of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
(Matthew 28:1-10) Prayer: O Risen Jesus, show yourself to me in the quiet of this prayer. Imagination: (Picture the holy women meeting Jesus.) Context: The four gospels have different stories about the Resurrection and the church has not tried to harmonize these accounts, because the diverse stories witness to the reality of the resurrection, the …
Continue reading “MARCH 26, 2016 – HOLY SATURDAY (VIGIL) – AT THE TOMB”
(John 18:38-19:16) Prayer: Jesus, help me to live in the truth. Imagination: (Picture Pilate with Jesus and the crowds.) Context: Talking with Jesus had strengthened Pilate. However, his resolve is weak and talking again with the Jewish leaders sways him. He thinks he can get out of this without making a decision. Compromise with truth …
Continue reading “MARCH 25, 2016 – GOOD FRIDAY – PART 2 – PILATE’S FAILED COMPROMISE”
(John 18:28-38) Prayer: Jesus, let your Kingdom claim my heart. Imagination: (Picture Jesus standing before Pilate) Context: John’s gospel presents a lengthy dialogue in which Jesus preaches to Pilate and offers him a chance to make a different decision. Pilate can even be a member of the Kingdom instead of an instrument used by the …
Continue reading “MARCH 25, 2016 – GOOD FRIDAY – PART ONE – JESUS WITNESSES TO PILATE”
(John 13:1-13) Prayer: Jesus, wash me and cleanse. Me. Imagination: (Picture Jesus washing the Disciples’ feet.) Context: This gospel highlights the great contrast. Jesus has all power, yet he acts like a servant. He washes the disciples’ feet as if they were the master of the house. He explains the meaning of this symbolic act. …
Continue reading “MARCH 24, 2016 – HOLY THURSDAY – JESUS WASHES THE DISCIPLES’ FEET”
(John 13:36-38) Prayer: Jesus, may I always be loyal to you. Imagination: (Picture Jesus at the Last Supper.) Context: Jesus often spoke about his betrayal. Up to now however, Jesus never revealed his betrayer or said openly that he would come from the twelve. Now he must focus on this issue. So, Jesus reveals Judas …
Continue reading “MARCH 22, 2016 – TUESDAY – HOLY WEEK – JUDAS ISCARIOT”
(John 12:1-11) Prayer: O Jesus, let me be generous in serving you. Imagination: (Picture Jesus at table with Martha, Mary and Lazarus.) Context: Lazarus has just been raised from the dead. This scene continues the death to life theme, but now it focuses on Jesus, not Lazarus. Martha and Mary play their familiar roles. Martha …
Continue reading “MARCH 21, 2016 – MONDAY – HOLY WEEK – MARY’S ANNOINTING”