Render to God What is God’s (Mk 12:13-17)

Prayer:

O Lord, let me give you everything.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus confronted by the Pharisees.

Context:

Israel had two political groups. One sought total allegiance to Rome. Others sought independence, even by war if necessary. The Pharisees, by this question, hope to trip Jesus, forcing him to take one political position or another. By using the coin, Jesus evades the question, and gives a clear principal to decide these political questions. 

Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)

The Pharisees talked among themselves about how to ensnare Jesus in speech. They sent their disciples with the Herodians saying, “Master, we know you are truthful and teach God’s way sincerely. You seek no one’s favor and do not act out of human respect. Therefore, tell us what you think. “Is it lawful to pay tribute to Caesar or not?’”  Jesus, knowing their hypocrisy said, “Why do you tempt me, you hypocrites? Show me the coin used for the tax.”

When they handed him a small Roman coin, he asked them, “Whose inscription is this?”  “Caesar’s,” they replied. He said, “Then give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.” Their amazement knew no bounds.

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

1. The Pharisees are not open to Jesus’ word because they have their own ideas.  
2. They begin with flattery, trying to hide their inner wickedness.
3. What they say is true. Jesus is truthful, a man from God, who does not seek human favor. 
4. Jesus reads their hearts. They are hypocrites, pretending to be his friend but ready to betray him.
5. They bring forth their deadly question, which is meant to destroy Jesus’ popularity.
6. Jesus’ wisdom is greater and he wins the debate.
7. What is important is that we give God all we owe.

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

• Jesus, change my heart, make it open to your word.
• Reveal my inner wickedness. Strip me of all pretense. Let me stand naked in your truth.
• O Jesus, you have come from God and you have returned to God. You are my way to the Father. 
• O Jesus, I surrender all my rights into your loving hands. Whom else should I trust?
• What do I owe you, Lord? Everything!

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

I will see Jesus as the One sent by the Father.

I will give Jesus all that is his.

Thought for the Day: (To recall your meditation.)

Render to God, what is God’s.

The Wicked Tenants (Mk 12:1-12)

Prayer:  

O Jesus, I will give you all the harvest.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus with His disciples.

Context:

Jesus bases this parable upon actual circumstances. In Galilee there were many foreign owners who leased the land to tenants. God is the owner and these tenants are the Scribes who claim to possess God’s word. However, they kill the Son so that the owner will give the vineyard to new tenants. This is a crisis parable which is meant to wake you up!

Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)

A man planted a vineyard and then leased it out to tenant farmers and went on a journey. In due time, he dispatched a man to gain his share of the produce.

However, they beat him and sent him off empty handed. He sent another. They beat him shamefully. He sent another and they killed him. He sent even more. They beat some and killed others.

Finally, he sent his only son thinking that they would show him respect. But the tenants said to one another, “This one will inherit everything. Let us kill him and the vineyard will be ours.”

What will the owner of the vineyard do? He will destroy those tenants and give the vineyard over to others.

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

1. God has given you the vineyard of your faith. He expects the fruits of worship and goodness.
2. He sends preachers and teachers to remind you of your duties. Do not ignore them.
3. He sends interior messengers, his inspirations within you. Do not reject them. 
4. He sends the light of your conscience. Do not extinguish this. 
5. Finally, he sends a Fear of the Lord. What do you do with that?
6. Wake up or else you will lose your faith and your immortal soul.

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

• Jesus, I thank you for my faith.
• You have given me the vineyard of eternal life.
• What do you want of me, O Lord, so I can be your faithful tenant?
• O Jesus, let me never forget that you are the owner of my soul.
• Send your messengers, O Lord. Ask for all the rent you want. I will give anything to remain in your vineyard!

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

+  I will give God his share of this day. I will pray and help others. 

+  I will find time to thank God for my gift of faith.

Thought for the Day: (To recall your meditation.)

All the owner wanted was his rent.

Sent into the World (Jn 3:16-18)

Prayer:  

O Jesus, you were lifted up on the cross to save me.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus teaching Nicodemus.

Context:

This gospel contains the famous John 3:16 verse about God so loving the world. It explains that God’s motive was to save, not to condemn. However, anyone who rejects this light is subject to God’s judgment. 

Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)

Jesus said to Nicodemus, “Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up so that whoever believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, so that whoever believes in him may not perish but may have everlasting life. God did not send his Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved by him.

Whoever believes in him, will not be condemned but whoever does not believe in him is already condemned because he does not believe in the name of God’s only Son.

The Judgment is this. The light came into the world and men loved the darkness rather than the light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who practices evil hates the light. He does not come near it so his deeds are not exposed. But whoever acts in truth comes into the light so his works can be clearly seen as done in the light.

Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder those that attract you.)

1. When the Israelites in the desert disobeyed God, they grew sick from a serpent’s bite.
2. God provided the remedy. When Moses nailed a bronze serpent to a cross, whoever gazed on it was saved (Numbers C21).
3. This story prefigured Jesus being lifted up on the cross to save us.
4. God sent Jesus because “He so loved the world.”
5. Through faith in Jesus, all can be saved. 
6. Jesus is the eternal light.  
7. Evil people do not want this light. It reveals their deeds.
8. Good people rejoice to have their deeds revealed. They act in truth.

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

• Jesus, you were lifted up on the cross for me.
• Only your cross can save me from eternal death.
• Father, loving me so much, you sacrificed your Son to save me.
• I believe. I accept you, Jesus. You are the Father’s only begotten Son.
• Come Jesus. Reveal my heart. Make me a child of light.
• Open my heart to light and truth.

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

+  I will thank Jesus for dying on the cross.

+  I will bring all my sins into Jesus’ light.

Thought for the Day: (To recall your meditation.)

God so loved the world that He gave his only Son.

What About John’s Baptism? (Mk 11:27-33)

Prayer:

O Jesus, you have all authority in heaven and earth.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus teaching in the temple, confronted by the authorities.

Context:

The day before this event, Jesus had cleansed the temple. As he returns to Jerusalem, the temple authorities want to know by what authority he took that action. He avoids a question about his authority by confronting the leaders about John the Baptist’s authority.

Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)

When Jesus came into the temple, the chief priests and the elders asked, “By what authority do you do these things? Who has given you the authority?

Jesus responded, “I have a question. If you answer it, I will tell you by what authority I do these things. Where did the Baptism of John come from? Did it come from man or from heaven?

They thought within, “If we say from heaven, he will ask ‘Then, why did you not believe?’ But if we say, ‘From men,’ we are afraid of the crowds because all believed that John was a prophet.” So they said to Jesus, “We do not know.”  Jesus said to them, “Then, neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things.”

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

1. The temple leaders should have been the most receptive toward Jesus’ ministry.
2. In fact, their hardness of hearts and resistance was the greatest. 
3. The temple needed a cleansing and the leaders resented Jesus’ purifying action.
4. So, they attack the messenger, and try to discredit his message.
5. However, they had already made one mistake. The people accepted John the Baptist and they rejected him.
6. Jesus’ question burns their hearts. They know they were wrong and have no answer.
7. If they were mistaken about John, there is no need to reply to their question. They are discredited.

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

• O Jesus, make my heart receptive to your word.
• Cleanse my temple, Lord. I will not object at all.
• O Jesus, you have all authority. Your every word is eternal life.
• O Lord, forgive my past mistakes and lead me on your path.
• Burn my heart with the fire of your love.
• I am making no mistake. You are Messiah and Lord.

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

+  I will give Jesus total authority over my life.

+  I will admit my past mistakes so I do not repeat them.

Thought for the Day: (To recall your meditation.)

By what authority do you do these things?

The Fig Tree (Mk 11:11-26)

Prayer:  

O Jesus, let me offer you the good fruit of my life.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus and the disciples looking at a withered fig tree.

Context:

On the day after Palm Sunday, Jesus returns to Jerusalem. On the way, he seeks figs from a tree.  Finding none, Jesus proclaims that the tree will never bring forth fruit. The next day. Peter sees the fig tree all withered up. Jesus, then, speaks about confidence in prayer.

Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)

When Jesus was returning to Jerusalem, he felt hungry. Seeing a fig tree with leaves, he went to see what he could find. He found only leaves because it was not yet the season for figs. Jesus said, “Never again shall anyone eat of your fruit.” The disciples heard all this. The next day, they saw the fig tree all withered up. Peter remembered Jesus’ words and said, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree which you cursed has withered up.” 

Jesus replied, “Put your trust in God. I solemnly assure you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea’ and has no inner doubts but believes that what he says will happen, shall have it done for him. If you are ready to believe that you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer, it shall be done for you.”

Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder those that attract you.)

1. The fig tree is an example. Disciples should always be bearing fruit.
2. The quickness of the action startles the apostles. It makes them ready for Jesus’ powerful teaching.
3. If the disciple trusts in God, and believes without any doubt, then even a mountain (far greater than a fig tree), will be thrown into the sea.
4. Mountains symbolize those gigantic obstacles that impede God’s goals and should be removed.
5. Jesus says, “Believe that you will receive.”
6. See what you need to serve Jesus and ask for it.

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

• Jesus, make me a disciple who always bears good fruit.
• O Jesus, teach me to believe like you, without any doubt.
• If I but ask, I will see your blessings. They are waiting for my petition.
• How many mountains in my life need to be cast into the sea!
• “Trust in God.” That is what you always say to me.
• You encourage me. You say “ask in prayer.” You even give me the words to say.

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

+  Today, I will ask God in faith to remove the greatest mountain in my life.

+  I will trust that the words I say in prayer share in Jesus’ power.

Thought for the Day: (To recall your meditation.)

Put your trust in God. If you are ready to believe, whatever you ask for in prayer, will be done.

The Blind Beggar (Mk 10:46-52)

Prayer:

O Jesus, let me cry out to you in great hope.

Imagination: 

Picture Jesus with the crowd and a beggar by the roadside.

Context:

This journey to Jerusalem began with Jesus healing a blind man and culminates with this healing of blindness. In contrast, the disciples grow in their blindness about Jesus’ death in Jerusalem.  They do not grasp his predictions of his passion. This blind man saw and followed Jesus to Jerusalem.

Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)

As Jesus was leaving Jericho with his disciples, a blind man, Bartimaeus (son of Timaeus) was sitting by the wayside, begging. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he cried out, “Jesus, son of David, have mercy on me.” The crowd told him to be silent but he cried out even more, “Son of David, have mercy on me.”

Jesus commanded that he be brought near. The crowd said, “Take comfort. Arise. He is calling you.” He threw off his cloak, leaped up and came to Jesus.

“What do you want me to do for you?” asked Jesus. “Rabboni, that I may see” said the blind man. Jesus said, “Go your way, your faith has saved you.” He saw immediately and followed Jesus on the way.

Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder those that attract you.)

1. This beggar is at a severe disadvantage. He is blind, sits by the wayside, and does not even know what is happening.
2. However, his blindness prepares him for this moment. He grasps quickly that Jesus is his only ray of hope.
3. When Jesus hears his cries, the crowd changes its opinion. His crying out was the right thing to do.
4. With his sight restored, he sees the face of Jesus and can follow him “up the road” to Jerusalem.
5. What a day for Bartimaeus! A marginal, begging blind man becomes a disciple who follows Jesus.

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

• Lord, you will come near to me this day.
• O Holy Spirit, whisper within my soul, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.”
• With great hope, I will cry out to you, O Lord.
• You will hear me and call me to your side.
• You will ask, “What is it that I can do for you?”
• Do everything for me, Lord! Bless me and I will “follow you on the way.”

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

+  I will be attentive today to the Spirit speaking in my heart.

+  I will have great hope that Jesus will hear my every cry.

Thought for the Day: (To recall your meditation.)

He saw immediately and followed Jesus on the way.

Mary Visits Elizabeth (Lk 1:39-45)

Prayer:  

Come, Holy Spirit. Fill me with your joy.

Imagination:

Picture Mary entering Zechariah’s house.

Context:

This story contains many truths. First, Jesus begins his sanctifying ministry. Second, John begins his ministry, pointing out Jesus to his mother. Third, this is an early picture of Pentecost. All are filled with the Holy Spirit.

Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)

Mary went quickly into the hill country of Judea, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb.  Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and cried out in a loud voice: “Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb.”

Who am I that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For the moment that your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you, for you have believed that the Lord’s words to you would be fulfilled.”

Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder those that attract you.)

1. Jesus begins immediately to sanctify the world.  Mary is his first missionary.
2. John the Baptist begins his ministry, pointing out the Christ to his mother.
3. Pentecost comes early. All are filled with the Holy Spirit.
4. Many years later, the apostles will gather with Mary and receive the Spirit at Pentecost.
5. By prophetic revelation, Elizabeth knows that Mary is the mother of God.
6. These two women hold all of history in their wombs.
7. Elizabeth has the Precursor and Mary has the Savior.

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

• O Jesus, you begin immediately to save the world.
• O Mary, bring Jesus quickly to me.
• Holy Spirit, fill me with joy.
• Mary, invite me into your womb, the new garden of Eden, where Jesus has placed every treasure.
• Mary, help me to believe God’s word.
• O Mary, share with me the Spirit of Pentecost.

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

+  Today, I will use Elizabeth’s words to praise Mary, “Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb.”

+  I will ponder the mystery that God placed all human history in Mary’s womb.

Thought for the Day: (To recall your meditation.)

Blessed are you who believed that the Lord’s words to you would be fulfilled.

Prayer:

O Jesus, teach me to set aside everything for love of you.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus instructing his apostles.

Context:

A young man has walked away from Jesus because he was rich. In contrast, Peter is a model disciple who has set all aside. Jesus spells out the rewards, in this life and in eternity.

Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)

Peter said to Jesus, “Behold, we have left all things to follow you.” Jesus responded, “Amen I say to you, that there is no one who has left brothers or sisters, or fathers or mothers or children or lands for my sake and the gospel who will not receive in this age a hundred times as many homes, brothers and sisters, mothers, children and property – and persecution besides – and in the age to come, everlasting life.

Many who are first shall be last and the last shall come first.”

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

1. Peter says that he and the other apostles have left everything behind.
2. Jesus accepts Peter’s claim as true and spells out the great rewards.
3. The early Christians were already experiencing this hundredfold. The people who had joined the Church shared all their possessions.
4. By sharing their properties, people really had access to a hundred homes.
5. Mark slips in a warning. The disciples will be persecuted (which they already were experiencing).
6. The greatest rewards will be “in the age to come,” everlasting life with Jesus, and a sharing in his resurrection.

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

• O Jesus, teach me how to leave everything behind and follow you.
• O Jesus, how great are your rewards, even in this life.  
• You give peace of soul and freedom from sins.
• You give me others as my brothers and sisters. This is the great blessing of devout communities.
• Teach me to be a brother and sister to others by sharing my life and my goods.
• O Jesus, persecutions will come.  Be with me in my trials.
• What will my life be “in the age to come?” What is everlasting life?  What is it like to live with you forever?  Don’t let me miss out.

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

+  I will make a sincere effort to detach myself today from some material goods.

+  I will think about Jesus’ promises.  He always keeps his word.

Thought for the Day: (To recall your meditation.)

And in the age to come, everlasting life.

Prayer:

O Jesus, you have given Mary to me as a mother.

Imagination: 

Picture Jesus on the cross and Mary with the Beloved Disciple at his feet.

Context:

How important is the word Woman signifying Mary’s cosmic role in world affairs. The Bible begins with a Woman whose child would crush the serpent (Gen 3:150 and ends with a Woman Clothed with the Sun (Rev C12).

John’s gospel also opens with the Woman at Cana graining Jesus first miracle and ends with the Woman at the cross. Historically, John cared for Mary who was assumed into heaven at Ephesus.

Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)

Near the cross of Jesus stood His mother and his mother’s sister, Mary, the wife of Clopas and Mary of Magdala. Seeing His mother and the disciple He loved standing near her, Jesus said to His mother, “Woman, this is your son.” Then, to the disciple, He said “This is your mother.” And from that moment on the disciple made a place for her in his home.

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

1. Where are the crowds? Where are the disciples and the other apostles?
2. Only a faithful few gathered and in great sacrifice, they stood beneath the cross.
3. Where else would anyone want to be on this day? They are the most privileged people in the whole world.
4. Their names are faithfully recorded. More important, their names are in the Book of Life.
5. As Jesus saw them, what consolation and help he experienced.
6. In this moment of great suffering, Jesus thinks of others -His mother, the disciple and us.
7. “Take care of my church” that is the meaning of “This is your son.”
8. “Have trust and confidence in the Woman.” This is the meaning of “That is your mother.”

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

• O Jesus, where am I at the moments you want me to pray and keep you company?
• Let me be faithful. May I always stand with you.
• Where else can I go? With whom else would I rather be?
• O Jesus, you have written my name on Your heart.
• What a mystery. 2000 years later, I can console you by my actions.
• You have given me your mother. What more can I ask for?
• O Mary, I am now your child. Jesus gave you to me.
• I will trust you, Mary. Place all my confidence. From this day on, you will be my mother.

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

+  I will be as faithful as possible to visiting the Blessed Sacrament.

+  I will find time for my daily rosary.

Thought for the Day: (To recall your meditation.)

Woman, this is your son. This is your mother.

Prayer:  

O Jesus, give me the Living Water of the Holy Spirit.

Imagination: 

Picture Jesus teaching in the Temple.

Context:

On the seventh (final) day of the Feast of Tabernacles, a vessel of water from the pool of Siloam is brought to the temple and poured out before the altar of burnt offerings. Using this backdrop, Jesus promises the living waters of the Spirit.

Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)

On the last and greatest day of the feast, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. As scripture says, ‘Whoever believes in me, rivers of living water shall flow within him.’”

He said this about the Spirit, which those who came to believe in him were going to receive. There was, or course, no Spirit as yet, because Jesus had not yet been glorified.

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

1. Jesus waits for the most dramatic moment to give his solemn promise.  
2. At the well in Samaria, He spoke privately to the woman about living waters. Now, he offers these living waters to the whole world.
3. These waters are the Holy Spirit, who now fills the earth.
4. Jesus only promises the spirit because he had not risen, as yet.
5. Now, Jesus is glorified and he pours out the Spirit on all believers.

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

• What an invitation! You say, “Whoever believes.” That includes me.
• O Jesus, only you can give living waters.
• Pour out your Spirit, Jesus and make me a member of your Kingdom.
• You give Your Spirit in my every prayer, in every sacrament and in every holy desire.
• Come Holy Spirit. Come Living Waters. I will drink and thirst forever more. 

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

+  I will say again and again, “Come, Holy Spirit.”

+  I will stop drinking of the wrong water.

Thought for the Day: (To recall your meditation.)

There was no Spirit as yet because Jesus had not yet been glorified.