Multiplied Blessings (Mt 15:29-37)

Prayer:

 O Jesus, let me hunger for your food.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus and his disciples with the hungry crowds.

Context:

                The multiplication of food is the only miracle told in all four gospels. It is preceded by multiple healings. These stories highlight the Advent season when we await the Lord who comes with countless blessings, distributed freely to those who await him.

Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)

                Large crowds came to Jesus, bringing with them the cripples, the deformed, the blind, the mute and many others besides. They laid them at his feet and he cured them. The crowds marveled to see the mute speaking and the deformed made whole, cripples walking about and the blind seeing. They glorified the God of Israel.

                Jesus called together his disciples, “I have compassion on the crowd because they have been with me three days with nothing to eat. I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint on the way.” The disciples answered, “Where can we find so many loaves in this deserted place to feed so many? Jesus asked, “How many loaves do you have? They said, “Seven and a few little fishes.”

                He commanded the crowd to sit down, and taking the seven loaves and the fishes, giving thanks, he broke and gave to his disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. They all ate and had their fill, and seven baskets of fragments were left over.

Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder the ones that attract you.)

1. Each person has a need. Some are sick. Some are hungry. Jesus takes care of them all.
2. The crowds show great faith. They take extraordinary efforts to bring the crippled and the blind to this deserted place.
3. They know the source of the healings. They place their sick at Jesus’ feet.
4. The crowds do not complain of their hunger. They have freely chosen to stay three days.
5. Seeing their fatigue, Jesus initiates the multiplication. The scene is like the Last Supper. Jesus takes bread, blesses, breaks and gives to the disciples.
6. An abundance results. All are satisfied. The seven baskets left over are meant for us.

Affections: (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)

• O Jesus, when will I learn to place all my needs at your feet?
• My faith draws me to you. Nothing will keep me back.
• Your power is unlimited, going forth to whomever draws near.
• You are thoughtful, Jesus. Even when I do not ask, you provide.
• Your Eucharist is every day. I will come to the table.
• Jesus, I will gather up all your blessings. None will go to waste.

Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)

+  Today, I will bring my greatest need to Jesus. It is Advent and I must believe.

+  I will receive Holy Communion as often as possible during this season.

Thought For The Day: (To recall your meditation.)

The crowd marveled to see the mute speaking and the cripples walking.

Revealed To The Children (Lk 10:21-24)

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, give me a humble and accepting heart.

Imagination:

 Imagine Jesus reprimanding his disciples.

Context:

                Jesus sent out 72 disciples to proclaim the Kingdom. They have just returned with all the good news of their successes. This text is filled with rejoicing. Advent, unlike Lent, is a time to rejoice because “The Lord is near.”

Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)

Jesus cried out, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and prudent, you have revealed them to the little ones. This has seemed good in your sight.

                All things have been given over to me by my Father. No one knows the Son, but the Father. And no one knows the Father, except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him.”

Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder the ones that attract you.)

1. Jesus rejoices because the disciples are understanding the Kingdom.
2. This understanding is withheld from the worldly wise and prudent.
3. Jesus credits his heavenly Father, who has revealed these mysteries to the little ones.
4. Jesus has the power to reveal even the Father himself.
5. Jesus will reveal these mysteries to all. First, they must become his disciple.

Affections: (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)

• Jesus, reveal to me the mysteries of the Kingdom.
• Even more, reveal the Father himself.
• As my heart is caught up with the Father, You will rejoice in me.
• When I was wise and prudent, you could not do this. Now, I am your little one.
• O Jesus, all that is yours is to become mine. What a mystery!

Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own).

+  I will find time for solitude, so Jesus can reveal the Father.

+  I will cherish the mysteries of Jesus’ Kingdom.

Thought For The Day: (To recall your meditation.)

The Son reveals the Father to whomever he wishes.

A Centurion With Great Faith (Mt 8:5-11)

Prayer:

 O Jesus, fill me with faith in your power.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus with the Centurion.

Context:

                Advent is a time of faith and the church selects the Gentile centurion as the first model. He believed that Jesus could heal at a distance (unheard of in Judaism). Even Jesus proclaims his extraordinary faith.

Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)

                When Jesus entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him saying, “Lord, my servant is at home in bed paralyzed suffering painfully.” Jesus said, “I will come and heal him. The centurion answered, “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but say but the word and my servant shall be healed. I also am a man subject to authority, having soldiers under me. I say to this one, ‘Go’ and he goes. To another, ‘Come’ and he comes. To my servant ‘Do this’ and he does it.”

                Hearing this, Jesus was amazed and said to the crowd who followed him. “Amen I say to you that I have not found such great faith in Israel. Many shall come from the east and the west, and shall sit down with Abraham and Isaac and Jacob in the Kingdom of heaven, while the natural heirs will be cast out into the dark.”

Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder the ones that attract you.)

1. The centurion has complete and total faith in Jesus’ power to heal.
2. Jesus is totally aware of his own powers. He proclaims “I will come and heal him.”
3. The centurion is extraordinary for his great humility (I am not worthy) and for his faith (that Jesus could heal at a distance).
4. Jesus proclaims that he has never seen Jewish people with that level of belief.
5. Jesus predicts that many Gentiles will enter the Kingdom by having the same faith.

Affections: (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)

• Jesus, I will come to you in all my needs.
• O Jesus, your power can accomplish all things, anywhere and anytime.
• Nothing limits your power.
• Jesus, I am not worthy but you will act in my soul.
• Your Kingdom is open to all. The whole world is invited.
• Just speak your word, Jesus and I will be healed.
• O Jesus, place great faith in my heart.

Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)

+  Today I will bring to Jesus all that needs to be healed – my body, my soul, my relationships, my memories.

 +  I will have great desires to be at Jesus’ banquet.

Thought For The Day: (To recall your meditation.)

I have not found such great faith in all of Israel.

The Watchman at the Gate (Mk 13:33-37)

Prayer:

O Lord, let me be ready to welcome you.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus teaching his disciples in the temple area.

Context:

With these words, Jesus concludes a long speech that spoke of Jerusalem’s destruction, persecutions and the end of the world.  His final advice uses the image of a gatekeeper who must always be ready for the master to return, (a fitting gospel to begin the Advent season).

Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)

Jesus said to his disciples, “Be constantly on watch!  Stay awake!  For you do not know when the appointed time will come.  It is like a man who leaves his house for a far country and places his servants in charge.  Each has his own task and he tells the man at the gate to watch.

Be aware.  You do not know the hour when the master of the house will return, whether at twilight, or midnight or at the cock’s crow or at dawn.  Do not let him come suddenly and find you sleeping.  What I say to you, I say to all, Watch.”

Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder the ones that attract you.)

1. The master returning at an unknown hour was common in Palestine.
2. The master gives each servant a job.
3. Jesus specifically mentions the gatekeeper.  He can never complete his task and must always be watching.
4. His task is the most difficult because the master has no scheduled hour for a return.
5. The parable lists four times for his return.  All are inconvenient.
6. Being constantly on watch is the basic duty of a disciple. This parable sharpens that command.

Affections: (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)

• O Jesus, I am so caught up in earthly concerns that I forget to think of you.
• You come at any time, and expect me to be watching.
• You have given me a task in the Kingdom.  How lucky I am.
• You station me at the gate and tell me to await you, the King of Kings.
• You do not tell me when you are coming, but I love you so much that it does not matter.
• Whenever you come, I will be watching.  This is what you told me to do.

Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)

+  During advent, I will give more time to prayer.

+  I will be attentive to Jesus’ inspirations.

Thought For The Day: (To recall your meditation.)

Be constantly on watch! Stay awake!

Final Words Of Advice (Lk 21:34-36)

Prayer:

 O Jesus, teach me to watch and to pray constantly.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus in the temple teaching his disciples.

Context:

                 Jesus is worried. He will not be returning to earth soon and the disciples will wonder why he delays. So, he exhorts them not to grow indulgent, not to give up prayer or their high moral standards. These final words before the Last Supper are an important reminder. Whether it is sooner or later, all the world will stand before him.

Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)

                Jesus said to his disciples, “Be on guard, lest your spirits become bloated with indulgence and drunkenness and worldly cares, and that day come upon you suddenly, like a trap. That day will come upon the whole earth.

                Watch, therefore. Pray at all times, so you may have the strength to escape what will happen and to stand secure before the Son of Man.”

Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder the ones that attract you.)

1. “That day,” means the moment when all will be judged by Jesus.
2. Because Jesus’ Second Coming didn’t happen right away, some disciples abandoned their devout life and their watchfulness.
3. They became indifferent, drunk and involved with worldly cares.
4. They fell into a trap which entangles everyone who abandons Jesus’ Kingdom. Inevitably they will be trapped by something.
5. Jesus explains the remedy. They must watch their conduct and pray constantly.
6. Jesus’ coming is inevitable. History will end in this way. All must seek one thing – to stand secure before the Son of Man.
7. These are Jesus’ final words. Remember them.

Affections: (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)

• O Jesus, what a day that will be, when every human person will stand before you.
• O Lord, how quickly my life will pass. Do not let me fall into indulgence or give my heart to worldly cares.
• I will watch with you. That is what you ask of me.
• Teach me to pray. Teach me to pray constantly.
• How will I be secure on that day, Jesus? I know. I will live always in your hands.

Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)

+  When am I indulgent and entangled in worldly cares? I will take action.

+  I will pray mentally every day.

Thought For The Day: (To recall your meditation.)

Pray constantly for the strength to stand before the Son of Man.

The Events Are Near (Lk 21:29-33)

Prayer:

 O Jesus, help me to act now. So much is about to happen.

Imagination:

 Picture Jesus teaching his disciples.

Context:

                Jesus has just predicted the fall of Jerusalem and declared that, at a given moment, he will come on clouds of glory. Because people think that this cosmic event is far off, they push the warning aside. So, Jesus must add this image of the fig tree which says that summer is near.

Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)

                Jesus told his disciples a parable, “Look at the fig tree and all the other trees. When you see them sending forth their shoots, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see these things happen, know that the Kingdom of God is at hand. ‘Amen,’ I say to you, the present generation will not pass away until all these things take place. The heavens and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.”

Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder the ones that attract you.)

1. Jesus knows that delay wears down his disciples. His words lose their effectiveness.
2. The fig tree is a perfect example. In winter, no tree looks more dead. Yet, so quickly, it comes alive, surprising everyone.
3. No one needs special knowledge. When trees blossom, everyone knows that summer is close.
4. Jesus has an important conclusion. When persecution comes and when the Kingdom seems to have lost its power, that is the moment of closeness.
5. The Kingdom is always near. God’s reign is always at hand. Suddenly and surprisingly, the moment of Jesus’ presence comes upon those gathered in faith.
6. Someday the whole world will disappear but Jesus’ words will never lose their power.

Affections: (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)

• O Jesus, when I grow tired, weary and discouraged, give me new life.
• Let your Spirit breathe upon me and his fire leap up.
• You are always coming to me. Your Kingdom is always at hand.
• Just when I am losing life, you surprise me. Your Spirit suddenly stirs within.
• You whisper to me, “I am never far away. I am always near.”
• You are my hope. You will never pass away. Never fail me. Never abandon me.

Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)

+  I will live in great hope today that the Kingdom is at hand.

+  I will recall my favorite words of Jesus.

Thought For The Day: (To recall your meditation.)

Know that the Kingdom of God is at hand.

St. Andrew, Apostle (Mt 4:18-22)

Prayer:

 Lord Jesus, invite me today to be your disciple.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus calling his first disciples along the Sea of Galilee.

Context:

                This gospel text begins “After John was arrested” and it records Jesus’ first homily of his public ministry.  He repeats John’s teaching that the reign of God has come and gathers his four most important helpers.

Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)

                After John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the Kingdom of God, saying, “This is the time of fulfillment.  The Kingdom of God is at hand.  Repent and believe the gospel.

                Passing by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother, Andrew, casting nets into the sea, for they were fishermen.  Jesus said to them, “Come after me and I will make you fishers of men.”  Immediately, they left their net and followed him.

                Going a little farther, he saw James, the son of Zebedee and his brother, John.  They were mending their nets in the ship.  He called them, also.  They left Zebedee in the ship with his hired men and followed him.

Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder the ones that attract you.)

1      Jesus follows his heavenly Father’s timetable.  While John is preaching, he remains silent.  When John is arrested, Jesus knows to begin.

2      These are the most important years in world history, as Jesus begins to save all mankind.

3      Jesus says that the Kingdom is at hand. God’s power will break into human history.

4      Everyone must be ready.  So, Jesus tells everyone to turn away from evil and believe in him.

5      The two sets of brother are the first to hear the message. They respond immediately.

6      Peter and Andrew leave their boats behind.  James and John leave their father and friends.  These four are perfect models for all believers.

Affections: (When one touches your heart, use your own words in prayer.)

• Heavenly Father, what is your timetable for my life?  When is the time for me to act?
• Jesus, I believe.  This is the hour, the time of fulfillment.  I will not delay.
• I believe.  I accept your Kingdom. I repent. I turn to you and hear your voice.
• Jesus, you want to come into my heart.
• I hear your call. I will follow you, forever and ever.
• O Jesus, You are the gift of the Father.  What else compares with your friendship?  I will leave everything to be your friend.

Resolutions: (Use one of these or make your own.)

+ I will learn God’s timetable.  What does he expect today?

+ When Jesus invites me today, I will answer immediately.

Thought For The Day: (To recall your meditation.)

Come after me and I will make you fishers of men.

The Trials Of A Disciple (Lk 21:12-19)

Prayer:

 O Jesus, help me in the moments of my trials.

Imagination:

 Picture Jesus explaining to the disciples their future difficulties.

Context:

                After discussing all the wars and famines and earthquakes that will occur, Jesus turns to two other difficulties. The disciples will find themselves hauled into court. Also, their family and friends will turn on them. Only patient endurance will win the victory.

Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)

                Jesus said to his disciples, “Before all these things happen, they will lay hands on you. They will persecute you, bringing you to synagogues and prisons, dragging you before kings and governors for my name’s sake. You will be brought there so you can give witness.

                Do not think ahead of time what you are to say for I will give you words and a wisdom which your adversaries cannot resist or refute.

                You will be betrayed by your parents and your brothers, relatives and friends. Some of you will be put to death and you shall be hated by all for my name’s sake. By patient endurance you shall save your lives.”

Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder the ones that attract you.)

1. The problems will begin when the disciples witness to Jesus.
2. The synagogue will reject them and this will lead to prison.
3. They will be brought before the highest authorities – governors and kings.
4. These arrests serve God’s purpose. The disciples will speak of Jesus to all who attend their trial.
5. Jesus, himself, promises to be there, prompting them what to say.
6. Even family members will not want the disciple to join this new Jesus Movement.
7. The consequence will be dire. Some will die. Jesus will not miraculously save them.
8. By dying, they will “save their life,” their eternal life that really matters.

Affections: (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)

• Jesus, to be persecuted for you is my greatest privilege.
• I will not be silent. I will speak about your name.
• Many need to hear the gospel. At least, some will listen.
• Kings and governors have limited power. You, Jesus, and your disciples hold all authority.
• You will be there. You will give me the words. You will be my lawyer.
• No one will intimidate me or change my decision. You are my king and my governor.
• Jesus, give me patient endurance.

Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)

+ I will ask for the gift of Fortitude.

+ I will not let hatred and anger of others to silence me.

Thought For The Day: (To recall your meditation.)

By patient endurance, you will save your lives.

Not Yet The End (Lk 21:5-11)

Prayer:

 O Jesus, let me persevere until the end.

Imagination:

 Picture Jesus teaching his disciples.

Context:

                In teaching about his Second Coming, Jesus keeps putting it off, always speaking of events that must happen first. The “coming” is always “later.” He stresses perseverance so the disciple does not think that the road is short.     

Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)

                Some were speaking about the temple, which was adorned with precious stones and offerings. Jesus said, “These things which you see. The days will come when one stone will not be left upon another. All will be torn down. They asked him, “Master, when will this be?” and “What shall be the sign that it is going to happen?”

He said, “Be careful not to be led astray. Many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he’ and ‘the time is at hand’ but do not follow them. When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be disturbed. These things must first happen but the end is not yet. Nations shall rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom. There shall be earthquakes, plagues and famines in various places. Even in the sky, there will be portents and signs.”

Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder the ones that attract you.)

1. Nothing seemed more lasting than the newly built temple.
2. Forth years after Jesus died, the Romans destroyed Jerusalem and the temple (just as Jesus predicted).
3. In asking for a sign, the disciples are misguided. Jesus’ word is the daily guide.
4. Jesus lists so many happenings (wars, earthquakes, plagues and famines). Yet, none is a sign.
5. Jesus wants the disciples to stay on his path (even if there are cosmic events).
6. They have his true teaching. They must just be good disciples.

Affections: (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)

• Jesus, nothing remains. Only you are eternal.
• I need no sign, only your presence guiding me.
• Your teaching is in my heart. I will cling to that.
• I know you will come for me. I await you in faith.
• O Jesus, what a world! We live with wars and famines and earthquakes! Stay with me!
• Help me to stay on your path, Jesus. The end is not near. I have many miles to go.

Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)

+ I will use Jesus’ words to guide my day.

+ I will detach myself from material possessions by little sacrifices.

Thought For The Day: (To recall your meditation.)

These things will happen but the end will not follow immediately.

The Widow’s Mite (Mk 12:38-44)

Prayer:

O Jesus, to you I give all I have.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus in the temple with his disciples.

Context:

                This gospel joins two different people, linked by the word widow. The scribes want everyone to see their goodness while secretly they steal widow’s money. The widow, on the contrary, gives her money in secret. She is the saving hope of Israel.

Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)

                Looking up, Jesus saw rich men putting their gifts into the treasury. He also saw a poor widow putting in two coins. He said, “Truly, I tell you that this widow has put in more than all the others. The others have given from their abundance but she has given all that she had to live on.”

Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder the ones that attract you.)

1. Jesus sees deeper than the surface actions.
2. He knows what happens in each one’s heart.
3. The rich give from abundance. Their hearts are still attached to their wealth.
4. The widow is different. She is attached only to God. She empties herself, and trusts in God.
5. She is an image of Jesus. In a few days, he will lay down his life for the world.

Affections: (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)

• Jesus, do not let my heart grow hardened.
• Do not allow money to rob me of your Kingdom.
• Remove my hypocrisy. Purify my inmost desires.
• Give me an inner truth, always loyal and generous to you.
• Detach me from my wealth. Let me not cling to my possessions. Empty me.
• I give you everything. Nothing will come between us.

Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)

+ I will examine my use of money.

+ I will be totally honest and sincere in all my financial dealings.

Thought For The Day: (To recall your meditation.)

She has given from her need. All she had to live on.