Gospel reading: John 14.27-end
[Jesus said] ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. You heard me say to you, “I am going away, and I am coming to you.” If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you this before it occurs, so that when it does occur, you may believe. I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no power over me; but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us be on our way.’
Reflections
The context of ‘rise’ in the passage is Jesus’ farewell discourse to eleven of his disciples (Judas has left the room) after the Last Supper. He has just spoken words of comfort – ‘Peace I leave with you… Do not let your hearts be troubled’ – and now it is time – ‘Rise, let us be on our way.’ (There follows a further three chapters of discourse before they actually do go.)
So some meanings of ‘rise’, in context and out of context:
- Get up, get ready for the day first thing
- Rise to a task or to expectations upon me…
- …or with anger to needling
- Despite troubles, abuse and put-downs, claim my strength, power, voice, and a small share in “Still I rise” with Maya Angelou
- Be upstanding out of respect for the guest of honour, or to make a toast
- Get up from the table, thanking the host for their hospitality
- Be resurrected with Jesus, claim the new life on offer
- Let the yeast work through me
- In blessing, may the road rise to meet me
-oOo-
Since April 2020, I have been jointly hosting a shared Lectio Divina group on Tuesday or Wednesday evenings. These are my reflections only, during the prayer session and as I wrote them up. Please see my separate commentary and leaflet for more information about shared Lectio.
