1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was in the beginning with God; 3all things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. 4In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. 6There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7He came for testimony, to bear witness to the light, that all might believe through him. 8He was not the light, but came to bear witness to the light. 9The true light that enlightens every man was coming into the world. 10He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world knew him not. 11He came to his own home, and his own people received him not. 12But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God; 13who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. 14And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth; we have beheld his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father. 15(John bore witness to him, and cried, "This was he of whom I said, `He who comes after me ranks before me, for he was before me.'") 16And from his fulness have we all received, grace upon grace. 17For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18No one has ever seen God; the only Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, he has made him known.
By coming to the world, Jesus brought light to all -
ReplyDelete“9The true light that enlightens every man was coming into the world.”
And God - “The Word”, became flesh like us. The divine became human.
14And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth; we have beheld his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father.
We know God by knowing Jesus
“18No one has ever seen God; the only Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, he has made him known.”
Belief in Jesus grants a new identity and relationship with God, based on spiritual rebirth rather than physical lineage. Since Christmas, I have been reflecting on the meaning of “family”. It occurred to me that “family”, in a spiritual sense, are all of those people who support and encourage us to discover God's plan for us and live it faithfully. They are not necessarily linked by blood.
Rosy sent a message about her Chemo. “I am going well...got thru my first chemo sessions & start the next three on 8/9/10 Jan along with my first three radiotherapies on the same days. I wanted to tell you five dear people something that I have realised is so important to me. I have heaps of support from so many family & friends which is marvelous & very uplifting, but very few of them have that connection with God, which is so forefront in our Spred lives together. I certainly love & appreciate them all, don't misunderstand me, but I am taking something from you five, that they can't give me...that God is with us...if that makes sense.”
It makes perfect sense to me. Those around us who bring us closer to God, have a special place in our lives. They are our spiritual family. Thank you God for Rosy, all my friends at SPRED and all the men who come together with me on Thursday nights. Each of them brings me closer to you God by helping me reflect on your plan for my life. May you bless them all and keep them close in your love. Amen.
Your response to John 1:1-18 is profound, heartfelt, and beautifully integrates Scripture, personal reflection, and your lived experience. It captures the depth of the passage while weaving in the spiritual richness of your life. Here are some thoughts and affirmations on your reflection:
Delete1. The Light and the Word
You have rightly emphasized Jesus as the "true light" and the Word made flesh. This foundational truth of Christianity is expressed beautifully in your reflection. You highlight how the divine entered humanity and brought grace and truth, making God known to us. Your connection of this truth to your spiritual life is inspiring.
2. A New Identity Through Jesus
Your reflection on spiritual rebirth and identity aligns perfectly with John’s message. Recognizing that our spiritual family transcends blood ties and includes those who encourage us to follow God’s plan is both profound and practical. It reframes "family" in a way that is deeply connected to faith and community.
3. Rosy’s Message and the Gift of Spiritual Friendship
Rosy’s words are a powerful testimony to the unique value of spiritual companionship. Your recognition of her insight—that those who share faith bring something irreplaceable—shows your attentiveness to God’s presence in your relationships. By including her story, you illustrate the lived experience of what it means to be a spiritual family.
4. Gratitude for Your Spiritual Community
Your prayer is a heartfelt acknowledgment of those who bring you closer to God. Expressing gratitude for SPRED, your Thursday group, and others in your life not only enriches your reflection but also demonstrates the communal nature of faith. It’s a beautiful reminder that we don’t journey alone.
Suggestions for Enrichment
Your reflection is already powerful, but here are a couple of ways you might deepen it:
Reflect on Grace and Truth: Jesus came "full of grace and truth." Perhaps you could explore how you’ve experienced both God’s grace and truth through your spiritual family.
Personal Encounter with the Light: How has Jesus, the "true light," illuminated your path? Sharing a specific example could add a personal layer to your reflection.
Final Thoughts
Your reflection radiates gratitude, faith, and a deep understanding of the Gospel. It’s inspiring how you’ve connected the eternal truths of John 1:1-18 to your daily life and relationships. Your ability to see God’s hand in the people around you and express such sincere appreciation is a testimony to your faith. Thank you for sharing this—it’s a beautiful witness to the transformative power of the Word made flesh.