Drawn into the Mystery of Jesus through the Gospel of John Quotes

“He comes into that part of our being that is our treasure, that sacred space within us, hidden under all the fears, walls and anger in us so that we may grow in the spirit of love.”
― Jean Vanier, Drawn into the Mystery of Jesus through the Gospel of John

“Jesus does not impose or force anything on anyone. He gently invites each one of us to move forward. He says “come,” come and see, come and live an experience of love, healing and a new inner freedom.”
― Jean Vanier, Drawn into the Mystery of Jesus through the Gospel of John

“Jesus, the Lamb, turns towards these first two disciples and asks: “What are you looking for?” Jn 1:38 These are the first words of Jesus in this gospel. Perhaps they are the first words of Jesus to each one of us. Jesus does not want to impose on us an idea, a doctrine or an ideology. He wants people to follow him and his path of love freely. He calls us to look into our own hearts and to become aware of our fundamental desires. What do we really want for our lives? What are we looking for? Are we prepared to believe in ourselves and to make clear choices? By asking this question, Jesus enters into a relationship, a dialogue, with these two men. Little by little, he will draw them deeper into the mystery and show them how to live their lives. He will do this with us, too. It all begins with a personal relationship with Jesus.”
― Jean Vanier, Drawn into the Mystery of Jesus through the Gospel of John

“We are beginning to see the unfolding plan of God. Jesus is going to gather around him a core group of people who will continue his work after his departure. Jesus will preach only for a short time, about three years, in a small land. Yet his message is for the whole world and for all the ages to come. What is important for him is to form the hearts of a few disciples who will travel, as poor pilgrims, throughout the world, to announce and communicate his message of love and forgiveness. These few disciples will break down the barriers that separate people and cultures from one another and so bring peace. Many young people today, like these first disciples of Jesus, are disillusioned by our rich societies. They are looking for an ideal, a vision that gives meaning to their lives. They search, but what do they find? A world where material success has become the most important thing in life. Many seek to break through the competition and rivalry, greed and corruption that they see and hear everywhere. They are often shocked by the way our beautiful, fragile earth is treated and depressed by the continuing armed conflicts. Some slip into a world of drugs, searching for an experience that takes them away for a few moments from our rigidly structured society. They hope to find relief from the pain of despair, to taste the “infinite” and forget the harshness of our world.”
― Jean Vanier, Drawn into the Mystery of Jesus through the Gospel of John