of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
Author: <span>Flame of Love</span>

Author: Flame of Love

THURSDAY, APRIL 17, 2025 HOLY THURSDAY


JESUS WASHES THE DISCIPLES’ FEET (Jn 13:1-13)

Prayer:

Jesus, wash me and cleanse. Me.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus washing the Disciples’ feet.

Context:

This gospel highlights the great contrast. Jesus has all power, yet he acts like a servant. He washes the disciples’ feet as if they were the master of the house. He explains the meaning of this symbolic act. These powerful apostles must act like servants.

Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)

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

  1. Jesus is not powerless. He has come from the Father and will return to the Father. “Everything is in his hands.”
  2. Yet, Jesus removes his garments, (a symbol of power) and girds himself with a towel, (a symbol of service.)
  3. He descends to the floor, and kneels before each apostle (even Judas).
  4. Although He is “Lord” and “Master”, he sets aside those titles to act as a slave and servant.
  5. “I have given you an example” is Jesus’ keynote speech at his finest hour.
  6. The apostles do not understand. Only the cross will make everything clear.

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

  • O Jesus, You knew who you were, where you came from and where you were going.
  • O Lord, with all your greatness, you still choose to serve me.
  • You kneel at my side and you wash my feet. How can I not love you?
  • Your tenderness overwhelms me. Your actions touch me deeply.
  • How can I respond to you?
  • “Do the same for your friends,” You say. “I have given you an example.”

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

+ I will ask the Lord to cleanse me, again and again.
+ From this day on, I will serve the needs of others.

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

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2025 WEDNESDAY – HOLY WEEK


JUDAS ISCARIOT (MT 26:14-25)

Prayer:

Jesus, may I always be loyal to you.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus at the Last Supper.

Context:

Jesus often spoke about his betrayal. Up to now however, Jesus never revealed his betrayer or said openly that he would come from the twelve. Now he must focus on this issue. So, Jesus reveals Judas as the one and determines the time by telling Judas to leave the Upper Room.

Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)

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

  1. What a tragic story. Judas, called to be close to Jesus, becomes the knife in Jesus’ heart.
  2. Jesus often spoke about this moment. Now, it could not be postponed.
  3. Because of their simplicity, the other apostles worry if it could be themselves.
  4. The Beloved Disciple is so close to Jesus’ heart that Jesus tell him who his betrayer is.
  5. Jesus is still in control. He determines the time of the betrayal by telling Judas to act now.
  6. ‘It was night” everywhere – in Judas’ soul, in Jesus’ broken heart and in world history. This was the darkest moment.

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

  • O Jesus, by your grace, my life will not be a tragic story.
  • You call me to greatness. You have prepared a place for me at your table.
  • Give me the simplicity of the apostles who were loyal to you.
  • I will place my head on your breast and experience the love in your Sacred Heart.
  • O Jesus, to depart from you is the darkest night. Hold on to me.

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

+ I will value my friendship with Jesus above every other prize.
+ I will be faithful to my friends.

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

TUESDAY, APRIL 15, 2025 TUESDAY OF HOLY WEEK


JUDAS ISCARIOT (Jn 13:36-38)

Prayer:

Jesus, may I always be loyal to you.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus at the Last Supper.

Context:

Jesus often spoke about his betrayal. Up to now however, Jesus never revealed his betrayer or said openly that he would come from the twelve. Now he must focus on this issue. So, Jesus reveals Judas as the one and determines the time by telling Judas to leave the Upper Room.

Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)

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

  1. What a tragic story. Judas, called to be close to Jesus, becomes the knife in Jesus’ heart.
  2. Jesus often spoke about this moment. Now, it could not be postponed.
  3. Because of their simplicity, the other apostles worry if it could be themselves.
  4. The Beloved Disciple is so close to Jesus’ heart that Jesus tell him who his betrayer is.
  5. Jesus is still in control. He determines the time of the betrayal by telling Judas to act now.
  6. ‘It was night” everywhere – in Judas’ soul, in Jesus’ broken heart and in world history. This was the darkest moment.

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

  • O Jesus, by your grace, my life will not be a tragic story.
  • You call me to greatness. You have prepared a place for me at your table.
  • Give me the simplicity of the apostles who were loyal to you.
  • I will place my head on your breast and experience the love in your Sacred Heart.
  • O Jesus, to depart from you is the darkest night. Hold on to me.

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

+ I will value my friendship with Jesus above every other prize.
+ I will be faithful to my friends.

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

MONDAY, APRIL 14, 2025 MONDAY – HOLY WEEK


MARY’S ANNOINTING (Jn 12:1-11)

Prayer:

O Jesus, let me be generous in serving you.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus at table with Martha, Mary and Lazarus.

Context:

Lazarus has just been raised from the dead. This scene continues the death to life theme, but now it focuses on Jesus, not Lazarus. Martha and Mary play their familiar roles. Martha serves and Mary anoints Jesus’ feet.

Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)

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

  1. What an experience – to sit at table with the Saviour of the world and with a man who had been dead four days.
  2. Martha and Mary use their personal talents. Martha serves the meal. Mary anoints Jesus. 
  3. Mary has total generosity.  She buys the costliest perfume.
  4. Judas reveals his heart. His eyes are on the money, not upon Jesus’ glory.
  5. Mary’s perfume fills the whole house just as the Spirit filled the temple. 
  6. The perfume prefigures the glory of Jesus’ body after rising from the dead. 
  7. Lazarus is a witness to Jesus’ power and leads others to believe.
  8. How many signs do the chief priests need to have their hearts touched?

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

  • I will be generous, Jesus, giving to you my most costly treasures.
  • O Jesus, I will use my talents for you and your Kingdom.
  • Let your glory and your blessings fill my whole house, my whole life.
  • What love Martha and Mary had for you!
  • Do not let money dominate my life.  I could become a Judas.
  • Your body is in heaven and you want my body to be there with you.
  • How many signs you have given to me.  Increase my faith.

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

+ Where should I be more generous with my possessions?
+ I will try to serve the interests of Jesus.

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

SUNDAY, APRIL 13, 2025 PALM SUNDAY


THE PALM SUNDAY PROCESSION

Prayer:

Jesus, I place my garments at your feet.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus riding upon a donkey with the great crowd.

Context:

This special procession is Messianic. It openly fulfills prophecies and says to the crowd that Jesus is their Messiah. Jesus proclaims himself a very surprising Messiah. He does not ride a horse and proclaim himself a general who will lead an army. He rides a donkey as a man of peace who will lead Israel to peace (if they follow).

Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)

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

  1. The disciples are successful in their task because they obey Jesus’ directions.
  2. The owner cooperates.  How blessed he is.  He sacrifices the donkey because “The Lord has need.”
  3. Jesus knows exactly what to do.  He must ride a donkey into Jerusalem to fulfill the prophecy about the Messiah.
  4. The donkey symbolizes Jesus a Messiah of peace, not of war.
  5. The crowds respond immediately to Jesus’ Messianic entry.
  6. They proclaim the event clearly.  Jesus is coming “In the name of the Lord.”
  7. He will fulfill their centuries-long hopes for the blessings of David.

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

  • O Jesus, teach me to obey your every directive.
  • You know every detail of the Father’s plan.
  • O Jesus, what were your feelings on this special day of arriving in Jerusalem?
  • O Jesus, you sought only to do the Father’s will.
  • You are a Messiah of peace.  Fill my heart with your peace.
  • You are a man of peace, not a man of the sword.
  • I, too, say “Blessed are you, Jesus.  The Father sent you.
  • O Jesus, fulfill all my hopes.

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

+ I will consider how blessed I am because Jesus became a man.
+ I will try to appreciate the burden that Jesus assumed.

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

SATURDAY, APRIL 12, 2025 WEEK FIVE OF LENT


PLOTTING TO KILL HIM (Jn 11:45-57)

Prayer:

Jesus, you died to save me.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus with Lazarus and his sisters Mary and Martha.

Context:

Jesus has just raised Lazarus from the dead. By giving Lazarus new life, Jesus seals his own death. Raising Lazarus leads the Sanhedrin to decide to kill Jesus, no matter what the repercussions.

Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)

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

  1. After seeing this miracle of Jesus raising Lazarus, the people begin to believe.
  2. The chief priests and Pharisees agree that Jesus is performing miracles, and that the whole world will believe. Yet, they do not believe.
  3. Having opposed Jesus from the beginning, all of his miracles mean nothing. Their hearts are hardened.
  4. They fear that their temple and nation will be destroyed (exactly what happened because they did not believe).
  5. Caiaphas even prophesies that “one man should die for the good of the nation”. This is exactly what Jesus did.
  6. Their hatred limits Jesus. He cannot teach openly and the people are deprived of his words.

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

  • O Jesus, I will always respond to you.
  • Jesus, how can you perform miracles and people not believe?
  • How much evil happens because people do not believe in your teachings!
  • O Lord, how many blessings I lose when I do not believe.
  • O Jesus, You have died for the whole world and for me.
  • Jesus, do not hide yourself from me.

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

+ I will open my heart to all the signs of God’s power.
+ I will be aware of the destructive power in my own heart.

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

FRIDAY, APRIL 11, 2025 WEEK FIVE OF LENT


MAKING HIMSELF GOD (JN 10:31-39)

Prayer:

O Jesus, you are truly God and truly man.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus teaching in the Temple.

Context:

The Jews understand clearly that Jesus is making himself equal to God. So they try to stone Jesus, claiming that he commits blasphemy. When Jesus preaches, the Jewish believes do not understand because they refuse to believe that he came from the Father.

Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)

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

  1. The story begins and ends with attempted violence against Jesus.  His preaching has no effect upon the listeners.
  2. Jesus constantly stresses the central point.  His works show that he is one with the Father.
  3. Jesus reveals new truths.  If all who receive God’s words are, in some sense, called gods, then he, who was consecrated by the Father, certainly has the right to call himself “Son of God.”
  4. Jesus presents an “either-or”.  If he performs the Father’s works, they should believe.  If he does not, then they do not need to believe.
  5. Jesus always points to the same truth.  “The Father is in me and I am in the Father.”

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

  • O Jesus, let your words change me.
  • You always say to me, “Trust me, I am one with the Father”.
  • How great are your works in me!  How many changes come about when I open my heart to you.
  • Thank you for making me a child of God.
  • You are consecrated to the Father.  Consecrate me, Jesus. I am Yours.

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

+ I will ponder all that Jesus has done for me.
+ I will meditate on Jesus making me a child of God.

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

THURSDAY, APRIL 10, 2025 WEEK FIVE OF LENT


GREATER THAN ABRAHAM (JN 8:51-59)

Prayer:

Jesus, help me never to taste eternal death.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus teaching in the Temple.

Context:

Jesus makes even stronger claims. Not only is he greater than Abraham but Abraham “rejoiced to see my day.” On the natural level, this is impossible. Jesus is certainly less than fifty. However, he invites his listeners to the supernatural level where they will believe that Jesus always existed. He is I AM.

Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)

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

  1. The crowd turns hostile, claiming that Jesus has a devil.
  2. Jesus claims no glory for himself. All his glory comes from the Father.
  3. However, the crowd is ignorant of the Father (although he is their God) and cannot understand the Son.
  4. Only at the end does Jesus make his greatest revelation.
  5. When the crowd asks “Who do you make yourself out to be?” Jesus reveals his inmost secret.
  6. He is eternal. Before Abraham was even created, Jesus existed. “I AM”, he says.
  7. They shake their heads in disbelief.

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

  • O Jesus, your works, your miracles, and your healings only hint at who you are.
  • You existed forever and you freely chose to enter history. To help me!
  • You were with the Father and you came down to earth. To save me!
  • Filled with heavenly glory, you emptied yourself. To bless me!
  • You were obedient unto death. To raise me up!
  • My mind cannot grasp these truths. Your love overwhelms me.

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

+ I will try to realize that the Father has loved me in Christ from all eternity.
+ I will receive Communion often because I AM is my food and drink.

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

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9, 2025 WEEK FIVE OF LENT


THE SON FREES YOU (JN 8:31-342)

Prayer:

Jesus, set me free from the slavery of sin.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus teaching in the Temple.

Context:

Jesus speaks to “the Jews who believed in him” (8:31). Although they believe, their faith is too limited. They consider Abraham greater than Jesus. They want to make Jesus part of the Jewish religion instead of its fullness. Jesus stresses that he is not God’s servant but his Son.

Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)

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

  1. These Jewish believers have limited faith and Jesus must challenge them.
  2. They still cling to Abraham and are not certain about Jesus.
  3. Abraham could not forgive sins or bestow eternal life.
  4. Without Jesus, they remain slaves and will be ejected from the Kingdom.
  5. By believing in Jesus, they themselves can become sons of God.
  6. They will have the right to live forever in God’s house.

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

  • O Jesus, do I truly believe? Is my faith full and deep?
  • To be God’s child, I must abide in your word and walk on your path.
  • O Jesus, without you, I am a slave, a slave to sin and a slave to death.
  • Change me, Jesus. Change me from slave to son.
  • You call me to live forever in your Father’s house.

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

+ I believe that Jesus is unique, the only Son of God.
+ I will seek Jesus’ saving power in confession.

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

TUESDAY, APRIL 8, 2025 WEEK FIVE OF LENT


“I AM” (Jn 8:21-30)

Prayer:

O Jesus, enlighten me and reveal your fullness.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus in the temple.

Context:

In this text, Jesus does not say “I am the light of the world” but simply “I am”. In fact, he says it twice. By using these words, he claims equality with the Father, who said ‘I AM” when speaking to Moses at the burning bush.

Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)

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

  1. The Father calls himself “I AM” to Moses at the burning bush.   Jesus uses the same words to identify himself.
  2. The people reject this truth. They refuse to believe that Jesus is God, sent by the Father and equal to the Father.
  3. Rejecting this truth means that they will die in their sins.
  4. When Jesus was lifted up on the cross, the Father revealed Jesus’ divinity.
  5. The Father did not “leave him alone.”  He raised Jesus from the dead, so all would realize that Jesus is “I AM.”

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

  • O Jesus, I worship you. You are truly God.
  • I adore you.  You always existed from the beginning. 
  • When You were lifted up, stretched out on the cross between earth and heaven, the Father revealed you.
  • He did not leave you alone.  He raised you up.
  • You are the source of my everlasting life.
  • Jesus, you will not let me die in my sins.  You will come for me.
  • You are “I AM”.  You lack nothing.  All power and glory is yours.

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

+ I will live this day in the presence of Jesus, “I AM”.
+ I will lift Jesus up in my own heart.

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

MONDAY, APRIL 7, 2025 WEEK FIVE OF LENT


THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD (JN 8:12-20)

Prayer:

O Jesus, flood me with divine light.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus in the temple.

Context:

After saving the woman caught in adultery from being stoned to death, Jesus calls himself “The light of the world”. He is challenged to produce witnesses. He claims that the Father is his witness, but the crowd knows neither the Father nor Jesus.

Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)

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

  1. John has already told us that Jesus “was the light of the human race” (1:3) and that the Baptist had come to testify to that light.
  2. Now, Jesus himself proclaims his prerogative, that he is the “light of the world.”
  3. The Pharisees challenge his claim, saying that he does not have the two witnesses demanded by the law.
  4. Jesus correctly states that if God is the witness, only one is needed.
  5. They, of course, are ignorant of the Father and of Jesus’ divine origins, even though he clearly says, “I am.”
  6. Knowing Jesus and knowing the Father go together. Ignorance of one causes ignorance of the other.

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

  • Jesus, You are divine. You are God’s eternal Word. You are equal to the Father. You became flesh and lived among us.
  • I know you, Jesus. I know you are the world’s only true light.
  • Jesus, if you are my light, I will not walk in darkness.
  • Jesus, I am a child of the light and a child of the promise.
  • I will not choose the darkness or even the twilight. My inheritance is the fullness of light.

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

+ I will leave behind all the darknesses of my past life.
+ I will live always in the light of truth.

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

SUNDAY, APRIL 6, 2025 FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT


THE WOMAN CAUGHT IN ADULTERY (Jn 8:1-11)

Prayer:

O Jesus, forgive me and set me free from all my accusers.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus in the temple with the accused woman before him.

Context:

This story fulfills Jesus’ statement “You judge by appearances, but I do not judge anyone.” (Jn 8:15) Jesus teaching in the temple and people getting up early to hear him is attested by Luke (21:38). This story follows the usual pattern of Jesus’ enemies trying to entrap him. Jesus extends God’s mercy so the woman can turn away from evil.

Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)

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

  1. The people were so anxious to hear Jesus that they rose early in the morning.
  2. The Jewish leaders had no interest in Jesus’ teaching. They wanted only to entrap him.
  3. For these leaders, the adulterous woman is only an instrument they can use. For Jesus, she is a person whom he can forgive.
  4. As Jesus writes on the ground, the accusers recognize their sins.
  5. His challenge to be without sin is too great for them and they leave.
  6. The woman is relieved that these sinful accusers are gone.
  7. Jesus, the sinless one, refuses to condemn her. He invites her to become sinless, also.

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

  • O Jesus, make me anxious to learn your word.
  • O Jesus, to you I am a person, the most important person in your Kingdom.
  • I have many sins but you are my Saviour.
  • When I am in your presence, I am filled with peace.
  • You never condemn me Jesus, unless I refuse to repent.
  • Help me to sin no more.

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

+ I will examine my own conscience and ask Jesus’ forgiveness.
+ I will treat every person as Jesus treated this woman.

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

SATURDAY, APRIL 5, 2025 WEEK FOUR OF LENT


THE GROWING OPPOSITION (Jn 7:40-53)

Prayer:

O Jesus, never let me oppose you.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus preaching in the Temple.

Context:

Jesus has divided the crowd. Some think he is the Messiah and others say the Messiah must come from Bethlehem, the City of David. (John’s community knew that Jesus was born in Bethlehem). The question is about Jesus’ divine origin and this text unfolds the great debate.

Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)

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

  1. Some grasp the truth. Jesus is the prophet and the Messiah.
  2. Others find difficulties, as if Jesus does not fulfill the prophecies.
  3. Still others plot to kill Jesus.
  4. The guards are honest. Jesus’ words touched their hearts and they would not arrest him.
  5. Their refusal stiffens the resistance of the temple leadership.
  6. Nicodemus also speaks up but cannot pierce their darkness.
  7. Because their hearts are divided, they separate and go home.

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

  • O Jesus, you are the prophet, the messiah, all that I could ever hope for.
  • Without you, my whole life is divided.
  • O Jesus, give me an honest heart to make the right decisions.
  • Break down all my walls of resistance so I can follow you.
  • Send your messengers to instruct me and to show me the true path.
  • Pierce my heart, Jesus. Plant your word.
  • I do not want to walk away and return to a life without any purpose.

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

+ Today, in the quiet of my heart, I will proclaim Jesus as my Messiah.
+ I will be aware of any hardness of my heart.

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

FRIDAY, APRIL 4, 2025 WEEK FOUR OF LENT


IGNORANT OF JESUS’ ORIGINS (Jn 7:1, 25-30)

Prayer:

O Jesus, I believe that you come from the Father.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus teaching in the Temple.

Context:

When Jesus is in Galilee, he works miracles and receives acclaim. When he goes to Jerusalem, he finds persecution because the leaders want to kill him. The controversy centers around his origins. Since Jesus comes from Galilee, the people of Jerusalem do not accept his Messiahship. Jesus says that they do not know his real origin – which is from God.

Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)

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

  1. Jerusalem leaders opposed Jesus because they would lose their power.
  2. Blinded by their greed and social status, they reject Jesus as the Messiah.
  3. Even the people remain in darkness concerning Jesus’ divine nature.
  4. Jesus presses this important question of his divine origin.
  5. He is from God, the son of the Eternal Father.
  6. The Father has sent Jesus and he knows the Father perfectly.
  7. They fail to kill Jesus.   God alone determines that hour.

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

  • O Jesus, do not let me oppose your plans for my life.
  • Remove my blindness and I will embrace you as my Messiah.
  • Where do you come from, Jesus?  Did not the Father send you?
  • Jesus, you know the Father and you reveal him to me.
  • Heavenly Father, only you will determine my hour of death.  I will be ready.

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

+ I will thank God that I know Jesus of Nazareth is my Saviour.
+ In what parts of my life do I oppose God? I will answer that question.

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

THURSDAY, APRIL 3, 2025 WEEK FOUR OF LENT


THE FATHER’S TESTIMONY (Jn 5:31-47)

Prayer:

O Jesus, help me to believe your testimony.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus teaching in the Temple.

Context:

Jesus explains his purpose in healing the man. By this miraculous deed, the Father testifies about Jesus’ divine mission. Before this, John the Baptist testified about Jesus. However, the Jews accept neither testimony.

Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)

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

  1. Jesus has worked many miracles by which the Father testifies to his divine mission.
  2. These miracles speak loudly, proclaiming that the Father has sent Jesus.
  3. When the Jews still do not believe, Jesus identifies the obstacle.
  4. They want the Father but not the Father’s messenger, the Beloved Son.
  5. They are blind even to the scriptural prophecies that foretold Jesus.
  6. They cannot pass from death to life because they reject Jesus, the only bridge to the Father.

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

  • Jesus, your miracles invite me to believe in you.
  • You are Jesus of Nazareth. You come from the Father. You are his Divine Son.
  • O Jesus, remove my obstacles to faith. Make me a child of light.
  • Every page of Scripture testifies to you. You wrote it that I would believe.
  • One truth is certain. When I come to you, I will gain eternal life.

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

+ I will study the miracles (both in the Scriptures and in Church history). Their abundance will support my weak faith.
+ I will remove my critical spirit, which often refuses to accept God’s signs.

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

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2, 2025 WEEK FOUR OF LENT


THE SON AND THE FATHER (Jn 5-17-30)

Prayer:

O Jesus, reveal the Father and Jesus to me.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus teaching his disciples in the Temple.

Context:

Jesus has just healed a man who lay ill for thirty-eight years. However, he healed him on the Sabbath, and “The Jews began to persecute Jesus” (Jn 5:16) and even tried to kill Jesus because He made “himself equal to God”. (5:18). Now, Jesus responds to their hostility.

Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)

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

  1. Jesus reveals the source of his powers and deeds.
  2. He does only what he sees the Father doing.
  3. The Father loves Jesus and shows him everything. Nothing is held back.
  4. As the Father gives more power, Jesus does greater works. This causes even more wonder.
  5. Only God can give life and judge the world. Jesus shares even in these divine powers.

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

  • Jesus, through you, I share in the Father’s life.
  • Reveal your mysteries. I can do nothing on my own.
  • I am amazed and filled with wonder as I see you work in me.
  • O Jesus, you imitated the Father. Let me imitate you.
  • You have all power over life and death. I entrust my soul to you.
  • Only you are the Lord of heaven and earth.

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

+ I will ask Jesus to show me what to do.
+ I will trust him for all I need, both in life and in death.

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

TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2025 WEEK FOUR OF LENT


THE NEW WATER OF LIFE (Jn 5:1-16)

Prayer:

O Jesus, heal my body and remove my sins.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus speaking to the healed man.

Context:

John portrays Jesus as going to Jerusalem on feast days to show that Jesus fulfills Jewish aspirations concerning the Messiah. This is the third sign of new life (preceded by Cana and healing the official’s son). The pool is clearly identified as the one near the sheep Gate.

Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)

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

  1. Jesus chooses to heal this man because he has been sick for so long.
  2. The pool was frequently stirred from below.  The sick tried to enter the pool while the stirring was taking place.
  3. Since Jesus is the new healing water, the man needed only Jesus, not the pool.
  4. By placing Sabbath laws first, the Jews reject this new source of God’s grace.
  5. Although healed, the man can still lose eternal life.  This is Jesus’ concern.
  6. In great simplicity, the man reports Jesus, totally unaware of the Jews’ desire to kill him.

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

  • O Lord, how long I have been sick with my sins and imperfections.
  • You look at me.  You know my sorry state.  You pick me out of the crowd.
  • You say to me, “Stand up.”  Suddenly, I have great strength.
  • O Jesus, I will remain with you and you will give me eternal life.
  • Why do people not love you?  You bless everyone.

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

+ I will live this day in hope that Jesus will choose me for his blessings.
+ I will not listen to what others want me to do.

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

MONDAY, MARCH 31, 2025 WEEK FOUR OF LENT


BELIEVING THE WORD OF JESUS (JN 4:43-54)

Prayer:

O Jesus, you can do all things. Help me to believe.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus with the royal official pleading for his son.

Context:

This is the second time in John’s gospel that Jesus reveals his power. This second miracle also takes place at Cana, and has some similar aspects. First, Jesus’ initial response seems like a refusal. Yet, the official sees that it is not a definitive refusal. He grows in faith, “believing in the word Jesus spoke to him.”

Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)

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

  1. Jesus returned to Galilee, which was filled with faith.  Jesus’ fame had spread everywhere.
  2. Having heard of Jesus’ miracles, the royal official comes with great faith.
  3. The son occupies first place in the man’s heart and he wants Jesus to heal.
  4. Jesus’ reply seems harsh, much like his answer to his mother at Cana.
  5. Even so, the man’s love for his son causes him to renew the request.
  6. Jesus acts at a distance, knowing that the son is healed.
  7. The official, also, is satisfied.  He does not press Jesus to come with him.
  8. Without seeing, he “ believed in Jesus’ word.”
  9. When the servants brought the news, the official has no doubt that Jesus healed his son.
  10. His faith grows.  All in the house believe.  He became a Church member. That is how we have the story.

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

  • O Jesus, how many requests I have in my heart right now.
  • O Lord, I come before you with my heart filled with desires.
  • I seek no sign, I believe you are the Christ, Son of the living God.
  • I need not say “Come to my house.”  You are already with me.
  • Your power has no limit.  Time and place present no obstacles.
  • Let me see your power in every event of my life.
  • O Jesus, we will believe in you, all my family, and my friends.

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

+ I will ask Jesus for his help in every need.
+ I will allow faith to grow within.

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

SUNDAY, MARCH 30, 2025 FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT


THE LOST SHEEP AND THE LOST COIN (LK 15:1-11)

Prayer:

O Jesus, show me how precious I am to you.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus with His disciples.

Context:

These twin parables are closely connected to the Prodigal Son parable. A hundred sheep was a medium sized flock. The shepherd must have been poor, unable to pay a helper. Luke’s gospel centers on God’s joy on the day of Judgment. The parable of the lost coin has the same focus. The ten coins are the woman’s dowry, which she always carried in her headdress. She rejoices in the finding because each coin is so precious to her.

Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)

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

  1. To leave ninety nine sheep in the desert is not a rational act.  The shepherd thinks with his heart.
  2. The woman, also, treasures this special coin.  For years, she has carried this coin of her dowry in her headdress.
  3. Their joys cannot be contained.  Friends and neighbors must share the abundance.
  4. This is not a temporary finding.  The sheep and the coin are symbols of heaven and an eternal union.
  5. God’s joy overflows to the angels.  The soul that was lost for a time is now found for an eternity.

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

  • O God, I am precious to you.  You are “mad”, in your unreasonable love for me.
  • Let me repent, so you and your angels can rejoice.
  • Thank you, O Lord, for coming in search for me when I was lost.
  • O God, your joy will not be complete until our union is forever.
  • You give your angels charge over me.  They, too, rejoice at my return.

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

+ I will stop running from God. In this way, he can find me more quickly.
+ I will recall those special moments when God found me.

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

SATURDAY, MARCH 29, 2025 WEEK THREE OF LENT


THE PHARISEE AND THE TAX COLLECTOR (LK 18:9-14)

Prayer:

O Lord, fill me with light that I would see my sinfulness.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus with His disciples.

Context:

The two men both arrive at the hour of prayer (either 9:00AM or 3:00PM). Three aspects mark the Pharisee – his prominent position, the sins he has avoided and his good deeds which go beyond what is prescribed.
In contrast, the tax collector stands at a distance, is considered a robber (by respectable people) and recounts no good deeds. He strikes his heart (the source of all sin). His prayers and actions actually show a total helplessness of ever correcting his life. The parable is spoken to the religiously self-confident.

Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)

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

  1. The parable has two scenes – one in the temple and one in heaven. 
  2. The temple scene is familiar, two men praying.
  3. What happens in heaven, however, shocks his listeners. The tax collector is justified.
  4. The Pharisee sets the stage for the tax collector. He is the one who has the correct attitude and prayer.
  5. The tax collector is in total despair, locked into a disreputable lifestyle and, seemingly, has no ability to change.
  6. Seemingly, he has no good resolutions. 
  7. However, he experiences the beginning step of conversion – a broken and contrite spirit.

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

  • God, I have absolutely nothing to offer you.
  • I have no spiritual strength, no good deeds and no resolutions.
  • Yet, I dare to enter your temple of prayer.
  • I offer you only one gift – an empty heart and a broken spirit.
  • But you accept this as the first steps on my new journey.
  • Your words encourage me, “This man went home justified.”
  • Your mercy is everywhere.  Even I can hope.

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

+ Even in my most sinful moments, I will turn to God for mercy.
+ I will never allow the candle of my hope to go out.

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