Today’s Consuming Fire Meditation- – A Daily Dose of the Flame of Love Diary Served Up with Today’s Scriptures
Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Easter
Staying Connected
Did you forget that I wanted you to renounce all distracting literature? Let your life be one of contemplation, prayer and sacrifice. (Jesus) (September 2, 1963)
Today’s Gospel: Today’s Readings: Jesus said to his disciples: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower. He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit, and everyone that does he prunes so that it bears more fruit. (John 15)
Prayer Meditation: O Lord, there is so much in our world that distracts us from Your Voice and Your Will. Our time on Earth is short and distractions are just wasted time! Help us to stay connected to You, the One True Vine by prayer and by offering every moment to You! Let us not just take up space but may we truly bear fruit (Galatians 5)! May we stay connected to You as we unplug from the world.
Picture Jesus teaching his disciples at the Last Supper.
Context:.
This gospel concludes Jesus’ teaching at the Last Supper. He tries to prepare the apostles in two ways. First, he promises to place a lasting peace in their hearts. Second, he explains that his death results from his battle with Satan, the prince of this world. Jesus suffers because he is obedient to the Father.
Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)
Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give. Let not your heart be troubled or be afraid. You have heard me say to you, I go away and I come back to you. If you loved me you indeed would be glad, because I go to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. I have told you this before it happens, so that when it does happen, you will believe. I will not go on saying many things. For the prince of this world comes and he has no hold on me. However, the world must know that I love the Father and I do as the Father commanded.
Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder the ones that attract you.)
The heart of Jesus is broken. Obeying the Father entails leaving the apostles in great distress.
He tries to soften this hardship by filling their hearts with peace.
His “going away” is just for “a little while”, the three days in the tomb.
He will come back. Only Jesus could do that.
They must try to enter into Jesus’ joy. He will be returning to the Father.
He prophesies all these events, so that they believe.
He must stop speaking. The battle is at hand, the eternal combat between Jesus and Satan.
His death on the cross will prove to the whole world that he loves the Father.
Affections. (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)
O Jesus, your heart is always broken for me in all my trials.
Fill me with your peace.
O Jesus, for a little while you have “gone away”.
Come back, Jesus. Return soon.
By your words, I know you live within me.
O Jesus, all your words have proven true. I believe.
I see your arms, extended on the cross, in obedience to your Father.
You have destroyed my adversary, Satan. You have won the victory for me.
Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)
+ I will try to understand Jesus’ infinite love for me. + I will seek his peace so I can serve him.
Today’s Consuming Fire Meditation- – A Daily Dose of the Flame of Love Diary Served Up with Today’s Scriptures
Tuesday of the Fifth Week of Easter
Peace He Gives Us
Jesus: “Calm down, My little one. There is no reason to lose the peace of your soul over such a question. (Jesus) (September 1, 1964)
Today’s Readings: Jesus said to his disciples: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. (John 14)
Prayer Meditation- O Lord so many things disturb our peace- questions, worries, fears, our own weaknesses and sins. On our own we are shipwrecked. Yet You always bring Your Peace- no matter what questions we have or fears that trouble us. You calm the seas of our souls. Let us call on You Jesus and not let our hearts ever be troubled!
O Jesus, send me the Holy Spirit who will teach me all things.
Imagination:
Picture Jesus at the Last Supper with his apostles.
Context:.
Jesus has promised that the apostles would see him. In this text, he explains that this seeing will not be an external manifestation, but an internal, religious experience. These gifts are new and the Spirit will explain them. For now, they must be at peace.
Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)
Judas (not the Iscariot) said, “Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us and not to the world?” Jesus answered, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word and my Father will love him. We will come to him and make our abode with him. These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. But the Paraclete, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring all things to your mind, whatever I have told you. Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled or be afraid.”
Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder the ones that attract you.)
This is an important question, “Why does not the whole world see Jesus? Why does Jesus reveal himself only to these disciples?”
Jesus and the Father are revealed internally. Only a disciple who loves God can receive this revelation.
Keeping the commandments prepares the disciple’s heart to be God’s dwelling place.
After coming to the disciple, Jesus will send the “Paraclete”, the Holy Spirit.
This Spirit will teach and remind the disciples of Jesus’ teaching.
The final result is a peace, which removes all fear from their hearts.
Affections. (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)
O Jesus, what a great mystery! You manifest yourself to me but not to the world.
If I love you, you and the Father will come and abide with me.
O Jesus, send your Spirit into my heart. He will teach me.
O Jesus, let your peace burst forth and flood my whole being.
O Holy Spirit, how can I grow troubled when you abide with me?
Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)
+ I will treasure the presence of Father, Son and Spirit in my soul. + I will seek quiet moments, so the Spirit can teach me.
Today’s Consuming Fire Meditation- – A Daily Dose of the Flame of Love Diary Served Up with Today’s Scriptures
Monday of the Fifth Week of Easter
Dwelling In Him
Jesus: “I’ll wait for you at home. When you arrive, I will be in our little dwelling.” (Jesus) (September 1, 1963)
Today’s Readings: Jesus answered and said to him, “Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him. (John 14)
Prayer Meditation- O Lord, we love You, we adore You and we thank You because You have promised that whoever loves You will keep Your Word and You will love him and make Your Dwelling with him. And that the Holy Spirit will come and teach and remind us of everything You have taught us and want to teach us. O Lord, You want to dwell in our souls not just in Heaven but on Earth and You wait for us in the little homes of our hearts and souls if we would just open the door because You stand at the door and knock! (Revelations 3). It is in You that we live and move and have our being (Acts 17) even as we hold these treasures You give us in jars of clay (2 Corinthians 4). Our God, Our Father, Our Savior, and Our Closest Friend with total love and confidence in You and may You make Your dwelling in us! Breathe in our breathing, think in our thinking, speak in our speaking for Your Glory God and for the good of all souls!
Jesus, bring me to the heavenly mansion which you have prepared for me.
Imagination:
Picture Jesus teaching at the Last Supper.
Context:.
The scene now shifts dramatically. Jesus is still in Jerusalem but no longer teaching the crowds. He has just completed the Last Supper and gives these extensive teachings only to his apostles, who will soon experience his leaving them.
Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)
Jesus said, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house, there are many mansions. If not, would I have told you that I go and prepare a place for you? I will come back and take you to myself, so that where I am, you also may be. Where I am going, you know the way.” Thomas said, “Lord, we do not even know where you are going, how can we know the way? Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.”
Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder the ones that attract you.)
After speaking about his death, Jesus uses these words to calm the disciples’ fears.
Jesus never wants our “hearts to be troubled.”
Jesus’ death will be his door into glory.
Jesus has a place for them in his glory.
He will come back and take them to himself.
Without realizing it, they even know the way.
Thomas’ question brings the full revelation. Jesus is the way into the Father’s glory.
Affections. (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)
Jesus, how I need you to calm my fears.
You always whisper in my heart, ‘Do not be troubled. Do not be troubled.”
O Jesus, you have entered into glory. Carry me there in your heart.
You will come back for me. I await you with great hope.
I can even set out, because I know the way.
You are the way and I will follow you.
You are the fullness of all reality. You are all in all.
Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)
+ In difficult moments, I will walk by faith’s light. + I will refuse to take any other road. Jesus is truth. All else is false.
Thought for the Day: (To recall your meditation.)
Do not let your hearts be troubled. Have faith in me.
Today’s Consuming Fire Meditation- – A Daily Dose of the Flame of Love Diary Served Up with Today’s Scriptures
Fifth Sunday of Easter
Only Jesus
Why do you want to know more than you need for your eternal salvation? (Jesus) (Diary 224)
Today’s Readings: Master, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you for so long a time and you still do not know me, Philip? (John 14)
Prayer Meditation- O Lord, we who spend time with You should know You better by now! We overthink things and give in to analysis paralysis and jump through all these hoops because we think that is what we have to do to know Your Will but all we really need to do is to trust in You! Especially in these days we read all sorts of things trying to figure it all out- the times we are in and what will happen. But there is only one thing to know-that is You Lord and You crucified (1 Corinthians 2:2) You do not want us to give in to vain curiosity reading and hearing things that only makes us more anxious but to let not our hearts be troubled or afraid because You are the Way, the Truth, and the Life! (John 14). Lord, show us Your Glory- be with us and never leave! That is all we need to know!
In this text, Jesus describes two different periods – the time before the resurrection (when the disciples do not really know Jesus) and the time after he rose (when they did know him). Philip’s question allows Jesus to expand upon what he has just said.
Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)
Jesus said, “If you had known me, then you would also have known my Father. From now on, you do know him and you have seen him. Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.” Jesus said, “Have I been with you so long a time and still you do not know me? Philip, he who sees me, sees the Father also. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father is in me?”
Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder the ones that attract you.)
Jesus expands his gift. The disciples will know and see the Father.
Growing excited, Philip blurts out the unthinkable request, “Show us the Father” (whom none have ever seen).
Jesus is disappointed. The apostles have already experienced the Father when they see Jesus.
This extraordinary blessing began when Mary became the Mother of God.
Philip must do one thing, believe that Jesus is in the Father and the Father is in Jesus.
Affections. (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)
Jesus, You are the Father’s only son.
When I speak to you, I speak also to the Father.
O Jesus, how long you have been with me.
Yet, I still do not understand. You and the Father are one.
When I see you, Jesus, I see the Father. When I am close to you, Jesus, I am close to the Father.
O Jesus, you and the Father cannot be separated. The Holy Spirit of love binds you together.
Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)
+ I will spend this day in Jesus’ presence. + During the day, I will say, “Let me see you, Jesus.”
Thought for the Day: (To recall your meditation.)
You must believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me.
Today’s Consuming Fire Meditation- – A Daily Dose of the Flame of Love Diary Served Up with Today’s Scriptures
Memorial of Saint Athanasius
All In
Do you want to continue being an instrument? Do you want to climb with Me the Mount of Calvary, the Golgotha? If so, your place is beside the Mother of Sorrows. The Flame of Love of her heart that she wishes to enkindle on earth through you demands a total commitment on your part. (Jesus) (March 24, 1963)
Today’s Gospel: For so the Lord has commanded us, I have made you a light to the Gentiles, that you may be an instrument of salvation to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 13)
Prayer Meditation: O Lord Paul and Barnabas and all the Apostles were all in! Being all in is scary- it involves sacrifice and commitment and pushing forward, not looking back. Yet if we climb with You on the road to Calvary, You have promised us every spiritual blessing including Our Mother who is waiting for our fiat to pour out Her Flame of Love on a hurting world! Let us meditate and prepare ourselves to be His instruments!
Jesus, bring me to the heavenly mansion which you have prepared for me.
Imagination:
Picture Jesus teaching at the Last Supper.
Context:.
The scene now shifts dramatically. Jesus is still in Jerusalem but no longer teaching the crowds. He has just completed the Last Supper and gives these extensive teachings only to his apostles.
Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)
Jesus said, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house, there are many mansions. If not, would I have told you that I go and prepare a place for you? I will come back and take you to myself, so that where I am, you also may be. Where I am going, you know the way.”
Thomas said, “Lord, we do not even know where you are going, how can we know the way? Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.”
Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder the ones that attract you.)
After speaking about his death, Jesus tries to calm the disciples’ fears.
Jesus never wants our “hearts to be troubled.”
The apostles must believe that his death will be their door into glory.
Jesus has a place for them in heaven and he will come back for them.
Without realizing it, they even know the way.
Thomas’ question brings out the full revelation. Jesus is the way into the Father’s glory.
Affections. (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)
O Jesus, how I need you to calm my fears.
You always whisper in my heart, ‘Do not be troubled. Do not be troubled.”
O Jesus, you have entered into glory. Carry me there in your heart.
You will come back for me. I await you with great hope.
I can even set out, because I know the way.
You are the way and I will follow you.
You are the fullness of all reality. You are all in all.
Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)
+ In difficult moments, I will walk by faith’s light. + I will refuse to take any other road. Jesus is truth. All else is false.
Thought for the Day: (To recall your meditation.)
Do not let your hearts be troubled. Have faith in me.
Today’s Consuming Fire Meditation- – A Daily Dose of the Flame of Love Diary Served Up with Today’s Scriptures
Friday of the Fourth Week of Easter
Do Not Let Your Hearts Be Troubled
After your death, will abound in the treasures of your heart those who will know, bless and glorify God. God helped you with His boundless grace to have a life filled with treasures. Those who will live after you on earth can draw abundantly from these treasures. They will be able to follow the simple road of your life. By this path, they also can reach Me.” (Jesus) (November 17-18, 1964)
Today’s Readings:
Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? (John 14)
Prayer Meditation: O Lord, You have prepared a place for us with You and the Blessed Mother and all the angels and saints! How could we ever be troubled? You have given us boundless treasures of Grace so that we can follow the simple and narrow road that leads to life. Through our prayers and intercessions and our witness we are also leading others to You ,including our families, even if we do not see any results here on Earth but we will see in Heaven! We are Your instruments to lead souls to You- nothing we give You, no matter how little and insignificant it may seem, is wasted when united in love to You Jesus!
Picture Jesus with his apostles at the Last Supper.
Context:.
After washing the apostles’ feet, Jesus makes clear what that action meant. He has served the Apostles and they must serve others. Even here, the betrayal by Judas claims Jesus’ attention. He predicts the betrayal so the apostles are not scandalized by that action.
Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)
Amen, amen I say to you. The servant is not greater than the master. Nor is the apostle greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, then you will be blessed if you put them into practice. I do not speak to all of you. I know whom I have chosen. My purpose is to fulfill the scripture, “The one who eats bread with me, shall lift up his heel against me.” I tell you this now, before it happens, so that when it does happen, you may believe that I am. Amen, amen I say to you, “Whoever receives the one whom I send, receives me. Whoever receives me, receives the one who sent me.”
Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder the ones that attract you.)
Jesus renounced all of his privileges to serve mankind.
He expects his disciples to do the same.
If the disciple imitates Jesus, the gospel message will be clear.
We are blessed only by imitating Jesus.
Jesus worrying about Judas’ betrayal will affect the others. Jesus predicts the event to soften the blow.
Jesus describes the greatness of a disciple. Whoever receives them, receives Jesus and the Father.
Affections. (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)
O Jesus, my greatest dignity is to serve with you.
O Jesus, I will think like you, speak like you, act like you.
O Jesus, with all my faults, you have chosen me.
You worry about me. You are concerned. You ease my every sorrow.
Send me. Wherever I go as your apostle, you will go with me.
Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)
+ I will imitate Jesus’ spirit of service. + I will recall moments when Jesus softened my hardships.
Thought for the Day: (To recall your meditation.)
Blessed are you if you put these things into practice.
Today’s Consuming Fire Meditation- – A Daily Dose of the Flame of Love Diary Served Up with Today’s Scriptures
Thursday of the Fourth Week of Easter
What He Is Telling Us
This happens day after day, year after year. You do not realize that I, also, am a Man and that you do not have to distance yourselves from Me since you have received Me in your heart. You should speak to Me in simple words. Do not leave Me alone. My Heart yearns for love and confidence. I want you to speak with Me so I can respond with the fullness of My grace. (Jesus) (May 1962)
Today’s Readings: From now on I am telling you before it happens, so that when it happens you may believe that I AM. Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.” (John 13)
Prayer Meditation- Lord, You keep telling us what we need in Your Word so that we believe that You are who You are. You have given us everything. And yet so many do not believe- even those of us who do take Your Word for granted and do not pay attention with awe and reverence to what You speak to us each day! Your Word should literally stop us in our tracks if we are truly listening with the heart. May we receive You every day with love and confidence and so that You can pour out the fullness of Your Grace into our hearts through Your Word and through the Sacraments.
O Jesus, I will hear your voice and follow you to eternal life.
Imagination:
Picture Jesus teaching in the Temple.
Context:.
Jesus is about to leave the temple to go into hiding. His public teaching ministry is over. These verses in John’s gospel are a summary of his main themes, an overview of all that Jesus has taught.
Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)
Jesus cried out, “Whoever believes in me, does not just believe in me, but also in the one who sent me. I have come into the world as light so whoever believes in me does not stay in darkness. If any man hears my words and does not keep them, I do not judge him because I have not come to judge the world. Whoever despises my words is judged by the word I have spoken. I did not speak on my own but the Father, who sent me, told me what to say and I know that his commandment is eternal life.
Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder the ones that attract you.)
These verses provide an excellent review of the Jesus’ teachings.
To believe in Jesus is to believe in the Father.
Jesus is the light of the world.
He alone can lead us out of darkness.
Therefore, when we hear Jesus’ words, we must take them to heart.
If we do this, Jesus will not judge us.
His words will give us everlasting life.
Affections. (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)
O Jesus, your teaching is clear, easy to grasp.
O Jesus, I will walk only in your light.
You call me out of darkness.
You unite me to the Father.
You give me eternal life.
O Jesus, I embrace your words. They lead me to eternal, abundant life.
Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)
+ I will reflect on the great gift. Jesus unites me with the Father. + I will accept my responsibility to keep Jesus’ word.
Today’s Consuming Fire Meditation- – A Daily Dose of the Flame of Love Diary Served Up with Today’s Scriptures
Memorial of Saint Catherine of Siena
He Came As Light So That We Would Not Live In Darkness
Even when I keep you in the darkness of your doubts, I am with you. Do not forget that when I was asleep in the boat, I chided My apostles for their lack of faith. It takes only one word from Me to bring about silence and light in your soul. Sometimes, I will send it through other people; accept it, even if it is through the most insignificant person. I repeat: I do this to increase your humility. (October 1, 1962).
Today’s Readings: “Whoever believes in me believes not only in me but also in the one who sent me, and whoever sees me sees the one who sent me. I came into the world as light, so that everyone who believes in me might not remain in darkness. (John 12).
Prayer Meditation- O Lord, we love You, we adore You, and we thank You because You came into the world as light so that everyone who believes would not remain in darkness. O Lord even when we believe, You will keep us in darkness, those dark nights of the soul, to increase our humility and our trust. We forget You are just sleeping in the boat and we can feel like giving up in those nights of illness, grief, or just everyday doubts. Yet with just One Word, You silence our fears and bring back light into our souls! Today we thank You for today’s Saint, Saint Catherine of Siena, who through her famous Dialogue with You tells us that it is only through shadows that one comes to know the light! Lord Jesus let us believe, hope and trust whether we are in darkness or light because You are the Light which is healing and transforming us bit by bit into Your Marvelous Light! (1 Peter 2:9).
O Jesus, I will hear your voice and follow you to eternal life.
Imagination:
Picture Jesus teaching in the Temple.
Context:.
Even this image of shepherd gets drawn into controversy. Not being Jesus’ sheep, the hearers do not believe that Jesus can give everlasting life to those who follow him. Jesus explains that he holds every person in his hands, just as His Father does.
Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)
The Jews said to Jesus, “How long are you going to keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly. Jesus answered, “I told you and you did not believe. The works I do in the Father’s name, testify to me. But you do not believe, because you are not of my sheep. My sheep hear my voice. I know them and they follow me. I give them everlasting life and they shall never perish. No one can pluck them out of my hand. My Father has given them to me and no one can take them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.
Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder the ones that attract you.)
The Jews ask a question which seemingly deserves a plain answer.
However, the question comes because they refuse to believe Jesus’ testimony.
More words, even plainer words, will not help them.
They need to make a decision. They must accept Jesus.
Because the true sheep desire to live forever, they easily understand.
Jesus holds these sheep and no one snatches them away.
Jesus reveals his identity. He is one with the Father.
Affections. (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)
Jesus, you have already given me enough words. Now, I must believe.
I will give you my heart. Then, I will fully understand your words.
Awaken in me immense desires for eternal life.
Jesus, I will share your relationship with the Father.
Speak loudly in my soul, Jesus. Silence all other voices.
Where else would I rather be than in your hands?
Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)
+ I will listen today for Jesus’ voice. + I will stay in Jesus’ hands. I am safe there.
Thought for the Day: (To recall your meditation.)
The Father has given these sheep to me and no one will snatch them from my hands.
Today’s Consuming Fire Meditation- – A Daily Dose of the Flame of Love Diary Served Up with Today’s Scriptures
One And All Were Born In Her
Memorial of Saint Louis de Montfort
During Holy Mass, I asked fervently: “Heavenly Mother, what do I have to do? You will be at my side, won’t you? I am so small and weak without you.” (1961-1962).
Today’s Readings; I tell of Egypt and Babylon among those who know the LORD; Of Philistia, Tyre, Ethiopia: “This man was born there.” And of Zion they shall say: “One and all were born in her; And he who has established her is the Most High LORD.” (Psalm 87)
Prayer Meditation- O Lord, we love You, we bless You and we adore You because today is a special day. The memorial of St. Louis Marie de Montfort who the Holy Spirit inspired to promote devotion to You Lord through Our Blessed Mother! What a fitting psalm, we were all born in Her when Our Mother gave Her Fiat! She is Mother of us all and She wants nothing but Your Will and for all Her Children to be saved. Lord, we are two days away from the Month of Mary! And many today will begin or renew their preparation for this beautiful Consecration! Many of us will come, small, weak, broken, sinful, and sorrowful as we begin this process of wanting to come closer to You Lord because we cannot do anything on our own (John 15) but we know Our Mother will take us gently by the hand as she leads us to You and Your Merciful Love!
Jesus’ care for his sheep knows no limits. Besides enduring the rigors of sleeping outside, He is willing to die to protect his sheep. The “hired man” would reject this responsibility and flee.
Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)
Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for his sheep. When the hired man, who is not a shepherd and who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming, he leaves the sheep and runs away. Then, the wolf catches and scatters the sheep. The hired man flees because he works for pay and has no concern for the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know mine and mine know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. I will lay down my life for my sheep.
Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder the ones that attract you.)
Jesus takes his care to the highest level. He is ready to give his life for the sheep.
Hired hands fail this test. They have no desire to give their lives.
Abandoned by the hired hand, the sheep are scattered and killed by the wolf
Jesus explains why he is willing to die. He knows the sheep, just as he knows the Father and the Father knows him.
The sheep are part of the mystery of the Trinity. They are valuable to Jesus. That is why he dies for them.
Affections. (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)
Jesus, now I understand your love.
You love me because you love the Father.
You do for me what you would do for your Father.
You expect no pay. You seek no reward. Your love is the mystery of the Trinity.
No one else is like you. No one else makes such a sacrifice.
I choose you as my Shepherd.
Without you, the wolves of life would devour me.
Jesus, why should I not lay down my life for you when you have died for me?
Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)
+ I will ponder this great mystery. Jesus loves me because he loves the Father. + I will return his love. I will offer my life to Jesus.
Thought for the Day: (To recall your meditation.)
I know mine and mine know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father.
Today’s Consuming Fire Meditation- – A Daily Dose of the Flame of Love Diary Served Up with Today’s Scriptures
Monday of the Fourth Week of Easter
Life Abundant in Christ
Let Me give you abundant graces which are stored up in the immeasurable love of My Heart. May our souls be in harmony. May our hearts beat in unison. Draw many souls to Me. May our hands gather in unity. When you also are abandoned, I will never abandon you, I will be with you in every difficult situation. Besides, today I will accompany you with the penetrating glance of My eyes. (Jesus) (February 10, 1963)
Today’s Readings:
A thief comes only to steal and slaughter and destroy; I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly.” (John 10)
Prayer Meditation- O Lord, You have come so that we may have the abundant life You meant for us to have from the beginning of time, that is union and friendship with You! Your love without measure- let us accept this overflow of Love into our hearts so that we may spread it to others that they too will allow Christ to live in them!
At night, many shepherds would bring their sheep into the city and place them in a large building. In the morning, the owner (a gatekeeper) would allow the true shepherds to enter the building. Because the sheep would be mingled, each shepherd had to call out. Knowing his voice, his sheep would come forward. Then, the shepherd could lead them out to pasture.
Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)
Jesus said, Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs in another way, is a thief and a robber. Whoever enters by a door is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens for him. The sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.
Then, he goes before them. The sheep follow him because they know his voice. A stranger they do not follow. They flee from him because they do not know a stranger’s voice. Although Jesus used this example, they did not understand him.
Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder the ones that attract you.)
The Father is the gatekeeper. He gives Jesus full access to the sheep.
Others are kept away because they will steal the sheep.
A shepherd trains his sheep to recognize his voice.
Their safety depends upon their recognizing their shepherd’s voice.
When called by another voice, the sheep flee. He is not their shepherd.
Those listening to Jesus cannot understand this easy example because their hearts are set against him.
Affections. (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)
O Jesus, you alone are my shepherd.
Train me to know your voice and to recognize your words.
Call me, Jesus, and I will follow.
Lead me out of a sinful life and into the daylight of goodness.
O Jesus, when I followed false shepherds, they stole my heavenly treasure.
I want only your voice, your words, your path, and your will.
Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)
+ I will listen today for the voice of the Shepherd. + I will follow wherever he leads me.
Thought for the Day: (To recall your meditation.)
He calls the sheep by name and leads them out. They follow because they know his voice.
