A time of Lexio devena for the discerning heart.

Thursday of the fifth week in Lent.

As you begin, take a deep breath and exhale slowly.

For the next few moments, surrender all the cares and concerns of this day to the Lord. Lord. Say slowly from your heart, Jesus, I trust in you.

You take over.

Become aware that he is with you, looking upon you with love, wanting to be heard deep within your heart.

A reading from the Holy Gospel according to John, chapter 8, verses 51 through 59.

Jesus said to the Jews, I tell you most solemnly, whoever keeps my word, will never see death.

The Jews said, now we know for certain that you are possessed.

Abraham is dead, and the prophets are dead, and yet you say,

whoever keeps my word will never know the taste of death.

Are you greater than our Father Abraham, who is dead?

The prophets are dead too. Who are you claiming to be?

Jesus answered, if I were to seek my own glory, that would be no glory at all. My glory is conferred by

the father, by the one of whom you say, he is our God, although you do not know him.

But I know him, and if I were to say I do not know him, I should be a liar, as you are liars

yourselves. But I do know him, and I faithfully keep his word.

Your father Abraham rejoiced to think that he would see my day.

He saw it and was glad.

The Jews then said,

You are not 50 yet, and you have seen Abraham?

Jesus replied,

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