a stranger or send a text of encouragement to someone who needs it.
By living a life filled with Christ’s love, you become a partner with Him, fulfilling your baptismal mission and helping to restore all of God’s creation, one encounter at a time.
When Time Allows Reflect on the Posts in Library and Musings
Sharing
Jesus last words on Earth were to his disciples, can be found in Matthew Chap 28 when Jesus told his disciples, “Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Jesus calls all of us to share in his redemptive mission here on Earth. I would ask you to share this Scripture reflection with your family, your friends and your acquaintances, and then share it with a couple of individuals that you may may not be comfortable sharing with, keeping in mind always the words of Jesus, And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age
Author was assisted by AI in the drafting of this Post