John 13:16-20 NRSVue
16Very truly, I tell you, slaves are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them. 17If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them. 18I am not speaking of all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But it is to fulfill the scripture, ‘The one who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.’ 19I tell you this now, before it occurs, so that when it does occur you may believe that I am he., 20Very truly, I tell you, whoever receives one whom I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me.”
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Reflection on John 13:16-20
Inspiration from 2025-05-15 Daily Prayer
It is one thing to know the truth and another thing to live it, but Jesus tells us we are blessed if we do it. We have only one teacher, namely the Christ. Jesus, our Master and Guide, is always the headline for us. In the Second Week of the Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius, the prayer that is repeated in every meditation is, ‘Lord, help me to know you more so that I may love you more and follow you more closely in my life.’
Further reflection
Followers of Jesus are called to serve. He is himself the model of service. He chooses his followers, but some of those who have enjoyed intimacy with him proved capable of betrayal. Do I take my relationship with him for granted?
Jesus is solicitous for his disciples. He wants them to understand in advance what will happen to him so that they may not fall prey to doubt. Having loved his own, he loved them to the end. This is the Lord I encounter in my prayer.
Jesus uses many images to speak of his relationship to the father and to me. Now, I consider what it means to be servant or messenger. I am known, chosen, trusted and sent.
Jesus allows that there is a difference between knowing and doing. I take this time to let my knowing deepen, to become part of me. I am like a courier with a message, like a servant with a task; I do not sit with an idea but am blessed as I express God’s love in my life.