(Mark 1:7-11) Prayer: O Holy Spirit, fall upon me. Imagination: (Picture Jesus coming out of the Jordan) Context: Mark begins his gospel with the ministry of John the Baptist. The preceding verses describe John who then describes Jesus as the more powerful one. After the baptism comes the divine manifestation …
(Matthew 3:13-17) Prayer: O Spirit of God, descend upon me. Imagination: (Imagine Jesus meeting John by the Jordan River) Context: In Matthew’s gospel, John is reluctant to baptize because he realizes the greater holiness of Jesus. After the baptism, God’s fullness upon Jesus is manifested. Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly …
(Luke 4:14-30) Prayer – O Jesus, send the Spirit of the Father upon me. Imagination: (Picture Jesus teaching in the synagogue.) Context: Having overcome Satan’s three temptations, Jesus begins his public ministry. Other gospels record this visit to the synagogue but Luke gives it preeminence. This is Jesus’ inauguration address …
(Mark 6:34-44) Prayer: Come, Holy Spirit. Multiply your gifts within me. Imagination: (Picture Jesus feeding the crowds.) Context: This is the first of two multiplications of food in Mark’s gospel. (This one is for a Jewish crowd and the other is for Gentiles). This miracle is told in all four …
(Matthew 2:1-12) Prayer: Come, Holy Spirit. Give me your light to search for the Christ Child. Imagination: (Picture the three Magi worshipping Jesus in Bethlehem.) Context: Since the Magi were not Jewish, Epiphany is called the Gentile Christmas, a symbol that Christ is for all the world. Magi were a …
