The Rich Man and Lazarus (Lk 16:19-31)

Prayer:

O Lord, awaken me by this warning. Do not let me be like the foolish brothers.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus teaching the crowds.

Context:

Judaism believed that riches proved God’s favor and that poverty proved sinfulness. Jesus reveals the true picture, which shocks his audience. The rich man goes to hell, while Lazarus enjoys the highest honor of being at Abraham’s side. This sets the stage for this parable of the six brothers (its real name). The rich man sees clearly that his five brothers are in danger. However, his brothers are like foolish men with no thought of the impending judgment. They do not listen to the Church and its preaching.

Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)

A rich man feasted sumptuously every day. At his gates sat Lazarus, a beggar filled with sores.  He desired only the crumbs that fell from the rich man’s table but no one gave them. It happened that the beggar died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried in hell. He lifted his eyes and saw Abraham afar off with Lazarus at his side.

He cried out, Father Abraham, “Let Lazarus come and refresh me with some water.” Abraham replied, “Remember that you received good things in life and Lazarus received evil things. Now he is comforted and you are tormented.  Besides, there is a great abyss between us and no one can pass from one side to another.” The rich man said, “Then send Lazarus back to earth to preach to my five brothers, so they do not come to this place of torment.” Abraham said, “Let them listen to Moses and the prophets.” The rich man said, “If someone risen from the dead told them, they would do penance.” Abraham said, “If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, they will not listen to one risen from the dead.”

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

1. Lazarus is used only to highlight the problem of the six brothers, one dead and five living.
2. The dead brother realizes how important repentance is. Without penance, his five brothers will all join him in hell.
3. They have the normal helps (the teachings of Moses and the prophets) but the rich man realizes that they won’t use those helps.
4. He pleads for Lazarus to be a risen-from-the-dead preacher, to whom they will certainly listen.
5. However, Jesus is already risen from the dead and most do not listen even now.
6. The parable challenges us to respond to the gospel that is preached to us every day.

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

• Jesus, while I am here on earth, I am free to choose.
• When my life is over, I will have made my choice.
• Right now, I decide to repent, to change and to have you as my Lord.
• I do not need an extraordinary preacher. I need only your word.
• You are risen. You preach to me. You speak within. You call. You shout. I must hush all the other voices, so I can hear you.
• Someday, Jesus, I will be in heaven or in hell.  Guide my free will.

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

+  I will read God’s word with urgency.

+  I will believe that God who wants to welcome me into his Kingdom.

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

Lazarus was carried by the angels to the bosom of Abraham.

Ambitious James and John (Mt 20:17-28)

Prayer:  

Come Holy Spirit. Reveal the glory you have prepared.

Imagination:

Picture James and John seeking favors from Jesus.

Context:

Jesus has just told the apostles that he would come in glory. With great ambition, James and John want that glory. Before granting any glory, Jesus must enter into his Messianic glory by drinking the cup. This cup means both his suffering and the Eucharistic cup celebrated in Mark’s Church.

Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)

The mother of James and John came to Jesus, accompanied by her sons. Jesus asked “What is it that you want?” She answered, “Promise me that these sons of mine will sit, one on your right hand and the other on your left hand in your Kingdom.” Jesus replied, “You do not know what you are seeking. Can you drink of the chalice that I will drink?” They said, “We can.”  Jesus said, “You shall indeed drink of the chalice that I drink of.  However, to sit on my right hand or my left hand, is not mine to give you. It is for those for whom it has been reserved by my Father.” 

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

1. These apostles have no idea of the costs of the Kingdom’s glory.
2. Jesus tells them that they seek what they do not understand.
3. Even with this warning, they glibly say that they can drink the chalice.
4. Jesus sees the future. After many failures, they will drink the chalice and will be martyred.
5. The highest glory, however, is reserved for others.
6. Such is the Kingdom! God has already prepared each one’s place and his decisions are beyond our comprehension.

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

• O Jesus, enlighten me about the greatness of your Kingdom.
• Pull me into the great mystery of your will.
• Help me to drink your chalice.  
• O Jesus, You have prepared my place in glory.
• O Jesus, Your only desire is to share your glory with me.
• You have already made me so many promises.

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

+  I will find time for mental prayer so God can reveal the Kingdom to me.

+  I will cherish God’s will, both on earth and in heavenly glory.

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

The Father has already decided my place in heavenly glory.

The Hypocrisy of the Pharisees (Mt 23:1-12)

Prayer:  

O Jesus, give me the heart of a servant.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus instructing His disciples in humility.

Context:

Jesus does not criticize the teaching of the scribes and Pharisees (although he alludes to moral rigorism) but he condemns their practices of seeking honor and gaining titles. Jesus wants his disciples to serve others and to take the last place.

Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)

Jesus told the crowds and his disciples, “The scribes and Pharisees sit on the chair of Moses. Therefore, do all that they say but do not follow their example. For they bind heavy burdens and lay them on men’s shoulders, but they do not lift a finger to help them.

They do all their works to be seen by men. They widen their phylacteries and wear huge tassels. They love first places at feasts and first place in the synagogues. They like to be greeted in the marketplace and be called ‘Rabbi.’  You are to avoid the title ‘Rabbi.’ Only one among you is the teacher. The rest are learners.

Do not all call anyone on earth ‘Father.’ Only one is your Father, the One in heaven. Avoid being called ‘Teacher.’  Only one is your teacher, the Messiah. The greatest among you is the one who serves the rest. Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted.”

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

1. By hypocrisy, a person professes a belief that they do not live out.
2. Jesus despises this false devotion and provides many concrete examples.
3. The Pharisees place burdens on people and offer no help.
4. They seek praise of others and places of honor.
5. They seek titles and superiority.
6. They distance themselves and refuse to serve.
7. Only Jesus Christ is your master.

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

• O Jesus, I will live my devout life in truth.
• I will place everyone in my heart and be a servant to all.
• I will love the other disciples and we will be a true sign to the world.
• I will seek no worldly glory, especially in my devout community.
• You, alone, are my Christ, my Master, my Lord.
• Do not let me ruin your work.

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

+  Today, I will serve others.

+  I will avoid all ostentatious behavior so the gospel can spread.

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

The greatest among you must be the servant of all.

Compassionate as the Father (Lk 6:36-38)

Prayer:  

Father, fill me with your compassion.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus teaching his disciples.

Context:

After teaching about loving enemies, Jesus concludes with “Be compassionate as the Heavenly Father.” He then stresses the need not to judge others. This will determine what will be measured out to the disciples.

Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)

Jesus said to his disciples, “Be merciful as your Father is merciful. Do not judge and you shall not be judged. Do not condemn and you will not be condemned. If you forgive, you will be forgiven.

Give and it will be given to you, good measure, pressed down and shaken together, flowing over into the fold of your garment. By the same measure that you measure, it shall be measured out to you.”

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

1. How merciful the Father is. That is how merciful the disciple must be.  
2. If we do not judge, God does not need to judge us.
3. To be forgiven by God, we need only to forgive others.
4. Jesus uses the example of buying grain at the marketplace. 
5. The seller fills the basket and presses down so he can give even more.  
6. Finally, he shakes the basket so every inch is filled with grain. This is how a disciple should give.
7. People also carried grain in their apron. Jesus promises that his blessing will “flow over the fold of the garment.”

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

• O Jesus, I will approach every person with a merciful and compassionate heart.
• O Lord, you make so many promises and all of them are true
• If I forgive others, you will forgive me. 
•  Such a great reward for such a little effort!
• Fill me, Lord. Press your favors into my heart.
• Shake me so you can fill me even more.
• O Jesus, I give you little and you give me much.
• My heart overflows, incapable of receiving all you give.

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

+  I will ask Jesus to make me a generous person.

+  Today, I will see who needs my compassion and forgiveness.

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

Give and it will be given to you in full measure.

The Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-9)

Prayer:  

Jesus, take me up the mountain of prayer.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus in glory with his three apostles.

Context:

Peter has just proclaimed by faith that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the living God. Now, he and two others experience this truth as they see Jesus in glory. Immediately, Jesus speaks of his death on the cross where these same apostles will have great difficulty in seeing him as the Messiah.

Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)

Jesus took Peter, James, and his brother John up a high mountain by themselves. He was transfigured before them. His face shone as the sun and his garments became white as snow.  Suddenly, Moses and Elijah appeared and were talking with him. Peter said to Jesus, “It is good for us to be here. If you will, let us build three tents, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.

As he was speaking, a bright cloud overshadowed them. A voice out of the cloud said, “This is my Beloved Son in whom I am well pleased. Listen to him.” The disciples fell on their face and were filled with fear. Jesus came, touched them and said, “Get up and do not fear.” Lifting up their eyes they saw no one, only Jesus.

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

1. The mountain is the perfect place for prayer, far away from worldly distractions.
2. What a privilege, to have Jesus lead you away so you can be with him.
3. The vision has a fullness. Even Jesus’ garments become like snow.
4. Moses and Elijah appear with Jesus who is the central figure.
5. Peter is right. It is very good to enjoy Jesus’ presence and see his glory.
6. There is more to come. The Heavenly Father takes control. 
7. The Father makes it clear that Jesus is his beloved son and we must listen. 
8. The experience overwhelms the apostles and they are unable to stand. Experiencing God will do that to you.
9. When all is complete, they see only Jesus. They are changed forever.

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

• Jesus, take me with you to the mountain of prayer.
• Reveal your glory and capture my will.
• How good it is to enjoy your presence!
• Father, overshadow me and let me hear your voice.
• Seeing your glory, Lord, I fall on my face.
• Touch me. Tell me to rise. Come, I must walk with you.

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

+  I will be faithful to daily mental prayer.

+  I will obey the Father and listen to His Son.

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

Jesus took them up the mountain and was transfigured before them.

Love Your Enemies (Mt 5:43-48)

Prayer:  

Come, Holy Spirit. Make me perfect as the Heavenly Father is perfect.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus asking the disciples to imitate the Father.

Context:

Jesus continually demands that his disciples show goodness towards enemies. They must act as children of a Heavenly Father. At the end Jesus reveals his goal. He wants the disciples to be as perfect as the Heavenly Father.

Gospel Text (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)

You have heard it said, “You shall love your neighbor but hate your enemy.” I say to you “Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you. Pray for those who persecute you and insult you.  In this way, you can be children of your Heavenly Father. He makes the sun rise on the good and the bad. He makes the rain fall on the just and the unjust.

If you love those who love you, what reward shall you have? Do not even sinners do this? If you greet your brothers only, what is unusual about that? Do not even the pagans do that? You must be perfect, as your Heavenly Father is perfect.

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

1. Jesus calls you to the height of holiness. 
2. He asks you to love everyone and to exclude all hatred.
3. He offers you the highest reward. You will be a child of the heavenly Father.
4. Look at how God acts. He sends his sun and his rain on everyone, good or bad. 
5. Jesus wants you to act in the same way. 

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

• Jesus, lead me to your heights of holiness.
• O Jesus, give me a new way to live.
• Let your love cast out all my hatred. 
• Make me a child of the Heavenly Father.
• I will shower my love and my forgiveness upon everyone.
• You call me to be perfect as the Father. I will begin right now.  

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

+  I will let everyone into my heart this day.

+  I will remove my hatred and critical spirit.

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

Be perfect as your Heavenly Father is perfect.

Anger (Mt 5:20-26)

Prayer:

Come, Holy Spirit. Let your gentleness overcome my anger.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus teaching his disciples to reconcile.

Context:

Jesus teaches a “greater goodness” which is demanded by the holiness of this new Kingdom. In this gospel, he compares the Old Testament teaching on anger and his new teaching. The disciples maintain unity by forgiving each other.

Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)

Jesus taught the disciples about anger saying, “You have heard it said, ‘You shall not kill’ and ‘Whoever kills shall be liable to judgment’. But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother, shall be in danger of judgment. Whoever shall say to his brother, ‘Raqa’ shall be in danger of the council. Whoever shall say ‘You fool’ shall be in danger of hell fire.

If you come to the altar to offer your gift and remember that your brother has anything against you, leave your offering before the altar and go first to be reconciled to your brother. Then come and offer your gift.”

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

1. Jesus invites his disciples to live at a new level of goodness.
2. The law commanded external compliance. Jesus goes much deeper, into the disciples’ hearts.
3. His disciples must remove their inner anger. Then, discord will cease.
4. He forbids angry words, so that hatred gains no foothold.
5. Even the temple sacrifices must be delayed until the disciples reconcile.

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

• Jesus, make me gentle.
• Save me, O Lord, from the violent waters of anger.  
• On the cross, you spoke no angry word. You were silent as a lamb going to the slaughter. 
• Release a river of peace, forgiveness and reconciliation within me.
• Reconcile me to all of my family and friends.
• O Jesus, I will drink deeply of your forgiveness.

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

+  Today, I will forgive everyone who hurts me.

+  I will reconcile with my enemies wherever possible.

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

Leave your gift at the altar and go to be reconciled with your brother.

Confidence in Prayer (Mt 7:7-12)

Prayer:

O Jesus, teach me to ask and to seek and to knock. 

Imagination:

Picture Jesus teaching His disciples to have confidence in prayer.

Context:

God wants to bless you. First, he wants you to seek his blessings (so when you receive them you will thank God and grow in faith). Jesus uses three images (ask-receive; seek-find; knock-be opened) to assure you that God wants you to ask.

Gospel Text (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)

Ask and it will be given you. Seek and you shall find. Knock and it shall be opened to you.  Whoever asks, will receive. Whoever seeks, will find. To whomever knocks, it shall be opened.

What man among you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or, if he seeks fish, will give him a serpent? If you who are evil, give good gifts to your children, how much more will the Heavenly Father give good things to those who ask?”

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

1. To encourage you to ask, Jesus teaches that the Father always hears you.
2. You need not compete for God’s prizes. He provides gifts for all his children. 
3. Everyone who seeks, will find something.
4. This teaching seems too good to be true. So, Jesus uses human examples.
5. What earthly father would hand his child a stone or a serpent?
6. Certainly, the Heavenly Father will never withhold good things from you.

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

• You encourage me, Jesus. You urge me to ask.
• O God, all your gifts are mine. I just need to ask and seek.
• O heavenly Father, would you give me useless things, like a stone or a serpent?
• Father, you hear me as if I were your only child.
• O Father, You gave me Jesus. Will you withhold other blessings?
• O Father, lavish your good things upon me.

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

+  I will fill this day with requests to my Heavenly Father.

+  I will think about the Father’s love for me.

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

How much more will the Heavenly Father give you good things.

A Greater Than Jonah or Solomon (Lk 11:29-32)

Prayer:

O Lord, I seek no sign or wonder. I seek only you.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus speaking to the crowds.

Context:

Although Jesus’ enemies asked for a sign, Jesus addresses his teaching to the crowds. He cites two Old Testament examples of foreigners having a change of heart. When Jonah preached in Nineveh (a perennial enemy of Israel) the people repented. When the Queen of Ethiopia came to see Solomon, she was totally impressed with his wisdom. 

Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)

Jesus said to the crowd, “This is a wicked generation because it looks for a sign. No sign shall be given except the sign of Jonah, the prophet. As Jonah was a sign to the Ninevites, so shall the Son of Man be to this generation.

The Queen of the South shall rise in judgment upon the men of this generation and shall condemn them because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon.  Behold, a greater than Solomon is here.

At the judgment, the citizens of Nineveh will rise along with this generation and shall condemn it. At the preaching of Jonah they did penance, but you have a greater than Jonah here.”

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

1. People want signs to satisfy their intellect, when really they should be surrendering their heart.  
2. A sign does not get people to repent. It only satisfies curiosity.
3. Jesus gives the whole world the greatest sign, his rising from the dead.
4. The Queen believed just by hearing Solomon speak. What is Solomon compared with Jesus?
5. The hated Ninevites repented when Jonah spoke. Who is Jonah compared to Jesus?
6.  Every person in history will come before Jesus in judgment.
7. On that day, the Queen and the Ninevites will condemn those who did not repent.

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

• Jesus, give me no sign. Just give me yourself.
• You are risen from the dead and I will rise with you. Alleluia!
• Change my heart, Jesus. Turn me totally to Your way of life.
• They repented when Jonah preached. I will repent at your word.
• Send me your Holy Spirit of repentance. All can be changed.
• When I come to you after my death, let me be your friend.

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

+  I will think today about the miracle of Jesus’ rising.

+  I will ponder Jesus’ claim that he is greater than all other teachers.

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

A greater than Jonah or Solomon is here.

How to Pray (Mt 6:7-13)

Prayer:  

O Jesus, teach me to pray as you prayed. 

Imagination:

Picture Jesus teaching His disciples the Our Father.

Context:

The Lord’s prayer has seven petitions. The first three – “Hallowed be your name,” “Your Kingdom come,” “Your will be done” are really the same – showing a desire for Jesus to return in glory. The last four petitions focus on what the disciple needs to gain the Kingdom.

Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)

When you pray do not use many words, for the heavenly Father knows what you need before you ask. When you pray, say:

“Our Father, who are in heaven. Hallowed be your name. Your Kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day, our daily bread. Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”

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

1. In the Our Father, Jesus explains what the disciple should desire.
2. The Heavenly Father and His Kingdom must come first.
3. In all things, the disciple must accomplish the Father’s will.
4. The disciple must receive the daily bread of the Eucharist.
5. The disciple’s sins must be forgiven to gain the Kingdom.
6. The disciple must forgive all who have inflicted injuries.
7. The disciple must persevere in all trials and temptations.
8. The saints said this prayer slowly and devoutly.

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

• Jesus, show me what I should desire.
• Focus all my desires upon your Kingdom.
• O Father, I will live for your glory.
• Let your Kingdom break into my life.
• Jesus, reveal the Father’s will. I will do it always.
• Give me a hunger for daily Eucharist.
• I forgive everyone, Lord. Everyone.
• O Jesus, help me in my temptations and to persevere.

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

+ I will make the Our Father my daily prayer.

+ I will make Holy Communion my daily food.

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

When you pray, do not use many words.