A Lenten Spiritual Journey with Discerning Hearts: From Ashes to Glory – Discerning Hearts Podcast

Day 30: Hearts Open to the Word

Scripture Reading:
John 5:31–47 (Jerusalem Bible)

Jesus said:

“Were I to testify on my own behalf, my testimony would not be valid; but there is another witness who can speak on my behalf, and I know that his testimony is valid. You sent messengers to John, and he gave his testimony to the truth — not that I depend on human testimony; no, it is for your salvation that I speak of this.

John was a lamp alight and shining and for a time you were content to enjoy the light that he gave. But my testimony is greater than John’s: the works my Father has given me to carry out, these same works of mine testify that the Father has sent me. Besides, the Father who sent me bears witness to me himself. You have never heard his voice, you have never seen his shape, and his word finds no home in you because you do not believe in the one he has sent.

You study the scriptures, believing that in them you have eternal life; now these same scriptures testify to me, and yet you refuse to come to me for life! As for human approval, this means nothing to me. Besides, I know you too well: you have no love of God in you.

I have come in the name of my Father and you refuse to accept me; if someone else comes in his own name you will accept him. How can you believe, since you look to each other for approval and are not concerned with the approval that comes from the one God? Do not imagine that I am going to accuse you before the Father: you place your hopes on Moses, and Moses will be your accuser. If you really believed him you would believe me too, since it was I that he was writing about; but if you refuse to believe what he wrote, how can you believe what I say?”

Reflection:

Today’s Gospel is sobering. Jesus stands before the people and offers them a mirror. Despite all the signs, all the testimonies, and all the truth revealed to them, many hearts remain closed. They know the Scriptures, but they miss the Word made flesh standing before them.

This is a powerful Lenten moment—a call to self-examination. How often do we search for God on our own terms? How often do we cling to ideas, routines, or even religious practices, while avoiding the more vulnerable work of opening our hearts to real relationship?

Jesus says plainly, “You refuse to come to Me to have life.” This is not a condemnation—it’s a lament. The Lord of Life is always reaching, always inviting, but never forcing. Lent is the season to step back and ask: Where have I closed off my heart? And how is Jesus calling me to come to Him anew?

One simple yet profound way to encounter the Lord daily is through Lectio Divina, the prayerful reading of Scripture. On Discerning Hearts, the Daily Lectio Divina podcast offers the Gospel of the day read slowly and prayerfully three times, with moments of quiet and reflective encouragement offered between each reading.

St. Gregory the Great, the Benedictine pope and Doctor of the Church, reminds us:

“The Sacred Scriptures grow with the one who reads them.”
(Homilies on Ezekiel, II, 1,7)

This means our relationship with the Word is meant to be alive—growing, stretching us, challenging us to listen more deeply and respond more fully.

And the Desert Father Abba Moses the Black taught:

“A man must first be cleansed of his faults before he can see clearly to read the Scriptures.”
(Apophthegmata Patrum, Moses 10)

Scripture is not just information—it is invitation. And it is most fruitful when approached with a heart that longs for God’s will more than our own comfort.

So let us reflect honestly: Are we seeking Christ Himself—or are we just seeking answers, reassurance, or control? The testimony has been given. The voice of the Father still echoes through the Word. Will we hear it?

Reflection Questions:

What prevents you from coming fully to Jesus today?
Are there areas where you are going through the motions in faith without real openness to change?
How can you allow Scripture to be more than words—how can it become an encounter?

Closing Prayer:

Lord Jesus, You are the Word made flesh, the One who invites us not just to know about You, but to come to You and live. Open our hearts to Your voice, especially in the Scriptures. Cleanse us of pride and distraction, and renew in us a love for Your Word that transforms. May we never miss Your presence when You come near.

Amen.

This reflection is written by Kris McGregor of Discerning Hearts®. The Scripture passage is taken from the Jerusalem Bible (1966 edition), used with permission. No unauthorized use or reproduction is permitted without prior written consent.

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