Mid-Week Mindset Shift
Weekly Wednesday Guided Lectio Divina: John 16:12-15
This coming Sunday is the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity. The following passage is likely what you will hear read as the Gospel for this Sunday. This passage invites us into the mystery of the Trinity as Jesus speaks to His disciples about the Spirit who will come and guide them in truth.
I invite you into meditation through Lectio Divina for the following scripture:
John 16:12–15
I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own, but will speak whatever he hears, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, because he will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine. For this reason I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.
Step 1: Lectio (Read)
Read the passage slowly and prayerfully. Let the words wash over you. Close your eyes and picture the scene, in your own mind’s eye. Then read it again, pausing at any word or phrase that stirs something in you.
Take mental note of anything that strikes you in any way. Is it comforting, confusing, challenging, or beautiful?
Reflect:
What word or phrase stood out to you?
Why do you think that is?
What part felt especially alive?
Step 2: Meditatio (Meditate)
Sit with the word or phrase that stood out. Ask God why it caught your attention.
Perhaps it was “you cannot bear it now.” Maybe it was “he will guide you,” or “everything the Father has is mine.”
Reflect:
What does this passage reveal about who God is Father?
What does it reveal about who you are, or where you are on your journey?
Is there a truth the Spirit might be gently guiding you toward today?
Step 3: Oratio (Pray)
Now respond to God. Let your prayer flow naturally, whether it’s praise, gratitude, confusion, or a plea for guidance.
Come Holy Spirit, teach me how to pray. Pour your heart out to God, come just as you are!
Step 4: Contemplatio (Contemplate)
Let go of words now. Simply rest in God’s presence. Be still. Be loved. Allow the mystery of the Trinity to surround you…not to be solved, but to be received.
Imagine the Father pouring into the Son, the Son into the Spirit, and the Spirit into you.
Breathe deeply and rest in silence for a few minutes.
Closing Prayer
Holy Trinity, Divine Communion of Love
Thank You for drawing near to me.
Help me to live in truth,
to walk in Your light,
and to rest in the mystery of who You are.
Amen.
“The three Persons are distinct from one another; a sublime knowledge is infused into the soul, imbuing it with a certainty of the truth that the Three are of one substance, power, and knowledge and are one God.” ~ St. Teresa of Ávila
