John 3:31-33 NRSVue

³¹The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is of the earth belongs to the earth and speaks about earthly things. The one who comes from heaven is above all. ³²He testifies to what he has seen and heard, yet no one accepts his testimony. ³³Whoever has accepted his testimony has certified this, that God is true.

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Further reflection

My friend was urged by a wise old monk: Pray in, not up. So John's word about the one who comes from above, gives me pause. Heaven is not in the sky, but around us, and in us. You touch me, Lord, inside, where I am most me.

God's generosity is hinted at here -all that God has given to Jesus is given without measure. God's hand always pours gifts on us, especially the gift of the Holy Spirit, with the individual gifts of the Spirit. Ask in prayer for the gift of the Spirit you want: ‘the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.' (Galatians 5:23-23).

Faith brings us into a new atmosphere of life; with faith in Jesus we already have eternal life. Prayer is the time of our day when we allow ourselves relax into this sharing of the life of God. Sometimes we say little and just listen; allowing the love and the life of God flood our lives and hearts. It is like the moments we allow love surround us; little needs to be said, only to be received.

Jesus' whole mission was to give the living water of truth to the men and women of every age. He knew that he was offering them not some restrictive teaching but the eternal life for which they were created. He longs to offer this to me now.

God gives the Spirit without measure but my heart is small. I pray so that my capacity to receive God's unbounded Spirit may grow and keep growing.