Author: Flame of Love

THE BAPTIST’S FULL IDENTITY (JN 1:19-28)

Prayer:

O Jesus, help me to find my identity in you.

Imagination:

Picture John preaching at the Jordan River.

Context:

The gospel of John focuses on Jesus’ identity. This gospel clarifies the Baptist’s identity so he is not confused with the messiah. John also distinguishes their two Baptisms.

Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)

The priests and Levites were sent from Jerusalem to ask John, “Who are you?” He said, “I am not the Christ.” They continued. “Are you Elijah?” He answered “I am not”. “Are you the prophet?” “I am not”, he said. “Who are you, then?” He answered, “I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord.’”
Some Pharisees asked him, “If you are not the Christ, Elijah, or the prophet, then why do you baptize?” John answered, “I baptize with water, but one comes after me, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to loose. He will baptize with the Holy Spirit.”

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

1. The Jerusalem leaders are concerned because large crowds follow John.
2. John clarifies all their perceptions.  He is not the Christ, Elijah or a prophet.
3. John gladly disclaims these titles, when he would easily have been believed.
4. John’s identity comes from Jesus.  He is a voice preparing everyone for the Word of God.
5. John understands that his power is less than Jesus.  Only Jesus can baptize in the Holy Spirit.

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

• Who am I, O Lord?  Why have you created me?  What is my role in the Kingdom?
• You have written my identity on my soul.  Reveal it to me!
• O Jesus, in you, I discover who I am.
• I seek only to be the least in your Kingdom.
• I will be a voice proclaiming you as the Word of God.
• Fill me, O Lord, with the powers of your Holy Spirit.

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

+ I will seek to know God’s place for me in his Kingdom.
+ I will serve Jesus Christ, whose sandals I am unworthy to loosen.

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

I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness.

THE SHEPHERDS’ RESPONSE (LK 2:16-21)

Prayer:

Come, Holy Spirit. Give me the shepherds’ faith.

Imagination:

Picture the shepherds adoring Jesus with Mary and Joseph.

Context:

The gospel stories are filled with people. Some respond to Jesus and others do not. Those who respond are always blessed. Here, the shepherds glorify God for all they saw and heard.

Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)

After the angels departed into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this word that has come to pass.”
They went with haste and found Mary and Joseph together with the infant who was lying in the manger. When they saw, they understood what had been spoken to them about this child. All who heard, wondered at these things which the shepherds told them. Mary kept all these words, pondering them in her heart.
The shepherds returned, glorifying God for all the things that they had heard and seen, just as it was told them. When the eighth day arrived for his circumcision, the name Jesus was given the child, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.

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

1. Seeing the angels deeply affects the shepherds.
2. They encourage one another.  They grow bold and do not fear the journey to Bethlehem.
3. They waste no time.  Like Mary visiting Elizabeth, they go in haste.
4. When they see the child, they fully understand the angel’s words.
5. They are excellent witnesses, recounting to Mary and Joseph exactly what had happened.
6. Mary meditates on these events, cherishing God’s words and pondering their meaning.
7. Afterwards, the shepherds proclaim their experiences and glorify God who sent his angels.
8. Mary obeys Gabriel’s command and names her son, Jesus, the name that brings salvation to all.

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

• O Lord, fill me with religious experiences.
• I will respond to your heavenly words and go in haste.
• O Mary, give me your inner stillness.
• Share with me your gift of pondering God’s word.
• O Jesus, I will tell everyone of your wonders and your name will always be on my lips and in my heart.

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

+ I will keep watch like the shepherds, ready to experience God’s manifestation.
+ When God tells me where to find Jesus, I will go in haste.

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

Mary kept all these words, pondering them in her heart.

THE WORD BECAME FLESH (JN 1:1-18)

Prayer:

O Jesus, thank you for leaving the Father’s side and becoming a man.

Imagination:

Imagine Mary telling the angel, Gabriel, that she would be God’s mother.

Context:

Mark begins his gospel with John the Baptist. Matthew and Luke begin their gospels with infancy stories. John begins his gospel in heaven. Quickly, the gospel enters into human history, as “The Word became flesh and dwelled among us.” The text is used today because tomorrow will be a new beginning.

Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)

In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God and all things were made by him, and without him, nothing was made. In him was life and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness and the darkness did not comprehend it.
The real light which gives light to every man was coming into the world. He was in the world and the world was made by him but the world did not know him. He came into his own and his own received him not. But as many as received him, he gave them power to become children of God, to those who believe in his name. These are born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
And the Word was made flesh and dwelled among us. And we saw his glory, the glory of the only begotten Son, coming from the Father, filled with enduring love.

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

1. Jesus is the Word, perfectly conceived in the mind of the Father.
2. He is God, equal to the Father.
3. Through him and in him, the whole world was created.
4. Yet, when he came into the world, people did not recognize him.
5. Even his Jewish people did not understand that he was sent by the Father.
6. He was a light removing the darkness.
7. He filled all who believed with divine life, making them God’s children.
8. He became flesh. He lived among us. People could see his glory. That is the mystery of Christmas.

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

• Jesus, you are eternal. You come from the Father.
• Jesus, you created everything. You own the whole world. You own me. I am yours.
• Jesus, I recognize you. I know who you are.
• Come into my life. I welcome you.
• You are life, full life, abundant life, God’s life.
• Make me a child of God, so I will live forever in perfect happiness.
• You have become flesh. People have seen you and recorded your words.
• Thank you for being born among us.

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

+ In this Christmas season, I will reflect on this greatest mystery – the Word became flesh.
+ More than anything else, I will cherish being a child of God. This is Jesus’ gift.

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

The Word became flesh and we have seen his glory.

THE WOMAN PROPHETESS (LK 2:36-40)

Prayer:

O Lord, teach me to fast, to pray and to listen to your word.

Imagination:

Picture Joseph and Mary holding the Christ Child in the presence of Simeon and Anna.

Context:

Luke likes to portray both men and women ministering. So, he added Anna, a prophetess, to Simeon’s story. She is a widow who serves in the temple by prayer and fasting. In this text, she says no specific words. She believes in Jesus and alerts all to his saving power for Jerusalem (which symbolizes all the elect.

Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)

There was a prophetess named Anna, the daughter of Phanuel of the tribe of Asher. She was far advanced in years, having lived with her husband for seven years and then, as a widow until she was 84. She never left the temple but served night and day by prayer and fasting. Now, at this same moment, she came on the scene. She gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who looked forward to the deliverance of Jerusalem.
After the couple had performed everything according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their city, Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom and God’s favor was upon him.

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

1. God has everything planned.  At just the right moment, Anna comes on the scene.
2. She is the perfect person.  Everyone knows her because she is always in the temple, praying, fasting and serving needs.
3. She understands immediately and believes that Jesus is the Messiah.
4. She becomes an evangelist, telling everyone in the temple that she had seen the Messiah who would deliver Jerusalem.
5. The family’s responsibilities are complete.  They return ninety miles to Nazareth in Galilee.
6. The years in Nazareth are so important.  The child Jesus will experience all the natural phases of human maturing.

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

• O God, all is planned for your glory and our happiness.
• Each of us is the perfect person, exactly the one needed to spread your word in our culture.
• O Jesus I must prepare for my task in your Kingdom.
• Help me to fast and pray.  Give me a spirit of service.
• O Jesus, you are the Deliverer.  You will free me and bring redemption to our land.
• Teach me your plan.  Where am I to go? Where am I to settle?
• Help me to mature – to grow in wisdom and favor.  This is my deepest request.

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

+ I will believe that God has a task for me to do.
+ Every day, I will pray and sacrifice so I can be ready.

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

At this very moment, she came on the scene.

SIMEON’S INSPIRED WORDS (LK 2:22-35)

Prayer:

Come, Holy Spirit. Lead me this day to your divine appointment.

Imagination:

Picture Simeon praising God with Jesus in his arms.

Context:

After forty days, Mary and Joseph fulfill the Mosaic Law by presenting Jesus in the temple. Surprisingly, Simeon appears on the scene. Luke says that the Holy Spirit was with Simeon, revealed the future to him and led him into the temple.

Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)

In Jerusalem was a man named Simeon. He was just, devout and waited for the consolation of Israel. The Holy Spirit was with him. The Spirit had told him that he would not see death until he had seen the anointed one of the Lord.
On this day, the Spirit led him to the temple. When his parents brought in the child Jesus, according to the custom of the law, he took him in his arms and blessed God.

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

1. Simeon totally dedicated his life to God.
2. He is just, devout and awaiting the consolation of Israel.
3. Even more important, the Spirit of God is upon him.
4. The Spirit had spoken to him, promising that he would see the Messiah.
5. Simeon is not a priest and has no duty to remain in the temple. He is guided by the Spirit.
6. The Spirit says, “Go quickly to the temple, Simeon. Today is the day.”
7. He keeps his divine appointment. He is at the right place at the right time, the very moment when the parents bring in the child.
8. He receives his promised gift, seeing and holding the Messiah.

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

• O God, I will be devout and await your kingdom.
• O Jesus, let your Spirit anoint me.
• Help me to believe your promises to me.
• When your Spirit speaks, I will listen. When he leads, I will follow.
• O God, let your inner stirrings move me to the right place at the right time.
• Jesus, someday I will see you and hold you.

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

+ With God’s help, I will be just and devout today.
+ Today, I will open my heart to the Spirit’s promptings.

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

On this day, the Spirit led Simeon to the temple.

HEROD’S MASSACRE (MT 2:13-15)

Prayer:

O Lord Jesus, I would love to shed my blood for you.

Imagination:

Picture Mary, Joseph and the Child fleeing into Egypt.

Context:

In Matthew’s gospel, Joseph is the central person in the infancy stories and God’s usual way of communicating with him is by an angel in his dreams. Historically, Herod was an insane man who killed many of his wives and relatives. The Church honors as martyrs the children whom he killed. The text mentions Rachel, who was Jacob’s wife. Two tribes of Israel were named after her two sons. They were slaughtered 700 years before Jesus.

Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)

After the Magi departed, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in sleep saying, “Arise and take the child and his mother and go to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you. Because it will happen that Herod will seek to destroy the child.” He arose and took the child and his mother and went to Egypt until the death of Herod. Thus the word the Lord spoke to the prophet might be fulfilled, “Out of Egypt, I have called my Son”. When Herod realized that he had been deceived by the Magi, he was exceedingly angry. He ordered that all the boys in Bethlehem and the surrounding regions who were two years old or less be killed. This was according to the time which he had learned from the Magi. What was said through the prophet Jeremiah was thus fulfilled, “A voice was heard in Rama, sobbing and loud lamentation. Rachel bewailing her children. There was no comfort for her because they were no more.” (Jer 31:15)

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

1. Joseph has great spiritual gifts. He receives angelic messages that others would have missed.
2. Despite all the difficulties, he immediately obeys the angel’s message.
3. He will stay in Egypt until he receives another message.
4. How much we owe to Joseph.  He spared Mary’s life when she was pregnant and saved Jesus’ life from Herod.
5. By this slaughter, the shadow of the cross appears early in the gospel.
6. Satan uses Herod to kill these children. Later, he will use Judas and Pilate to kill Jesus.
7. Without knowing it, these children become Jesus’ disciples and share in his cross.

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

• O Lord, help me to hear your directions for my life.
• O Jesus, speak and I will listen.  Guide me and I will follow.
• O Lord, protect me in a world so filled with dangers.
• Keep me in your hiding place, O Lord.  I live to be hidden in your hands.
• O Jesus, I accept whatever suffering comes to me as your disciple.
• Destroy my plans for my life.  Reveal your plans.
• Help me to avoid those whom Satan controls.

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

+ I will be sensitive this day to God’s promptings.
+ I will not endanger my body or my soul, my human life or my eternal life.

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

Herod will seek to destroy the child.

THE DISCIPLES AT THE TOMB (JN 20:1-8)

Prayer:

Come, Holy Spirit. Give me the faith to seek the risen Christ.

Imagination:

Picture the disciples at the empty tomb.

Context:

Before the gospel writers describe the Easter visions, they speak of the empty tomb and of the disciples’ reactions. In this text, Magdalene, Peter and the Beloved Disciple all have different responses. Peter sees but the Beloved Disciple believes.

Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)

When it was still dark on the first day of the week, Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been taken away. She ran to Peter and to the disciple whom Jesus loved and said to them, “They have taken away the Lord from the tomb and we do not know where they have placed him.” Then, Peter and the other disciple went out to the tomb. They both ran together but the other disciple outran Peter and came first to the tomb. When he bent down, he saw the linen cloth lying there, but he did not go in. When Peter arrived, he went into the tomb and saw the linen clothes. The cloth that had been around his head was not lying with the linen clothes, but was wrapped together in another place. Then, the other disciple, who came first to the tomb, went in. He saw and believed. As yet they did not understand the scripture that he must rise from the dead. The disciples left and went home.

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

1. The Beloved Disciple himself wrote this account.  All of the many details (the various linens, where they were placed, and who arrived first), are his first hand memories.
2. These three disciples respond.  Magdalen comes while it is “still dark”.  Peter and the beloved disciple run to the tomb.
3. Although experiencing the empty tomb, the disciples still do not know that Jesus is risen.
4. Magdalen thinks someone stole the body.  Peter seems totally confused.  The Beloved Disciples believes, but does not understand the full story.
5. This is God’s first stirring in their hearts.  At least, they are searching (even running).
6. The two disciples return home but they are prepared for the visions.

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

• O Lord, thank you for these eyewitnesses.
• O Jesus, my faith in your resurrection is based on their testimony.
• All this evidence helps my faith. The stone is rolled away. Your body is not there. The linens are in various places.
• I will run. I will hurry quickly. I must find you.
• Help me to believe.
• O Jesus, I don’t want a world that is empty of your presence.

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

+ I will renew my faith in the risen Jesus.
+ I will study the scriptures.

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

The Beloved Disciple saw and believed.

PERSECUTIONS (MT 10:17-22)

Prayer:

Come, Holy Spirit, Strengthen me in moments of trial.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus preparing His disciples for persecution.

Context:

Jesus has just commissioned his apostles and sent them out to preach. He warns them of difficulties. Matthew’s Church also sent out missionaries who faced the same persecutions, both from Jews and Romans.

Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)

Beware of men. They will hand you over to courts, and they will scourge you in the synagogues. You will be led before governors and kings for my sake, so you can give testimony to them and the pagans. When they hand you over, do not think about what you will say. The Spirit of your Father will speak within you.
Brother will hand over brother to death, and the father his child. You shall be hated by all because of my name, but whoever perseveres to the end, shall be saved. The disciple is not above his master. If they have called me Beelzebub, what will they call you?

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

1. Because the disciples preach Jesus, many will oppose them.
2. Jesus tries to prepare them for what they will face.
3. Even this opposition has a purpose.  The disciples will have an audience to whom they can preach.
4. The Spirit will give them the words that touch hearts.
5. They must rejoice. If they persecuted the Master, they will certainly persecute the disciples.

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

• Jesus, prepare me for the opposition I will meet in my devout life.
• Send me your Spirit so my opponents can be won over.
• Teach me the costs of discipleship.  I will pay any price.
• When the opposition continues, let me stand firm.
• What more could I ask for? You invite me to suffer persecution with you.
• I will persevere and enjoy eternal glory.

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

+ I will try to explain my conversion to all who question me.
+ I will ask the Spirit to guide my words.

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

The Spirit of your Father will speak within you.

THE WORD BECAME FLESH (JN 1:1-18)

Prayer:

O Jesus, thank you for leaving the Father’s side and becoming a man.

Imagination:

Picture Mary giving birth to Jesus, the Word made Flesh.

Context:

Mark begins his gospel with John the Baptist. Matthew and Luke begin their gospels with infancy stories. John begins his gospel in heaven where the Word was with the Father. Then, the gospel enters into human history, as “The Word became flesh and dwelled among us.”

Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)

In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God and all things were made by him, and without him, nothing was made. In him was life and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness and the darkness did not comprehend it.
The real light which gives light to every man was coming into the world. He was in the world and the world was made by him but the world did not know him. He came into his own and his own received him not. But as many as received him, he gave them power to become children of God, to those who believe in his name. These are born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
And the Word was made flesh and dwelled among us. And we saw his glory, the glory of the only begotten Son, coming from the Father, filled with enduring love.

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

1. Jesus is the Word, perfectly conceived in the mind of the Father.
2. He is God, equal to the Father.
3. Through him and in him, the whole world was created.
4. Yet, when he came into the world, people did not recognize him.
5. Even his Jewish people did not understand that he was sent by the Father.
6. He was the light of the world removing the darkness.
7. He filled all who believed with divine life, making them God’s children.
8. He became flesh.  He lived among us.  People could see his glory.  That is the mystery of Christmas.

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

• O Jesus, you are eternal.  You come from the Father. 
• O Jesus, you created everything.  You own the whole world.  You own me.  I am yours.
• O Jesus, I recognize you.  I know who you are.
• You are life, full life, abundant life, God’s life.
• Make me a child of God, who lives forever in perfect happiness.
• You have become flesh.  People have seen you and recorded your words.
• Thank you for being born among us.

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

+ In this Christmas season, I will reflect on this greatest mystery – the Word became flesh.
+ More than anything else, I will cherish being a child of God.  This is Jesus’ gift.

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

The Word became flesh and we have seen his glory.

ZECHARIAH’S SONG (LK 1:67-79)

Prayer:

Come, Holy Spirit. Teach me to praise the Father.

Imagination:

Picture Zechariah prophesying by God’s Spirit.

Context:

This canticle has two parts. The first half praises God for his blessings to Israel. The second half prophecies the effects of John the Baptist’s ministry.

Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)

Zechariah, his father, was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied saying,
Part One
“Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has visited and brought redemption to his people. He has raised up a horn of salvation within the house of David, his servant, just as he promised through the prophets from of old. He has shown salvation from our enemies and from all who hate us. He shows mercy to our fathers and remembers his holy covenant. This is the oath which he swore to Abraham, our father, to rescue us from the hands of our enemies, so we might worship him without fear, all the days of our life.”
Part Two
“You, child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High for you shall go before the Lord to prepare his way. To give his people knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins. In the tender compassion of our God the dawn from on high shall break upon us. To shine on those who dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death. To direct our feet into the way of peace.”

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

1. The Holy Spirit falls upon Zechariah like he did upon Elizabeth.
2. Zechariah foresees the whole plan of God being fulfilled.
3. The Holy Spirit reveals a future divine visitation of Israel.
4. Israel will be free to worship God without any fear. 
5. This child will be “the prophet of the Most High”, greater than any other.
6. He is the final prophet, going before the “face of the Lord”.
7. He will provide “knowledge of salvation”, so people can seek “forgiveness of their sins.”
8. Jesus, the “Dawn from on high”, will enter a human race which lives “in the shadow of death.”
9. Everyone’s feet will be directed toward the fullness of God’s blessings.

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

• O Jesus, save me from my enemies, from temptations, trials, hardships and discouragement.
• Let me worship you without fear!
• Who am I, Lord?  Why did you create me?  What is my call?
• Jesus, you always go before me and you are with me until the end.
• Fill me with knowledge of salvation and forgiveness of my sins.
• Jesus, you are the Dawn.
• When you come to me, night will end and death will have no power.

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

+ I will recall the dreams of my youth.
+ I will bless God who does not disappoint.

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

Filled with the Spirit, Zechariah cried out in joy.

THE BIRTH OF JOHN THE BAPTIST (LK 1:57-63)

Prayer:

Come, Holy Spirit. Teach me to obey your word.

Imagination:

Picture Elizabeth and Zechariah surrounded by their neighbors.

Context:

Luke’s gospel describes the miracles that surround the conceptions and births of both John and Jesus. These numerous miracles proclaim that both are very special to God’s plan. In this text, Zechariah is healed and can speak again.

Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)

When Elizabeth’s time came, she gave birth to a son. When her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his mercy towards her, they all rejoiced with her. On the eighth day, as they were to circumcise the child, they were going to call him by his father’s name, “Zachariah”. However, his mother said, “No. He will be called John.” They responded, “None of your relatives is called by that name.”
So, they asked the father what name he would want. Demanding a writing tablet, he wrote, “John is his name.” At that moment, his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed and he began to praise God. Fear came upon all their neighbors, and all these matters were discussed throughout the hill country of Judea. They all wondered, saying, “What will this child be?” And “Was not the hand of the Lord upon him?”

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

1. The neighbors don’t know the full mystery, that Elizabeth’s child was made holy in her womb.
2. Bestowing the wrong name would lessen God’s gift.
3. Elizabeth’s faith confronts their wisdom.  The angel revealed the name, John, and she acts on that word.
4. The neighbors are not satisfied. They refuse to accept God’s decision.
5. Zechariah, however, has come to believe.  He unites his faith with Elizabeth’s, and writes,  ‘His name is John.” 
6. Having acted in faith, Zechariah experiences a reversal of his misfortune.  His tongue is ready to bless God.
7. In their deeply religious spirit, the crowd is filled with awe, wonder and fear of God.
8. They become God’s witnesses.   Their tongues, too, are loosed to tell everyone of these events.
9. All in that hill country treasure these words in their hearts.
10. They see that God’s hand is upon John.

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

• O Jesus, give me Elizabeth’s staunch faith.
• Make me ready to oppose those who are obstacles to God’s will.
• Make my inner spirit, Lord, sensitive to your inspirations.
• How powerful, O Jesus, are two hearts united in faith.  Let me find others who share my call.
• You have chosen a name for me, O Lord.  Let me cherish the saint whose name I bear.
• Loosen my tongue and I will exalt you before others.
• O Jesus, fill me with awe, wonder and childlike faith.
• I am your mystery, O Lord.  Your hand is upon me.

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

+ I will examine the mystery of God’s call upon my life.
+ I will join my heart to someone else who also believes.

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

Elizabeth said, “He shall be called John.” Zechariah wrote, “John is his name.”

MARY’S MAGNIFICAT (LK 1:46-55)

Prayer:

Come, Holy Spirit. Inspire your prayer in my heart.

Imagination:

Picture Mary praising God in Elizabeth’s presence.

Context:

Mary knows the Old Testament song of Hannah, mother of Samuel (1Sam 2:1-10). Hannah rejoiced that she conceived by God’s power after years of hopelessness. Mary enters into an even greater joy of conceiving God made man.

Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)

Mary prayed, “My soul magnifies the Lord and my Spirit rejoices in God my Saviour. For he who is mighty has done great things for me and holy is his name. His mercy is from generation to generation on those who fear him. He has shown the might of his arm. He has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has put down the mighty from their thrones and has exalted the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things and has sent the rich away empty. He has blessed Israel, his servant, being mindful of his mercy. Just as he promised Abraham and his descendants forever.”

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

1. Mary is immersed in the greatest of all mysteries.
2. The angel told her the mystery and Elizabeth further explained it.
3. In her mystical vision, Mary sees herself guiding all of history.
4. Mary prophesies about the Kingdom. The rich will become poor and the poor, rich. The powerful will grow helpless and the little ones gain strength.
5. Mary is the center of this total, worldwide upheaval.
6. Each generation will enjoy Mary’s favors, but only when they call her “blessed.”

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

• You, Mary are the easy way, the short way, the sure way into the Kingdom.
• Guide my steps. Enlighten my mind. You always safeguard the little ones.
• O Mary, flood my heart with God’s favors.
• Let me be poor, little, empty and hungry in this life, so I can be blessed in the age to come.
• Mary, share with me your mystical visions. Let me see the Kingdom, and all that God is doing.

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

+ I will renew my devotion to Mary.
+ I will read St. Louis de Montfort’s book “True Devotion to Our Blessed Mother.”

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

He who is mighty has done great things for me.

JOSEPH’S DILEMMA (MT 1:18-25)

Prayer:

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

Imagination:

Picture Mary speaking with the Angel.

Context:

Luke tells us about Mary accepting her role as Mother of God. In Matthew’s gospel, the infancy stories focus on Joseph’s dilemma. How does an upright Jewish man resolve the dilemma of a pregnant fiancé? 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. Joseph decides to take the most gentle action and divorce Mary quietly.
5. Realize the greatness of Joseph. He could have had Mary killed.
6. If he did, the Messiah would not have been born and the world would be in total darkness.
7. An angel resolves the problem.
8. 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.
• 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.

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.

ZECHARIAH’S DOUBTING FAITH (LK 1:5-25)

Prayer:

Come, Holy Spirit. Teach me to believe in God’s word to me.

Imagination:

Picture the Angel appearing to Zechariah.

Context:

In these early stories, Luke speaks of two couples, Zechariah with Elizabeth and Joseph with Mary. Zechariah fails this test of faith. His lack of belief is later reversed when he names the child, John.

Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)

In the days of King Herod, there was a priest named Zechariah. His wife’s name was Elizabeth. Both were just before God, walking blamelessly in all his commandments and laws. They had no son, because Elizabeth was barren and they were well advanced in years.
According to the custom of the priestly office, it was Zechariah’s turn to offer incense. As he went into the temple of the Lord, an angel appeared to Zechariah. Upon seeing him, Zechariah was troubled and fear came upon him. The angel said, “Zechariah, fear not. Your prayer is heard. Your wife Elizabeth shall conceive a son, and you will call him John”.
Zechariah answered, “How am I to know this? I and my wife are advanced in years.” The angel said, “I am Gabriel who stands before God and was sent to bring you this good news. You will not be able to speak until these things happen because you have not believed my words. Yet, they shall be fulfilled in their time.”

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

1. God prepares everything. He sends his special angel, Gabriel, at the very moment when Zechariah is offering incense.
2. God chooses John’s name and has gigantic plans for him.
3. Even though he sees an angel, Zechariah cannot believe what he hears.
4. In spite of Zechariah’s disbelief, God does not withdraw the gift. The promises will be fulfilled in their time.
5. God purifies Zechariah by making him mute until the child is born.
6. For now, his lack of faith disqualifies him from being a good witness.

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

• O God, you prepare everything. Let me trust you.
• O God, your plans for me are beyond all my imagination. Your thoughts are beyond my thoughts.
• O Lord, purge me of any lack of faith which would destroy your plans.
• O Lord, even when I did not believe, you did not withdraw your gifts.
• Help me, Jesus to believe even before I see.
• O Lord, your promises to me can still be accomplished! I am not too old.

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

+ I will live by trust in God’s plans for me.
+ I will be confident that God’s power can bring about everything.

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

These things will still be fulfilled in their time.

JOSEPH’S DILEMMA (MT 1:18-25)

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 infancy stories focus on Joseph’s dilemma. How does an upright Jewish man resolve the dilemma of a pregnant fiancé? 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. Joseph decides to take the most gentle action and divorce Mary quietly.
5. Realize the greatness of Joseph. He could have had Mary killed.
6. If he did, the Messiah would not have been born and the world would be in total darkness.
7. An angel resolves the problem.
8. 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.
• 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 he angel commanded.

THE GENEALOGY OF JESUS (MT 1:1-17)

Prayer:

O Lord, I thank you that you have created me.

Imagination:

Picture Joseph and Mary at Bethlehem with the child, Jesus.

Context:

Matthew traces the genealogy of Jesus through St. Joseph back to Abraham. He divides these ancestors into three groups, from Abraham to David (1000 BC), from David to the Babylon Captivity (587 BC), and from the Captivity to Joseph. The purpose is to show that Jesus is from the line of King David.

Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)

A family record of Jesus Christ, son of David, son of Abraham (and the following) Isaac, Jacob, Judah, Perez, Hezron, Ram, Anminadab, Nahshon, Salmon, Boaz, (whose mother was Rahab), Obed (whose mother was Ruth), Jesse, King David, Solomon (whose mother was the wife of Uriah), Rehoboam, Abijah, Asa, Jehoshaphat, Joram, Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, Hezekiah, Manasseh, Amos, Josiah, Jechoniah (at the time of the exile). After the Exile, Shealtiel, Zerubbabel, Abiud, Eliakim, Azor, Zadok, Achim, Eluid, Eleazar, Matthan, Jacob.

Jacob was the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. It was of her that Jesus who is called the Messiah was born. Thus, the total number of generations is: From Abraham to David, fourteen generations. From David to the Babylonian captivity, fourteen generations. From the Babylonian captivity to the Messiah, fourteen generations.

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

1. The genealogy shows God’s guiding hand over many centuries.
2. God wanted to bring forth Joseph, the husband of Mary and foster father of Jesus.
3. The Babylonian captivity shows God’s special care. After seventy years, God led the exiles to return to Jerusalem and prepare for the Messiah.
4. To highlight God’s special care, Matthew deliberately divides the groups into 14 ancestors, twice the special biblical number of seven.
5. The list suddenly stops, because Joseph is not the father of Jesus. He is called “the husband of Mary”.
6. The Virgin Mary, alone, brings forth the Messiah.
7. Having given the ancestry, Matthew can now tell the story.
8. His infancy stories will focus on Joseph, the person most deeply affected by Mary’s surprising pregnancy.

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

• Jesus, you were born at the right moment.
• Heavenly Father, I, too, was born at the right moment.
• How marvelous are your works. How wonderfully you have made me.
• All history is in your hands and I am in your hands.
• O Jesus, You will come again, at the end of time. I will be there waiting for you.
• O Lord, let me fulfill my purpose in your Kingdom.
• You are the Lord of all the ages. If I love you, I cannot fail.

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

+ I will think today of my parents and grandparents, thanking God for their lives of faith.
+ I will ask God to reveal his purpose for my life.

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

Joseph was the husband of Mary. Of her was born Jesus, who is called the Messiah.

THE PARABLE OF THE TWO SONS (MT 21:28-32)

Prayer:

O Jesus, give to me the grace of conversion.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus confronting his critics.

Context:

This is a parable of God’s mercy which explains the decisive moments of the Final Judgment. What a surprise! Publicans and prostitutes enter Jesus’ Kingdom. Why? Because they realized the need for conversion. They changed their “no” into a “yes”. The Jerusalem leaders, however, change their “yes” into a “no”.

Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)

When Jesus was questioned about his authority, he told a parable. “What do you think? A certain man had two sons. Coming to the first, he said, “Son, work today in my vineyard.” He replied, “I will not go.” Afterwards, he was moved to repentance and went. Going to the second in a similar way, he asked the same question. He said, “I will go”. However, he did not go. Which of the two did the Father’s will?

They said, “The first”. Jesus replied, “I say to you that the publicans and prostitutes shall go first into the kingdom. When John came to you in the way of righteousness, you did not believe him. However, the publicans and prostitutes did. When you saw them repent, you did not repent and believe him.”

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

1. The first son represents a sinner who sees his own disobedience and feels guilty.
2. When repentance is preached, he changes his “No” to a “Yes”.
3.  He takes advantage of God’s mercy.
4. The second son represents people who think they have no sins.
5. They fool themselves and feel no need for repentance.
6. They reject the favor of forgiveness.  Their superficial yes becomes an unchangeable “No”.
7. The result is obvious.  The sinners enter the Kingdom because they took advantage of forgiveness.  Others are excluded because they see no need to change their lives.

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

• God, your forgiveness is everywhere, like rain falling from the sky.
• O Jesus, I shout from the housetops, “I am a sinner.”
• O God, I will change every “No” that I have said into a “Yes.”
• By your mercy, my second state will be much better than my first.
• O Jesus, your power to forgive is far greater than my power to sin.
• O God, why should I hide my sins from myself when they are so evident to you?

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

+ I will write down all my sins (so they become evident to me) and I will confess these sins to a priest.
+ I will trust totally in God’s mercy.

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

Publicans and prostitutes shall go first into the Kingdom.

WHAT ABOUT JOHN’S BAPTISM? (MT 21:23-27)

Prayer:

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

Imagination:

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

Context:

The day before, Jesus had cleansed the temple. As he comes back, the temple authorities want to know by what authority he took that action. Jesus avoids answering this question. Instead, he shames the leaders. They are embarrassed by their mistakes concerning the Baptist’s authority.

Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)

When Jesus came into the temple, the chief priests and the elders asked, “By what authority do you do these things? Who has given you the authority?”
Jesus responded, “I have a question. If you answer it, I will tell you by what authority I do these things. Where did the Baptism of John come from? Did it come from man or from heaven?
They thought within, “If we say from heaven, he will ask ‘Then, why did you not believe?’ But if we say, ‘From men’, we are afraid of the crowds because all believed that John was a prophet.” So they said to Jesus, “We do not know”. Jesus said to them, “Then, neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things.”

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

1. The temple authorities also strenuously resisted Jesus’ message.
2. The temple needed a cleansing and the leaders resented Jesus’ purifying action.
3. They attack the messenger, trying to discredit Jesus.
4. However, they had foolishly resisted John the Baptist whom the people had accepted.
5. Jesus’ reply catches them off-guard.  They know they were wrong the first time.
6. If they were mistaken about John, they are probably mistaken about Jesus.
7. Jesus does not need to reply.  They are discredited.

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

• Cleanse my temple, Lord.  I will not object at all.
• Jesus, I will not resist your message.
• Jesus, you have all authority.  Your every word is eternal life.
• Lord, do not let me repeat past mistakes.
• My choosing you is no mistake.  You are Messiah and Lord.
• Your message is from heaven, where you will take me soon.

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

+ I will admit my past mistakes so I do not repeat them.
+ I will give Jesus total authority over my life.

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

Did John’s message come from men or from heaven?

MESSENGERS FROM JOHN (MT 11:2-6)

Prayer:

O Jesus, let me always believe in You.

Imagination:

Picture John’s disciples questioning Jesus.

Context:

John, in prison, heard about the works which Christ performed and sent two disciples to Jesus to ask him, “Are you the one who is to come, or do we look for another?” John probably had doubts because he thought the messiah would be quite different. Jesus cites all these healings because Isaiah prophesied them as signs of the Messiah.

Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)

John’s disciples came to him and told him all that was happening in Jesus’ ministry. John sent two of them to Jesus. When they arrived, they asked him, “Are you the one who is to come, or do we look for another?” At that very hour, Jesus was curing many people of their diseases, sufferings and evil spirits. He also gave sight to many who were blind.
Jesus said, “Go and tell John what you have heard and seen. The blind see. The lame walk. The lepers are made clean. The deaf hear. The dead rise. The poor have the gospel preached to them. Blessed is that person who is not scandalized about my ministry.”

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

1. John sits in prison, his life’s work almost completed. 
2. He is filled with doubts.  Was he correct in pointing out Jesus as the Messiah?
3. He has an important question.  Are you the Messiah?  Are you the one who is to come?
4. Jesus presents all the evidence.  He heals the blind, the lame and the lepers.   Even the dead rise and testify to Jesus.
5. The gospel does not record the effect of these words upon John or his disciples.
6. Matthew recorded this story for us, so that we believe.
7. God will always do things his way.  Do not be scandalized by God’s plan.

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

• O Jesus, in my doubts, I will come to you.
• O Jesus, You present all the evidence.  I know you are the Messiah.
• You heal.  You cure.  You raise from the dead.
• Jesus, do your work in me.  I await your touch.
• I will be still.  I will watch for you.  When you finish your work, I will understand what you are doing.
• You are not a stumbling block.  You are the way to the Father.

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

+ I will ponder the evidence in the gospels.
+ I will believe in Jesus, no matter what confusion arises.

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

Go and tell John all that you have seen and heard.