An imaging experience with the beloved disciple & Jesus

by surprisedbyjoy@yahoo.com

Henri Nouwen has written "To see Christ is to see God" (Behold, the Beauty of the Lord). Madeleine L’Engle has said "Jesus is God’s show and tell" (Glimpses of Grace: Daily Thoughts and Reflections). One powerful way to see God and experience our place in the Biblical stories is through imaging ourselves in scripture. The gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John are great places to begin.

If you could only read one story in John’s gospel to demonstrate the Mystery of God’s love for us, John 13: 1-17 would be enough for a lifetime. In this tender story, we reclaim our belovedness and all the elements of biblical blessing: We find meaningful touch, spoken words of value and active commitment to fulfilling our blessing in the example of Christ washing the feet of his family of choice. This is beloved John writing about his beloved Jesus.

Imaging ourselves in scripture followed with quiet time and spiritual journal writing is easy to do. Simply read the story. Allow your imagination to put you there! Smell, hear, taste, touch and see yourself somewhere in the story. Perhaps you are an anonymous observer in the crowd. Or actively in the midst of the drama miracles! Imagine yourself in conversation with Jesus. Ask your questions. Write your thoughts, reflections and story in a journal. Some helpful questions are: Where am I in the story? What’s happening? Where is God in this? What does this mean for me?

John 13: 1-17 is part of what Dietrich Bonhoeffer calls a trilogy of discipleship that is found only in John’s gospel. "Discipleship is joy," he writes in The Cost of Discipleship. He suggests the profound trilogy centers in chapters 3, 13 & 15. This involves spiritual birth/awakening, a humble servant lifestyle and spiritual faithfulness in persecution and oppression.

Slowly read this story. Let it sink in your imagination. Write it in your journal in your own words wherever you are in the story. Share your reflection with others in the group. This form of contemplative soul food has been enjoyed by many throughout the centuries and is a valid expression of spirituality. God bless you in your reading.

"God in an Apron"

An example of this is "God in an Apron," from Seasons of Your Heart: Prayers and Reflections by Macrina Wiederkehr, pp. 78-80. It is also available in Ann Kulp’s book, Spirit Windows: a Handbook of Spiritual Growth Resources for Leaders, pp. 50-51.

"Try to imagine this scene. You are sitting at the table with Jesus and his friends on the night before he died. A confusing sorrow overshadows you. Yet, a mysterious hope has settled in your heart. Suddenly Jesus is standing in front of you. He looks into your eyes and immediately you are filled with an awareness of your tremendous worth.

Supper was special that night. There was both a heaviness and a holiness hanging in the air. We couldn’t explain the mood. It was sacred, yet sorrowful. Gathered around the table, eating that solemn, holy meal seemed to us the most important meal we had ever sat down to eat. We were dwelling in the heart of mystery. Though dark the night, hope felt right as if something evil was about to be conquered. An then suddenly the One we loved startled us all. He got up from the table and put on an apron. Can you imagine how we felt? God in an apron! Tenderness encircled us as He bowed before us. He knelt and said, "I choose to wash your feet because I love you." God in an apron, kneeling. I couldn’t believe my eyes. I was embarrassed until his eyes met mine. I sensed my value then. He touched my feet. He held them in his strong, brown hands. He washed them. I can still feel the water. I can still feel the touch of his hands. I can still see the look in his eyes. Then he handed me the towel and said, "As I have done, so you must do." Learn to bow. Learn to kneel. Let your tenderness encircle everyone you meet. Wash their feet not because you have to, because you want to. "There are so many feet to wash," I keep saying.’’ "No," I hear God’s voice resounding through the years. "There are only my feet. What you do for them, you do for me."

The author of this material is "Surprised by Joy" (surprisedbyjoy@yahoo.com). "Surprised by Joy" is an ordained UFMCC Christian minister who discovered that God is wonder-full to be with. It is our hope and prayer at soulfoodministry.org that all visitors will experience the tender loving- kindness of God and receive spiritual food for their journey.