Today’s Gospel: John 14:21-26
This gospel passage is a typical example from the Gospel of John—deep, with layers of meaning and odd, cryptic language which could easily lead us in circles of confusion. For example, “Whoever has my commandments and observes them.” The verb is not hears or listens but has, which really does not make sense intellectually.
In addition, John’s dialogue is often irritating because Jesus does not seem to answer questions directly. When Judas asks, “What happened that you will reveal yourself to us and not to the world?” the text says that Jesus answered him, but He doesn’t; rather He merely repeats the opening command that we must love, obey, and keep His words.
The best way to read this passage and most of John’s gospel is with our hearts, allowing the words to soak into our spirits. As you read this beautiful description of our intimate relationship with God, the Almighty Ruler of the entire universe, let John’s words nourish you spiritually.
Jesus tells us both He and the Eternal, Immortal Father will come to us and make their dwelling within us.
Then, Jesus promises even more. When He leaves His disciples physically, He will send “The Advocate, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my name—he will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you.”
John’s poetic style strikes just the right note to reach our hearts because it is mystical and mysterious. If we simply allow his words to seep into our hearts, his words are powerful.
Ponder:
How do I read the gospel of St. John–with my heart as well as my intellect?
Pray:
Lord, open my heart and spirit so that your words actually nourish my inner life and change me.
joy of nine9 
Thank you for this, and I see what you are saying. I enjoy learning from others (thoughts) God Bless and thank you again
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Why does the interpretation does not point the reality that the word of God is a SPIRIT and gives Life.GOD and HIS words are one in the SPIRIT,JOHN 6:63. And in John 4-24, Jesus told the SAMARITAN LADY that GOD is a SPIRIT, that this is what the FATHER is looking for, that every believer should worship GOD in TRUTH ( THE GOSPEL is the TRUTH, for GOD is the GOD of TRUTH) and in SPIRIT. Jesus knew for the FACT that HE was created through the POWER of THE FATHERS HOLY SPIRIT through the VIRGIN MARY. That HE is the WORD of THE FATHER who INCARNATE.Jesus told us that whosoever LOVED HIM must know HIS WORDS, Why? Because there is a process of transformation when you know the WORD of GOD and GOD the FATHER will reveal HIS presence to us through the PRESENCE of the Holy Spirit which is OUR LIFE, ( The ARMOR of GOD is HIS WORDS, Ephesians 6-10-20 ) Remember that Jesus Christ is the only begotten SON of The FATHER through HIS HOLY SPIRIT of the VIRGIN MARY. ( John 6-63 further more states that, It is the SPIRIT that gives LIFE).In John 14-6 Jesus foretold us that He is the WAY the TRUTH and the LIFE.No one comes to the FATHER except through ME. Take note that if JESUS is the LIFE, and in John 6-63 states that IT IS THE SPIRIT that gives LIFE therefore Jesus Christ and THE FATHER will dwell in us, that’s if WE will LOVE HIM and HIS WORDS are IN US.In ROMANS 8-15, The Spirit you received does not make you slaves so that you will live in fear again,rather the SPIRIT you received brought about your adoption to Son ship.”and by him we cry ” ABBA”.or ‘ FATHER “.Therefore this led us to the point that GOD is LIFE. and that the SPIRIT is GOD and created HIS only BEGOTTEN SON JESUS CHRIST through the FATHERS HOLY SPIRIT unto the VIRGIN MARY ( 1 Cor.6-19-20, the body is the temple of the Holy Spirit ) ( the only woman chosen by GOD THE FATHER ).that if we know HIS words and follow it,,THE FATHER AND SON WILL DWELL in us through the PRESENCE of THE HOLY SPIRIT WHO is THE LIFE of EVERYONE..So what makes irritating on JOHN’S DIALOGUE? according to the explanation above..is it because JESUS doesn’t answer question directly? The answer is BIG NO..GOD wanted us to use the wisdom that HE has given us. It is all revealed in the BIBLE who is GOD, and WHERE is GOD. HE is teaching us how to grow SPIRITUALITY. As HE SAID, I WILL SHOW MY FACE TO THOSE WHO SEEK ME DILIGENTLY.
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of course I agree with everything you have written- these gospel reflections written for CatholicMom simply give a short impression, simplyy ONE facet of the truth. It is not a theological dissertation
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I agree…sometimes simplicity and heart gets us a lot closer to God than intellectual fussing.
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Reblogged this on hugsnblessings and commented:
As a member of the Association of Catholic Women Bloggers I LOVE when the Lord provides spare time for me to read fellow Catholic Women’s Blogs! One of my favorite’s is: joy of nine9 written by Melanie Jean Juneau. I find myself often lost in the artwork she uses that always seems to marry beautifully with the words she has written. I have reblogged one of her recent posts and I hope you agree that not only do her words draw you into the lessons of the gospel but the artwork brings them to life!
God bless you Melanie for sharing the gift God has given you to add beauty to His teachings!
Hugs n’ Blessings!!
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wow- speechless for once- enjoy the silence 🙂
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