The Spirit of Truth: John 16:7-13: Lectio Divina

Contemplative at Home

A 21-minute audio guided meditation in John’s Gospel, John 16:7-13, using Lectio Divina.

John 16:7-13

“Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Advocate will not come to you, but if I go, I will send him to you. ⁸ And when he comes, he will prove the world wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment: ⁹ about sin, because they do not believe in me; ¹⁰ about righteousness, because I am going to the Father, and you will see me no longer; ¹¹ about judgment, because the ruler of this world has been condemned.¹² I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now.¹³ When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth…”

In this meditation on John’s Gospel, I invite you to join me in taking a ‘long, loving look’ at a few verses of text, beholding the words as living, shimmering, life-giving containers which hold endless layers of wisdom, mystery, beauty and truth.

In these verses, just before his crucifixion, Jesus is preparing his friends for life without him. He has given them a vision, in John 15, of the depths of love that they are invited into, and then warns them that they won’t always be understood or appreciated. That in fact, those who think they know God may even put Jesus’ followers to death, in the name of God. Then – he encourages them with the verses in today’s meditation (see above). The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, will bring the voice of the Father, as Jesus had been doing while he was alive.

For me the primary question this leaves us with is: how do I know when I am hearing the voice of the Advocate? How can I be sure that my own convictions come from the Spirit of truth?

This is a question of discernment, and I hope you have wise and grounded people in your life who help you to discern. Any time you’re feeling full of love, and open to correction, I think you’re likely in a good space.

May the Spirit of truth lead into all truth, and all love.

Blessings as you pray.

Contemplative at Home offers guided meditative prayer – space to slow down and listen to the truth that is being born out of God’s love for you today – drawing on Ignatian spirituality and at times, Lectio Divina.

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All music by Pete Hatch.

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