e82 Learning to See: The Future

A reflection on John 21:15–19

In this episode, we sit with a quiet conversation between Jesus and Peter.

After the resurrection, after the meal, Jesus turns toward Peter—not to revisit failure, but to restore and prepare him for what lies ahead.

Through a series of questions and responses, Jesus meets Peter in love, entrusts him with care, and calls him forward.

This passage shows us how Jesus holds both our past and our future—

healing what has been and leading us into what is still to come.

SoulWork

1. Where do you carry a memory of getting it wrong—with God, with others, or within yourself?
2. What do you notice about the way Jesus speaks to Peter—and what does that show you about how He meets you?
3. Where might Jesus be inviting you to respond to His question, “Do you love me?” in your life right now?

SoulWork Homework

This week, make space for a simple, honest response to Jesus.

Set aside a few quiet moments and pray:

“Jesus, you know that I love you.”

Then choose one small, concrete way to live that love:

• offering care to someone
• tending to a responsibility you’ve avoided
• showing up faithfully in a relationship or task

Let your love for Jesus take shape through one act of faithfulness.

Closing Blessing Prayer

Gracious and faithful God, thank You for meeting us in our failures with mercy, patience, and love. Thank You for restoring us and calling us again. Teach us to love You with honesty and trust, and to follow where You lead. And as we go, shape our lives into a reflection of that love. In Jesus’ name, amen.

If this episode met you in a meaningful way, you’re welcome to receive Notes from the Sanctuary—quiet reflections, writing prompts, and occasional updates shared as an extension of this space.

If you’d like to help sustain this work, you’re welcome to support it here.

Disclaimer: The content shared on the SoulWork Sanctuary podcast is for informational and inspirational purposes only. While I am an ordained minister and trained spiritual director, I am not a licensed therapist or medical professional. This podcast does not provide medical or mental health advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional care. Please seek support from a qualified provider if needed.

e81 Learning to See: The Lord Made Known, a meditation on John 21:1–14

The disciples return to what they know—fishing.

They work through the night and come up empty.

Then Jesus speaks.

The water is the same.

The nets are the same.

The men are the same.

What changes is His word.

At His instruction, their empty nets are filled with abundance.

And in that moment, they recognize Him.

“They knew it was the Lord.” (John 21:12)

This moment echoes the wedding at Cana (John 2), where Jesus also provides in abundance.

In both places, He makes Himself known—not through explanation, but through provision.

In John’s Gospel, abundance is a sign of life—

life that comes from Jesus and is sustained by Him (John 10:10).

The miracle happens within their ordinary work.

Not apart from it.

And recognition comes through encounter—

through His voice,

through His presence,

through what He does.

SoulWork

1. Where have you been showing up faithfully and still experiencing emptiness?
2. What might Jesus be inviting you to do differently—even if it feels small or ordinary?
3. Where have you seen a glimpse of His provision or presence recently?

SoulWork Homework

1. Choose one ordinary area of your life—your work, your home, a conversation, a routine.
2. As you enter that space, pause and pray: “Jesus, I’m listening. Show me where You are at work.”
3. Then take one small step of trust in response to what you sense—something simple, concrete, and faithful.
4. Stay attentive throughout the week to how He meets you there.

Closing Blessing Prayer

May the Lord who makes Himself known meet you in the ordinary places of your life. May you recognize His voice, trust His word, and see His provision where you once saw lack. And as you walk through this week, may you come to know—quietly and surely—that He is with you, and that He is at work. In Jesus’ name, amen.

If this episode met you in a meaningful way, you’re welcome to receive Notes from the Sanctuary—quiet reflections, writing prompts, and occasional updates shared as an extension of this space.

If you’d like to help sustain this work, you’re welcome to support it here.

Disclaimer: The content shared on the SoulWork Sanctuary podcast is for informational and inspirational purposes only. While I am an ordained minister and trained spiritual director, I am not a licensed therapist or medical professional. This podcast does not provide medical or mental health advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional care. Please seek support from a qualified provider if needed.

Learning to See: The Truth, a meditation on John 20:24-29.

Welcome back to our series, Learning to See, where we are walking closely with Jesus through the Gospel of John, learning to see him as he reveals himself using Lectio Divina, Latin for a close reading of a passage of scripture.

One of the twelve disciples, Thomas (nicknamed the Twin), was not with the others when Jesus came. They told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he replied, “I won’t believe it unless I see the nail wounds in his hands, put my fingers into them, and place my hand into the wound in his side.” Eight days later the disciples were together again, and this time Thomas was with them. The doors were locked; but suddenly, as before, Jesus was standing among them. “Peace be with you,” he said. Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side. Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe!” “My Lord and my God!” Thomas exclaimed. Then Jesus told him, “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.” -John 20:24-29, NLT

SoulWork Homework

• Think of a moment when it was difficult to believe or trust again.
• What made that moment hard?
• What did you need in that space?
• Write a few lines reflecting on how Jesus may have been present with you, even if you could not see him at the time.

Blessing for the Week

May you be met by Jesus in the places where belief feels difficult. May you know His peace, even behind closed doors. And may you have the courage to come closer—to see Him, to trust Him, and to call Him, “My Lord and my God.” In Jesus’ name, amen.

If this episode met you in a meaningful way, you’re welcome to receive Notes from the Sanctuary—quiet reflections, writing prompts, and occasional updates shared as an extension of this space.

If you’d like to help sustain this work, you’re welcome to support it here.

Disclaimer: The content shared on the SoulWork Sanctuary podcast is for informational and inspirational purposes only. While I am an ordained minister and trained spiritual director, I am not a licensed therapist or medical professional. This podcast does not provide medical or mental health advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional care. Please seek support from a qualified provider if needed.