The Beloved Disciple

Eugene Bur

« One of his disciples—the one whom Jesus loved—was reclining next to him; »

John 13

The beloved disciple is the perfect icon for contemplative prayer.  At supper during the Passover, he is depicted in artwork ,spanning the centuries, just as the scripture describes—reclining, or leaning into the heartspace of Jesus.

He is an example of a prayer posture which will lead us into a deep connection with Christ.  Leaning into Christ and listening for His heartbeat  can be our surrender as well.

It is a simple beginning to silence the busy mind.  When all the techniques have been explored and tried, when all the teaching about prayer has been exhausted, we are left with this :

Lean into the heart of Christ and listen.

Listen for His heartbeat.  Listen for His silence.  Listen for the rhythms which so perfectly match your own.

As you strain to listen to Christ, you will find that the voices of doubt and confusion become silenced.

We learn this purity of heart from the Beloved Disciple.   So focused upon Jesus was this disciple that he was willing to walk the Way of the Cross and stay at the foot of the Cross during the final moments of Jesus’ life.  So clear was this disciple about the pure love given to him, that he believed in the Resurrection without a Resurrection appearance.

Thus does this beloved one mirror our own belovedness.  We are also the beloved of Christ.  Can we stop and listen ?

Can we will one thing ?  Are we willing to walk the Way of the Cross this Lent and not turn away from suffering ?

Blessings,

Debra