march 21
Lent 5
Some Greeks Seek Jesus
20 Now among those who went up to worship at the feast were some Greeks. 21 So these came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and asked him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” 22 Philip went and told Andrew; Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. 23 And Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.25 Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.
The Son of Man Must Be Lifted Up
27 “Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose I have come to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” 29 The crowd that stood there and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.” 30 Jesus answered, “This voice has come for your sake, not mine. 31 Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out. 32 And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”33 He said this to show by what kind of death he was going to die.
The gospel according to john
John 12:20-33
- How would you describe Jesus’ posture toward his suffering as he anticipates his Passion? Look especially at his words in verses 23-28 and 30-32. How would you describe our culture’s posture toward suffering? What does it look like to face suffering like Jesus in our context today? What does it look like in your own life?
- Throughout the passage, where do you find windows into Jesus’ relationship with his Father as he faces his Passion? How do you see the Father meeting Jesus as he walks the road toward his death?
- Spend some time in silence and ask the Lord to show you how he is meeting you in the suffering in your life.
If you are comfortable, share with someone else and pray for each other. Close by praying together for Holy Week.
Ask the Lord to pour out his Spirit so that we can worship Jesus crucified and glorified.
visio divina
Christ Crucified, by Luis Tristán circa 1624, Oil on canvas, 83.8” x 119” /
El Greco Museum, Toledo.
What are you most drawn to in this image?
How are your emotions stirred by it?
Ask the Lord to increase your holy desires.
Luis Tristán’s painting is considered one of the most moving images of Calvary from the Spanish school. This work and others were influenced by the artist’s teacher, El Greco. A great devotional success in the early 17th century, it inspired priests’ sermons and opened the imaginations of believers to the power of the cross.
Jesus appears here in frailty, on the verge of releasing his soul to the Father. Tristán painted the elongated figure, expressive hands, and small head to stand out against a somber background with great effect.
How does this portrayal of Jesus’ humiliation make you feel?
Imagine how puzzled and confused the disciples and Jesus’ mother felt when he foretold his impending death and resurrection. Jesus’ followers expected a messiah who would free them from Roman occupation and rule a new Jerusalem in glory. They must have felt lost and helpless before his crucified figure, unable to fathom his coming resurrection.
Do you carry any feelings of helplessness, defeat, or worry about the future? The Holy Spirit offers supernatural grace when our circumstances seem unbearable. Ask the Lord to take your despair or anxiety and replace them with his hope and peace. He is delighted with our asking and will not disappoint.
Settling and Noticing (eyes open) – 2 minutes
- Take a few deep breaths. Settle into this present moment. Open your heart to God.
- Explore all of the details, colors, movements, and shapes in the image. Then focus more intently on a single aspect of the larger image.
Savoring and Pondering (eyes closed) – 1 minute
- Staying with the part of the image you are drawn to, close your eyes, and recreate or visualize that aspect of the image in your mind’s eye.
- While your eyes are still closed, notice any images, feelings, thoughts or memories from your life that might arise in association with this image
Conclusion (eyes opened or closed) – 2 minutes
- How does the image and your response to it meet you at this particular moment of your life?
- Have a little conversation with God about whatever has arisen in your heart during this exercise. You might find it helpful to write down what happened as you prayed with this image.
Musical Devotion
Worship
O Sacred Neck, Now Wounded (The Porter's Gate)
Classical
Cantata Nach dir, Herr, verlanget mich BWV 150 - Sato
