Reflect today on the passion in the heart of Jesus

Reflect today on the passion in the heart of Jesus. Jesus cried out and said: "Whoever believes in me believes not only in me, but also in him who sent me, and whoever sees me sees him who sent me". John 12: 44–45

Note that Jesus' words in the passage quoted above begin by stating that “Jesus cried out…” This intentional addition by the Gospel writer adds emphasis to this statement. Jesus did not simply "say" these words, but "cried out". For this reason, we should be very attentive to these words and allow them to speak to us even more.

This Gospel passage takes place during the week before the Passion of Jesus. He entered Jerusalem triumphant and then, throughout the week, he spoke to various groups of people while the Pharisees plotted against him. Emotions were tense and Jesus spoke with increasing vigor and clarity. He spoke of His impending death, the unbelief of many, and His unity with the Father in Heaven. At some point during the week, as Jesus spoke of His unity with the Father, the Father's voice spoke audibly for all to hear. Jesus had just said: "Father, glorify your name". And then the Father spoke, saying, "I glorified it and I will glorify it again." Some thought it was thunder and others thought it was an angel. But he was the Father in Heaven.

This context is useful when reflecting on today's gospel. Jesus passionately wants us to know that if we have faith in Him, then we also have faith in the Father, because the Father and Him are one. Of course, this teaching on the unity of God is nothing new to us today: we should all be very familiar with the teaching on the Holy Trinity. But in many ways, this teaching on the unity of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit must be seen as new and meditated anew each day. Reflect today on the passion in the heart of Jesus.

Imagine that Jesus speaks to you, personally and with great vigor, about his unity with the Father. Consider carefully how deeply they want you to understand this divine mystery of Their uniqueness. Allow yourself to feel how much Jesus wants you to understand Who He is in relation to His Father.

Devoutly understanding the Trinity teaches us a lot, not just about Who God is, but about who we are. We are called to share God's oneness by joining them through love. The early Fathers of the Church often spoke of our call to be "divinized", that is, to participate in the divine life of God. And although this is a mystery beyond complete comprehension, it is a mystery about which Jesus deeply desires that let us reflect in prayer.

Reflect today on the passion in Jesus' heart to reveal to you Who He is in relation to the Father. Be open to a deeper understanding of this divine truth. And as you open yourself to this revelation, allow God to reveal His desire to draw you into Their holy life of unity as well. This is your calling. This is the reason Jesus came to earth. He came to draw us into the very life of God. Believe it with great passion and conviction.

My passionate Lord, long ago you spoke of your unity with the Father in Heaven. Speak to me again today about this glorious truth. Draw me, dear Lord, not only into the great mystery of your unity with the Father, but also into the mystery of your call to me to share your life. I accept this invitation and pray to become more fully one with You, the Father and the Holy Spirit. Holy Trinity, I trust in You