"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?” // John 13:33
One of my favorite ways to pray with Scripture is through lectio divina. If you've never heard of it before, it's an ancient method of reading Scripture, meditating on the Word of God, noticing what sticks out to you from the passage, and responding to it in prayer. It is meant to help you further immerse yourself into God's word, and I find that it can help you be more intentional with reading Scripture.
You start by reading a passage, and then you read it again and take note at what stands out. What detail or what else was mentioned that was particularly striking? What is meaningful about it?
So today, while reading the Gospel in this way, I'm struck by this detail of how John came close to Jesus to ask Him who the traitor was. Scripture says, "He leaned back against Jesus' chest."
That's so close. That's so intimate.
What also stands out to me here is that Jesus lets John. He allows all of them to come close, knowing that even Peter will deny Him soon. These men He's so close with! And yet, He doesn't cut Peter off from His friendship.
I think of those times when we feel like we can't approach the Lord because we are in a state of sin, or we have done something so shameful that we are afraid to return to Him, we are afraid of how He will look at us, what He will think of us. But even then—even in those instances—He invites us to come close in the Sacrament of Confession and in prayers.
He doesn't cut us off from relationship with Him, that can only happen if we decide not to return to Him. And even now—even this close to Easter—we can choose to return to Him. He is merciful and so loving.
If you're not able to make it to Confession before Easter, don't despair, go when you can. He is waiting for you, ready for you to come close.
We can choose to return to Him. // Annie DeddensClick to tweet
Annie Deddens is a writer and producer. She runs a prayer ministry with her husband, called Pray More Novenas. She has a heart for the sick & suffering, and she writes about living with greater faith (hope & love, too) in this imperfect world as a Catholic wife on her blog, Catholic Wife, Catholic Life. Find out more about her here.
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