Author: Flame of Love

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)

Jesus went up to Jerusalem on a feast day, going to a pool where many sick waited for the waters to be stirred. A certain sick man had been there for thirty eight years. Knowing that he had been sick a long time, Jesus said, “Do you want to be healed?” He said, “Sir, I do not have anyone to plunge me into the pool once the water has been stirred and someone gets in ahead of me.”
Jesus said, “Stand up. Pick up your mat and walk.” The man was immediately healed. He picked up his mat and walked. It was the Sabbath. The Jews said to him, “It is the Sabbath. It is not lawful for you to take up your mat.” He answered, “The one who made me whole told me, ‘Take up your mat and walk’”. They asked, “Who is the man?” The healed man did not know who it was. The crowd was so great that Jesus had slipped away.
Later, Jesus found him in the temple and said, “You are made whole. Sin no more so that something worse does not happen to you.” The man told the Jews that it was Jesus who made him whole. Therefore, the Jews persecuted Jesus because he did these things on the Sabbath.

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.)

Jesus, knowing he had been sick, said, “Stand up.”

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)

Jesus went to Cana of Galilee where he made the water into wine. A certain royal official, whose son was sick at Capernaum, came to him because he heard that Jesus had returned from Judea to Galilee. He asked Jesus to come down and to heal his son, who was at the point of death.
Jesus said, “Unless you see signs and wonders, you do not believe.” The official said to him, “Lord, come down before my son dies.” Jesus said, “Go home. Your son lives.” The man believed the word which Jesus said and went home.
On his way home, his servants met him, bringing word that his son lived. He asked the hour when this happened. “Yesterday, at the seventh hour, the fever left him.” The father knew that this was the same hour that Jesus said, “Your son lives.” So he and his whole household believed. This was the second miracle that Jesus did upon returning to Galilee.

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.)

Go home. Your son lives. He and his whole household believed.

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)

Tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. At this, the Pharisees and scribes murmured, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” So, Jesus told this parable. If a man with a hundred sheep loses one, does he not leave the ninety-nine in the desert and search for the lost until he finds it? When he does find it, he places it on his shoulder rejoicing. On coming home, he gathers his friends and neighbors and says to them, “Rejoice with me, for I have found my lost sheep.” I will tell you that, in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents, than over ninety-nine righteous people who do not need repentance.
Does not a woman having ten coins and losing one coin, light a candle, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? Then she calls her friends and neighbors and says, “Rejoice with me. I have found my lost coin.” In just the same way, I tell you that there will be more joy before the angels of God for one sinner doing penance.

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.)

There will be rejoicing among the angels.

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)

Jesus spoke to those who trusted in themselves and despised others.
A Pharisee and a tax collector went up to the temple to pray. Standing, the Pharisee prayed, “I thank you, God, that I am not like the rest of men – greedy, dishonest and adulterers – as is this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give tithes on all that I possess.”
The tax collector stood afar off, not even raising his eyes to heaven. He struck his breast while saying, “O God, be merciful to me a sinner.”
I say to you that this tax collector returned to his home justified rather than the other.

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.)

This man went home justified, but the other did not.

THE SCRIBE CLOSE TO THE KINGDOM (MK 12:28-34)

Prayer:

O Jesus, I want to love you with all my heart and soul.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus with the crowd while he speaks with this good-willed scribe.

Context:

This scribe is not hostile. His question is sincere. In response, Jesus quotes the great prayer which the scribe himself recited each day. His Jewish faith had brought him close to the Kingdom.

Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)

One of the scribes asked Jesus, “Which is the first of all the commandments?” Jesus replied: “This is the first: ‘Hear, O Israel. The Lord our God is Lord alone. You shall love the Lord your God with all your whole heart and all your whole soul and all your mind and all your strength. This is the first commandment. The second is like to it. ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There are no other commandments greater than these.
The scribe said to Jesus, “Excellent teacher, you are right in saying, ‘He is one and there is no other than he. Yes, to love him with all our heart and all our mind and all our soul and all our strength and to love our neighbor as ourself is worth more than any burnt offering and sacrifice.’
Jesus approved his answer and told him, “You are not far from the reign of God”. And no one had the courage to ask him any more questions.

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

1. This scribe comes with a docile spirit. His question is fair and he accepts Jesus answer.
2. To emphasize the total consecration to God, the Jews use many images – heart, mind, will, strength.
3. Jesus adds a second commandment, love for neighbor.
4. In these two commandments, Jesus sums up his whole gospel.
5. The scribe agrees that loving God and neighbor are more important than even temple sacrifices.
6. The scribe is close to the Kingdom. Now, he needs to believe that Jesus is Messiah and Lord.

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

• Jesus, give me a docile spirit and a heart eager for your word.
• I consecrate myself to you – heart and mind, soul and strength. Anything less is unworthy of you.
• O Jesus, when you enter my heart, you bring my neighbor. I must love everyone.
• You preached love, even to your death on the cross.
• Let my love be a total immolation.
• O Jesus, I choose you. You are the bridegroom of my soul.

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

+ I will set aside time today for God alone.
+ I will love my neighbor in thought, word and deed.

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

Hear, O Israel. The Lord our God is Lord alone.

CASTING OUT DEVILS BY GOD’S FINGER (LK 11:14-23)

Prayer:

O Jesus, use your great power to bless ME.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus with the disciples and the crowds.

Context:

In this text, Jesus meets two enemies. They agree that Jesus worked these miracles and cast out Satan. Some question the source of his power and others want a heavenly sign. Jesus destroys their arguments and claims he is stronger than Satan.

Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)

As Jesus was casting out a devil, some said, ‘It is by Beelzebub, the prince of devils, that he casts out devils.’ Others tested Jesus by wanting a sign from heaven.
Jesus said, “Every Kingdom divided against itself shall be brought to destruction. Any house torn by dissension shall fall. If Satan is divided against himself how shall his Kingdom stand? You say that I cast out devils by Beelzebub. By whom do your children cast them out? Let them be your judges. But, if I cast out devils by the finger of God, then the Kingdom of God has come upon you.
When a strong man fully armed guards his courtyard, his possessions go undisturbed. But if a stronger man than he comes upon him and overcomes him, he will take away the arms on which he was relying and distribute his spoils.

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

1. People use many excuses to reject Jesus. They question his powers or they demand signs.
2. Jesus answers their question. To think that Satan casts out Satan is ridiculous. Satan is too intelligent to divide his house.
3. What a powerful image! God only needs his finger to conquer Satan.
4. If Jesus casts out Satan, then the entire Kingdom of God is present.
5. Jesus describes the present situation. Satan is heavily armed and keeps secure possession of the whole world.
6. Soon, however, all that will change. Jesus is stronger and better armed. Soon, he will over throw Satan and set us free.

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

• Jesus, your powers are true, able to save me and free me.
• O Jesus, cast out all that is dark and satanic in me.
• Let the finger of God come upon me.
• O Jesus, Satan binds all, and controls all. How I need you!
• You have all power. You are fully armed with the Holy Spirit.
• You break open and set free. Come, Jesus. I await you.

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

+ Every day, I will ask Jesus to break the demonic powers that can bind me.
+ I will avoid all occult involvement.

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

If I cast out devils by the finger of God, then the Kingdom of God is upon you.

THE LAW AND THE PROPHETS (MT 5:17-20)

Prayer:

Come, Holy Spirit. Make me great in Jesus’ Kingdom.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus teaching his disciples.

Context:

“Law and Prophets” means the whole Old Testament. Jesus wants his Church to retain these books and teach them to his disciples. At the same time, these books are not God’s final word or his greatest gift because Jesus “fulfills” these laws and prophetic words.

Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)

Jesus said to his disciples, “Do not think that I have come to destroy the law or the prophets. I have not come to destroy, but to fulfill. Amen I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter, not even the smallest part of the letter will pass away, until all is fulfilled.
Whoever shall break one of these least commandments and teach others to do so, will be called least in the Kingdom of heaven. Whoever shall keep them and teach others to do so, shall be called great in the Kingdom of heaven.
I tell you that unless your goodness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you shall not enter the Kingdom of heaven.

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

1. After making us God’s children, Jesus describes how we must live.
2. First, disciples must keep God’s word. Secondly, they must teach others to live by God’s word.
3. Then, they will be great in the Kingdom. They will be both doers and teachers.
4. Disciples must go beyond the limited goodness of the scribes and Pharisees.
5. These tasks are heavy but the reward is great. Disciples will live forever in the Kingdom of Heaven.

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

• Jesus, you have made me a child of the Father.
• Train me in your word, O Lord.
• O Jesus, plant your truth in my heart.
• Give me a zeal to instruct others in your word.
• May your power make me holy.
• You call me to be great in the Kingdom. I cherish your invitation.

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

+ I will examine where I do not keep God’s law.
+ I will read the Old Testament to see God’s words to Israel.

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

Whoever keeps these commandments and teaches others will be great in the Kingdom.

MARY’S QUESTIONING AND ACCEPTANCE (LK 1:26-38)

Prayer:

Come, Holy Spirit. Help me to say “Yes” to God’s plan.

Imagination:

Picture Mary speaking with the Angel.

Context:

Luke records the greatest moment in human history, when God becomes flesh in Mary’s womb. This text highlights Mary’s struggle to understand the mystery. Once all is clear, she quickly consents.

Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)

The angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin named Mary. The angel said, “Do not fear, Mary. You have found favor with God. You shall conceive and bear a son and give him the name Jesus. Great will be his dignity and he will be called Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of David, his father. He will rule over the house of Jacob forever and his reign will be without end.
Mary said to the angel, “How can this be because I do not know man?” The angel explained, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High shall overshadow you. The child will be called holy, the Son of God. Know that Elizabeth, your relative, has conceived a son in her old age. She who was called barren, is now in her sixth month because nothing is impossible to God.”
Mary said, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord. Let it be done to me according to your word.” At this, the angel left her.

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

1. Mary knew that God called her to be a virgin. Now, the angel speaks of her becoming a mother.
2. The angel explains how both are true. The Holy Spirit will overshadow her, making her both mother and virgin.
3. This message overwhelms Mary.
4. Because Mary must accept her privilege, the angel describes God’s miracle in Elizabeth.
5. The angel concludes, “Nothing is impossible to God.”
6. Mary’s human mind quickly understands that God will do the impossible.
7. She surrenders completely, “Let it be done to me according to your word.”

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

• O Father, what is your plan for me?
• O Jesus, I cannot always understand your favors.
• Mary, teach me how to search for answers.
• O Spirit, reveal God’s mysteries in my life.
• O God, nothing is impossible for you.
• Mary, engrave your response on my heart, “Let I be done to me according to your word.”

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

+ This day, I will surrender to God’s plan.
+ I will believe that nothing is impossible for God.

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

Let it be done to me according to your word.

REJECTION AT NAZARETH (LK 4:24-30)

Prayer:

O Lord, never let me reject you.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus confronted by the angry citizens of Nazareth.

Context:

The mood of the crowd changes suddenly from acceptance to rejection. Jesus pinpoints the cause. They want to see miracles. Jesus recounts two stories in which the prophets worked miracles for non-Jewish people. Their rejection turns to an angry attempt to kill Jesus. However, it is not yet the time for his crucifixion.

Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)

While preaching at the synagogue in Nazareth, Jesus said, “Today this passage is fulfilled in your hearing.” All spoke favorably of him and marveled at the words which came from his mouth. Yet, they said, “Is this not the son of Joseph?” Jesus said, “You will say, ‘Physician, heal yourself. We have heard about the great things you have done in Capernaum. Do them here in your own country.’”
He continued, “I say to you. A prophet is without honor only in his native place. I say in truth. There were many widows in the days of Elijah in Israel, when the heavens were closed for three years and six months and there was great famine on the earth. To none of these was Elijah sent except to the widow at Zarephath near Sidon. There were many lepers in the time of Elisha the prophet, but he cleansed none except Namaan, the Syrian.”
When those in the synagogue heard these things they grew angry. They brought Jesus out of the city to the edge of a hill, so they could throw him down. But he passed through their midst and went his way.

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

1. These people of Nazareth have an obstacle to accepting Jesus as a prophet. They knew him as a little boy, the son of Joseph.
2. These memories close their minds to faith.
3. Jesus pinpoints the problem. Prophets are accepted everywhere except where they grew up.
4. The people feel that they have a right to Jesus’ miracles. After all, he grew up in Nazareth.
5. Jesus cites Elijah and Elisha who worked miracles for foreigners but none for Israel.
6. This rebuke stirs them to anger and to an attempt to kill Jesus. However, the Father wants Jesus to die in Jerusalem.
7. Because of its lack of faith, Nazareth receives no blessing.

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

• Jesus, I have so many obstacles. Remove them all.
• I accept you, Jesus. I open my heart wide. I am yours.
• Lord, all that I have comes from you.
• Jesus, your favors are for everyone. You push no one aside. You look with love, even upon me.
• Poor Nazareth is deprived of your blessings. Woe is me if I reject you.
• O Jesus, teach me your ways.

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

+ I will seek Jesus today with childlike faith.
+ I will receive Jesus’ favors and I will use them well.

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

Jesus passed through their midst and went his way.

THE FIG TREE (LK 13:1-9)

Prayer:

O Lord Jesus, let me use my time to repent and receive the Kingdom.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus speaking to the crowds.

Context:

Although the judgment is inevitable, God marvelously extends the time for repentance. This is the gift of the Fig Tree Parable. In Palestine, the first three years of a fig tree’s growth were allowed to elapse without the owner seeking fruit. In the parable, another three years has passed, a total of six years.
The fig tree absorbs large amounts of nourishment, thus depriving surrounding vines of their needed sustenance. Fertilizing a fig tree is highly unusual. This tree, therefore, will receive special, unmerited care.
The owner’s patience is past its limits, yet his mercy grants a stay of execution. When this extra year is over, no human power can prolong the time of salvation.

Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)

A man planted a fig tree in his vineyard and came to gather its fruit. He said to the gardener, “For three years I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree and have found none. So, cut it down. Why should it continue to exhaust the soil?”
The gardener answered him, “Lord, let it alone for one year more. I will dig around it and put manure on it. Hopefully, it will bear fruit. If not, then you can cut it down.”

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

1. The vineyard represents all of creation. The fig tree is each person.
2. Three years represents a fullness of time, certainly enough for the fig tree to blossom.
3. The owner’s expectations are reasonable. A fig tree should produce figs. His decision is just. He has sought fruit for three years.
4. Even so, the tree will be given more time. It will even receive the special care of fertilizer to nourish it.
5. However, the farmer’s mercy cannot totally excuse the fig tree. It must respond to all these helps and produce life.

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

• O God, you have given me so much, for such a long time.
• You ask only that I produce virtues according to my state in life.
• Jesus, how patient you have been with me. Year after year you came looking for virtues.
• You even use your choicest graces, surrounding me with every possible help.
• Jesus, I will delay no longer. I will choose a devout life and bring forth virtues.
• When you come next year, I will have fruit for you.

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

+ I will look at my whole life and see all that God has provided.
+ I will no longer delay. I will no longer put off my decision. I know what God is calling me to do.

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

“Lord, give it another year. If it bears no fruit, then cut it down.”

THE PRODIGAL SON (Lk: 15:11-32)

Prayer:

O Heavenly Father, let me never leave your house.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus with His disciples.

Context:

This is a “Parable of the Father’s Love” and is drawn from real life. Many young unmarried sons (under twenty) asked for their inheritance to leave Palestine and better themselves. This son, however, loses his money and returns home. The father’s response is not reasonable, but mirrors the way God treats us.

Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)

A man had two sons. The younger said, “Father, give me my inheritance.” After gathering his things, he went to a distant country. However, he wasted his money by living recklessly. When he had lost everything, a famine broke out and the son got a job feeding pigs. He would like to have filled his belly with their food but no one gave him any.

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

1. This scene happens so frequently. A young person grows dissatisfied and wants out.
2. This desire destroys the family support which he/she still need.
3. The son rejects the Father’s wisdom and soon his own wisdom fails him miserably.
4. The destructive power of sin destroys all that he has.
5. The result is total disaster. A privileged son has become a hungry swine herder. (The lowest of occupations).

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

• O God, how often my desire for liberty has led me to frightful decisions.
• Too often, O Lord, I have trusted my own wisdom.
• O Jesus, my unbridled passions have led me into problems.
• You allowed my situation to deteriorate.
• You abandoned me to my own whims, so I would face reality.
• Leaving your house, O Lord and choosing my own path have led me to the depths of darkness, even to depravity.

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

+ I will recall all of my foolish decisions, taking full responsibility for what I have done.
+ I will not blame God for my situation. I decided to leave his house.

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

He got a job feeding the swine.

(To complete the parable, go to the next meditation.)

TAKING AWAY THEIR VINEYARD (MT 21:33-43)

Prayer:

O Lord, you have given me everything. Make me a faithful tenant.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus with his disciples and his opponents.

Context:

Jesus spoke this parable in Jerusalem when the chief priests and elders questioned his authority. The parable fitted their situation. The tenants are the Jewish religious leaders. The vineyard is Israel. The servants already rejected are the Old Testament prophets. The son, of course, is Jesus. By rejecting the son (killing him on the cross), the religious leaders will lose their authority.

Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)

Jesus said, “There was a man who planted a vineyard, put a hedge, dug a vat and erected a tower. He rented it to tenants and went on a journey. When the harvest came he sent his servants to the tenants to receive his share. The tenants beat one, killed another and stoned another. He sent more servants and they did the same. Finally, he sent his son, thinking, “They will respect my son.”
Seeing the son, the tenants said, “This is the heir. Let us kill him and we shall own the vineyard.” So they killed him and threw him out of the vineyard. What will the Lord of the vineyard do to those tenants when he comes?”
They answered, “He will bring those evil men to an evil end and will give the vineyard to those who will give him grapes at vintage time.” Jesus said, “For this reason I say that the Kingdom of God will be taken away from you and will be given to a people who will yield a rich harvest.

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

1. Notice the zeal and care of the owner for his vineyard.  He plants a vineyard and builds a hedge, a vat and a tower.
2. The owner only wanted his share of the grapes.
3. The messengers just bring the owner’s words – to give them what is his due.
4. The owner is patient, even when the tenants kill his servants.
5. He gives them another chance, deciding to even risk his son to restore the right relationship.
6. The tenants want the whole vineyard and are willing to kill the son to get it.
7. Instead of gaining the vineyard, they are cast out.
8. The vineyard is taken away and given to others.

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

• Jesus, you have done everything for me.  You created me.  You came to earth for me.  You died for me.
• O Lord, you have a right to my praise, to my life, to everything.  It is yours.
• O Lord, when you send your messengers, let me accept them.  When you speak in my heart, let me listen.
• How patient you are, O Lord, waiting, always waiting until I turn to you.
• Father, you sent your only Son to me, even at the cost of his life.
• I give you everything.  All that is yours is mine.  You have done everything for me.

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

+ I will give God every Sunday. The day belongs to him.
+ I will listen to the church and to God’s voice within me.

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

Finally, he sent his son, thinking, “Surely, they will respect my son.”

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.

JOSEPH’S DILEMMA (MT 1:16,18-21)

Prayer:

Come, Holy Spirit. Give to me Joseph’s fidelity to God’s plan.

Imagination:

Picture Joseph receiving the angel’s message.

Context:

Luke tells us about Mary accepting her role as Mother of God. In Matthew’s gospel, the stories focus on Joseph’s dilemma. How does an upright Jewish man resolve the dilemma of a pregnant wife? Joseph is a just man.

Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)

This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child by the Holy Spirit. Joseph, an upright man, unwilling to expose her to the law, decided to divorce her quietly.
Such was his intention, when an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in sleep. “Joseph, Son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, because the child has been conceived by the Holy Spirit. She shall have a son whom you will call Jesus. He will save many from their sins.” All this happened to fulfill what the Lord said, “A virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall call him Emmanuel, meaning, ‘God is with us.’” Joseph did as the angel commanded and took Mary as his wife.

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

1. By his human attraction for Mary, Joseph gets immersed in a divine mystery.
2. Both Mary and Joseph had a dilemma.
3. Mary could not explain to him what happened and Joseph had to live according to his beliefs.
4. Realize the greatness of Joseph. He could have had Mary killed.
5. If he did, the Messiah would not have been born and the world would be in total darkness.
6. An angel resolves the problem.
7. In his darkest hour, Joseph always followed God’s light.

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

• O Jesus, in my dilemmas, send me your angel of light.
• Give me the faith of Mary and Joseph.
• Let all my decisions be gentle and thoughtful.
• Reveal my role in your Kingdom.
• Thank you, Joseph, for preserving the life of the Messiah.
• O Jesus, you take away my sins.
• You are Emmanuel, God with us. How much I owe to you!

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

+ I will enkindle a devotion to Joseph (a favorite patron of St. Teresa of Avila)
+ I will seek God’s help in my dilemmas.

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

Joseph did as the angel commanded.

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 (Lk 9:27-36)

Prayer:

O Jesus, take me up the mountain with you.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus transfigured in glory with his 3 apostles.

Context:

Peter has just proclaimed (by faith) that Jesus is the Messiah. Now, these three apostles experience Jesus as the Messiah. Also, the Father says that Jesus is his “Beloved Son”, the same title given at Jesus’ Baptism. Elijah and Moses appear. They, too, share in Jesus’ fullness. All of these religious experiences confirm that Jesus is the Messiah.

Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)

Jesus took Peter, James and John up a high mountain to pray. While he was praying, his face changed in appearance and his clothes became dazzlingly white. Suddenly, two men were talking with him – Moses and Elijah. They appeared in glory and spoke of his passage which he was about to fulfill in Jerusalem. Peter and those with him had fallen asleep. When they woke, they saw his glory and the two men with him. As the two men were leaving, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us make three tents – one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” He did not realize what he said.
A cloud overshadowed them. They were afraid as Moses and Elijah entered into the cloud. A voice came out of the cloud and said, “This is my Beloved Son, listen to him.” Then, they were alone with Jesus. The disciples kept quiet, telling nothing of what they had seen to anyone.

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

1. The three apostles had no idea where Jesus was taking them. They just followed him in faith.
2. Upon arriving, they had the greatest possible religious experience. They saw Jesus in his glory.
3. Even more, Moses and Elijah speak with Jesus about his future death in Jerusalem.
4. Peter experiences overwhelming joy. He wants to erect three tents and stay there.
5. The Father enters the scene with a clear message. Jesus is his Son and they must listen.
6. The holiness and power of God overwhelm them.
7. Fortunately, when all is over, Jesus remains with them.
8. The gift remains locked in their hearts until after Jesus rises from the dead.

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

• O Jesus, every morning I will ascend the mountain of prayer.
• I will meet you, Jesus. I will see your glory and you will claim my heart.
• You are the center of all history. You are the whole purpose of my life.
• The Father speaks. I hear his words. He tells me who you are.
• O Jesus, I will listen only to you.
• Your glory fills me with a fear. Let me never be separated from you.
• O Jesus, stay with me.

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

+ I will be faithful to daily mental prayer.
+ I will remain with Jesus, never walking away from him.

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

Listen to the Beloved Son and you can be transformed.

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.

Resolutions: (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.