John 21:20-25
This disciple is the one who vouches for these things and has written them down, and we know that his testimony is true. There were many other things that Jesus did; if all were written down, the world itself, I suppose, would not hold all the books that would have to be written.
For me John’s Gospel ends on a slightly intriguing note. What were the many other things that Jesus did? Who held these memories? Did they shape their lives as much as the four Gospels do ours?
The truth is that we spend the whole of our lives trying to understand Jesus and his teaching in the four Gospels. We can learn about the historical context and the literary form. These can help us discover the world behind the text. But just as important is what we bring to the text, the world in front of the text. What do I bring to the text as daughter, sister, teacher and monastic? Where the world behind the text overlaps with the world in front the text this is where God speaks to me directly. God’s word is ever unfolding. It’s riches are never exhausted.
As the cycle of the liturgical year unfolds, God has new opportunities to speak to us. When we listen to the Scriptures we open ourselves to the possibility of encounter.
How has God spoken to you through the Scriptures this Eastertide?