Prayer:

O Jesus, turn my sorrows into joys.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus with the apostles at the Last Supper.

Context:

Jesus has spoken of “a little while.” Because the disciples are confused, Jesus explains what this means. He speaks of a joyful woman who has given birth. This “birth” is his rising from the dead.

Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)

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

1. The “little while” is the darkness of those three days between Jesus’ death and resurrection.
2. Naturally, the disciples did not understand. They could not grasp the mystery that Jesus would rise.
3. During those three days, the world rejoiced, and the disciples grew sad.
4. Their sadness was like a woman about to give birth.
5. Their sorrow became joy when Jesus rose from the grave.
6. After they saw Jesus, the world could never take away the apostles’ joy.

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

• O Jesus, how often I experience moments of sadness, when you seem far away.
• In this “Little while” You hide yourself and make me wait for you.
• Your absence multiplies my joy at your return.
• Return quickly Jesus. Rise again within me.
• When you come to me, no one takes away my joy.
• At my death, you will be there. I will await you.

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

+ I will ask Jesus to come to me, today.

+ I will never allow anything to steal my joy.

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

No one will take your joy from you.

Prayer:

O Jesus, take my heart to heaven with you.

Imagination:

Picture the disciples watching Jesus ascend into heaven.

Context:

Luke describes the Ascension in two places – at the end of his gospel and at the beginning of the Acts of the Apostles. Here we use the account in the Acts which gives more details.

Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)

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

• Seeing Jesus ascend into heaven is the final piece of evidence that Jesus is God.
• Soon, the final age of the Spirit will begin.
• The apostles know what to do. They must return to Jerusalem and wait for the Spirit.
• However, they want to remain on this hillside because their hearts are empty.
• The angel has to promise them, “He will return just as you saw him.”
• Obediently, they return to Jerusalem, where the Spirit will fill them with his fire, plunge them into his presence and anoint them with his powers.
• What a journey for the apostles! Three years ago, they met a man named Jesus. Now, they know that He is God and will soon send them the Holy Spirit.
• All these gifts happen in the presence of Mary, the mother of Jesus.

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

• Jesus, you are my Lord and my God.
• You have gone ahead and prepared a place for me.
• Jesus, take my heart to heaven.
• I will obey you so your plans come true.
• Anoint me with your Spirit, and I will be your witness.
• O Lord, you will “return just as you ascended.” I await your coming.
• Mary, draw me close to yourself. The Spirit comes wherever you are present.

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

+ Today, I will often say the words, “Come, Holy Spirit.”

+ I will take some quiet moments to receive the Spirit.

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

They gathered with Mary, the mother of Jesus.

Prayer:

O Jesus, thank you for the Holy Spirit who teaches me all truth.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus with the apostles at the Last Supper.

Context:

Jesus describes the two goals which the Spirit will accomplish among the disciples (the Church). First, He will extend Jesus’ revelation, going beyond what Jesus was able to teach in his short lifetime. Second, the Spirit will explain those teachings which Jesus did say but were not comprehended by the disciples.

Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)

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

1. In this final hour, Jesus reveals some special truths. After his Resurrection, He will reveal even more.
2. However, the full revelation will come only from the Holy Spirit who will explain the mystery of Jesus.
3. The source of these mysteries is the eternal Father, who sends both the Son and the Spirit.
4. The Spirit gathers up all these truths about the Father and Jesus reveals them.
5. He reveals them to multiply Jesus’ glory within us.

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

• O Spirit, reveal these mysteries to me. Then, Jesus will capture my heart.
• You reveal “what is coming,” so I can know what to do with my life.
• Teach me “all truth.”  Let me be a quick learner.
• Reveal Jesus to me. Reveal all of his glory, all of his power, all of his love.
• O Spirit, taught by you, I will glorify Jesus.
• O Trinity, Father, Son and Spirit, You are always at work on my behalf.

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

+ I will have a special devotion to the Spirit of Jesus.

+ Today, I will seek the Spirit’s help for all my decisions.

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

When the Spirit comes, he will teach you all truth.

Prayer:

O Jesus, send your Paraclete to overcome the world.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus with the apostles at the last Supper.

Context:

Jesus again shifts the focus. The Holy Spirit will not just be an advocate for the disciples. He will be a prosecuting attorney against the world. He will work within the believers, assuring them that they have correctly chosen to stand with Jesus.

Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)

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

1. When experiencing the world’s persecutions, the disciples might ask, “Did we make the right choice?”
2. In these moments, the Holy Spirit will be a powerful inner voice, comforting the disciples.
3. As their advocate, he will put the whole world on trial.
4. First, He will reveal the great sin of the world which refused to accept Jesus, despite his many miracles.
5. Second, He will judge the world which persecutes the disciples even though they testify truly. Jesus has gone to the Father and will return in glory.
6. Third, He will judge the world by casting out the world’s leader, Satan.
7. Persecuting the disciples is just Satan’s final words before he must leave.

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

• O Jesus, the world has made a great mistake. They refuse to accept you.
• I accept you. I choose you as my Lord.
• Your Spirit speaks within.  His mighty voice says, “Blessed are you.”
• O Jesus, You have ascended to heaven and await my joining you.
• O Jesus, you have cast out Satan, the world’s prince.
• You are the victor. I will stand with you, my king.
• Thank you, Lord, for saving me from the world’s confusion.

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

+ I will listen to the Spirit’s voice within.

+ I will not allow the world to confuse me.

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

The prince of this world is already cast out.

Prayer:

O Jesus, I will testify to the whole world about you.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus teaching the apostles at the Last Supper.

Context:

Two powers will confront the world’s hatred – the Spirit’s powerful testimony and the Church’s doctrines, based on Jesus’ own teachings. In spite of this clear light, the world will still kill the disciples.

Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)

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

1. Jesus has already spoken the Father’s word. Now, the Paraclete, the Spirit of Truth, will also speak the Father’s word.
2. The Spirit will speak within the hearts of the disciples.
3. With the Spirit’s help, the disciples will speak to the whole world about Jesus.
4. The result will be exactly the same. Like Jesus, the disciples will be hated, rejected and even killed.
5. As always, the problem is the same. The world has not known the Father.
6. Because of this blindness, they did not accept Jesus and they will not accept Jesus’ disciples.

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

• O, Holy Spirit, Jesus has sent you to me.
• O, Holy Spirit, tell me about Jesus.
• Dwell in my heart. I will be quiet and listen to your testimony.
• O Jesus, I will not be silent. I will speak about you to everyone.
• Thank you, Jesus, for warning me about how others will treat me.
• O Jesus, I will tell the whole world. Some will listen and be saved.

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

+ I will set aside time for prayer so the Spirit can teach me.

+ I will be a faithful witness to Jesus.

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

When the Paraclete comes, he will testify about me and you, also, will testify.

Prayer:

O Jesus, I will abide in your word.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus teaching his disciples at the Last Supper.

Context:

This text focuses on Jesus’ teaching – which enjoys a surprising power. A disciple who lives this teaching will enjoy the presence of the Father and Jesus. Then, the Paraclete will amplify the teaching. In the second part, Jesus, concerned about the effect of his going to the Father, promises his peace.

Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)

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

1. The door to friendship with God is loving Jesus and being true to his word.
2. If this happens, the Father and Jesus actually come to live within the disciple.
3. Jesus’ time of teaching is ending. From now until the end of the world, the Holy Spirit is the teacher.
4. The situation is changing. Jesus is returning to the Father. The disciples should rejoice.
5. Instead, they grow fearful and need Jesus’ peace.
6. Later, they will remember these words and will believe as they see them come true.

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

• O Jesus, you offer me life with your Father.
• Thank you for dwelling in my soul.
• O Holy Spirit, teach me the great mysteries of the Father.
• O Jesus, you have gone to the Father to prepare a place for me.
• I am so fearful. How I need your peace.
• Your words are the light for my path.
• O Jesus, you have provided everything for my salvation.

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

+ I will treasure God’s presence in my soul.

+ I will ask Jesus for his peace.

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

My Father will love him and we will come to him.

Prayer:

O Jesus, help me to be a servant who is just like his master.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus with his apostles at the Last Supper.

Context:

Jesus begins a long teaching about how this unity between the disciples and himself will arouse the world’s hatred. The world has hated Jesus and will hate his chosen disciples. In this text, Jesus makes a very sharp distinction between his disciples and the world.

Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)

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

1. When they preach the gospel, the disciples will be hated by the world.
2. The world will persecute them because they do not belong to the world any longer.
3. Being aligned with Jesus, the disciples are unacceptable to the world.
4. How blessed are the disciples. Jesus has chosen them out of the world.
5. Persecution is such a small price to pay to be Jesus’ disciple.
6. The world is consistent in its hatred. Having persecuted Jesus, it will persecute his disciples.
7. All this hatred happens because the world does not know the Father Who sent Jesus.

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

• O Jesus, if I love you, the world will not love me. What a small price!
• What more could I ask? A servant wants to be treated like the Master.
• You have chosen me and taken me away from the world.
•  I have said my “Goodbyes.” I have parted company. I am with you forever.
• Being persecuted for your name is greater than any worldly honor.
• Jesus, the one who sent you is now my Father. You have made me his child.

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

+ Today, I will rejoice to think, “Jesus has chosen me out of the world.”

+ If people do not understand me, I will think of how the world misunderstood Jesus.

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

If you were of the world, the world would love its own.

Prayer:

O Jesus, I seek only to be your friend.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus teaching at the Last Supper.

Context:

After showering his own love upon the disciples, Jesus asks that they love one another. Before asking for this love, he has made them his friends and has chosen them for an important task.

Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)

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

1. Loving others as you love yourself is no longer enough. Jesus gives a new commandment.
2. You must love others as Jesus loves you. 
3. In his total love, Jesus is willing to lay down his life.
4. Jesus has raised you to a new level. You are no longer his servant. You are his friend. 
5. You are his friend simply because he chose you.
6. Because you are his friend, he reveals all his mysteries.
7. You have one task – to fulfill God’s purpose in your life.

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

• Jesus, you loved me before I loved you. 
• Help me to love others even before they love me.
• O Jesus, “I will lay down my life for you.” (Jn 13:37)
• What a gift – to be your friend!
• Reveal all your secrets to me, Jesus. I will be attentive and listen closely.
• O Jesus, you have a task for me. Speak, Lord, I am listening.

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

+ I will value my new status of being a friend of Jesus.

+ Being Jesus’ friend, I will seek to know what he wants of me. 

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

I no longer call you servants because I have revealed my mysteries to you. I call you friends.

Prayer:

O Jesus, I seek only to be your friend.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus teaching at the Last Supper.

Context:

After showering his own love upon the disciples, Jesus asks that they love one another. Before asking for this love, he has made them his friends and has chosen them for an important task.

Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)

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

1. Loving others as you love yourself is no longer enough. Jesus gives a new commandment.
2. You must love others as Jesus loves you.
3. In his total love, Jesus is willing to lay down his life.
4. Jesus has raised you to a new level. You are no longer his servant. You are his friend.
5. You are his friend simply because he chose you.
6. Because you are his friend, he reveals all his mysteries.
7. You have one task – to fulfill God’s purpose in your life.

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

• Jesus, you loved me before I loved you.
• Help me to love others even before they love me.
• O Jesus, “I will lay down my life for you.” (Jn 13:37)
• What a gift – to be your friend!
• Reveal all your secrets to me, Jesus. I will be attentive and listen closely.
• O Jesus, you have a task for me. Speak, Lord, I am listening.

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

+ I will value my new status of being a friend of Jesus.

+ Being Jesus’ friend, I will seek to know what he wants of me.

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

I no longer call you servants because I have revealed my mysteries to you. I call you friends.

Prayer:

Bring forth your fruits in me.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus at the Last Supper.

Context:

Jesus begins a long discourse, which the apostles do not interrupt by any questions. In this text, Jesus uses the imagery of vine and branches, highlighting the necessity of the disciples being one with Jesus.

Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)

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

1. Jesus seeks the fruit of a devout life that brings forth prayer and virtues.
2. If a soul brings forth good works the Father prunes it.
3. The Father (the vinedresser) does everything to gain more fruit from the vine.
4. Every branch must “abide.” A cut-off branch can bring forth no fruit.
5. Jesus says it perfectly, “I am the vine. You are the branches.”
6. His conclusion is self-evident. “Whoever abides in me brings forth much fruit.”

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

• Jesus, you alone are the vine that gives life. I will abide in you.
• I once was a dead branch, but you have grafted me onto yourself. Now, I bear fruit.
• Father, prune away all that is lifeless in me. 
• Jesus, I want to bring forth greater virtues, pleasing to you.
• Jesus, I only need to abide in you. You do the rest.
• With you, all things are possible. This is the secret of staying with you. 

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

+ I will abide with Jesus by thinking of him often today.

+ I will dedicate this whole day to Jesus.

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

Whoever abides in me and I in him bears much fruit.

Prayer:

O Jesus, fill me with your total peace.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus teaching his disciples at the Last Supper.

Context:

This gospel concludes Jesus’ teaching at the Last Supper. He tries to prepare the apostles in two ways. First, he promises to place a lasting peace in their hearts. Second, he explains that his death results from his battle with Satan, the prince of this world. Jesus suffers because he is obedient to the Father.

Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)

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

1. The heart of Jesus is broken. Obeying the Father entails leaving the apostles in great distress.
2. He tries to soften this hardship by filling their hearts with peace.
3. His “going away” is just for “a little while,” the three days in the tomb.
4. He will come back. Only Jesus could do that.
5. They must try to enter into Jesus’ joy. He will be returning to the Father. 
6. He prophesies all these events, so that they believe.
7. He must stop speaking. The battle is at hand, the eternal combat between Jesus and Satan.
8. His death on the cross will prove to the whole world that he loves the Father.

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

• O Jesus, your heart is always broken for me in all my trials.
• Fill me with your peace.
• O Jesus, for a little while you have “gone away.”
• Come back, Jesus. Return soon.
• By your words, I know you live within me.
• O Jesus, all your words have proven true. I believe.
• I see your arms, extended on the cross, in obedience to your Father.
• You have destroyed my adversary, Satan. You have won the victory for me.

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

+ I will try to understand Jesus’ infinite love for me.

+ I will seek his peace so I can serve him.

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

The Prince of this world has no control over me.

Prayer:

O Jesus, send me the Holy Spirit who will teach me all things.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus at the Last Supper with his apostles.

Context:

Jesus has promised that the apostles would see him. In this text, he explains that this seeing will not be an external manifestation, but an internal, religious experience. These gifts are new and the Spirit will explain them. For now, they must be at peace.

Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)

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

1. This is an important question, “Why does not the whole world see Jesus? Why does Jesus reveal himself only to these disciples?”
2. Jesus and the Father are revealed internally. Only a disciple who loves God can receive this revelation.
3. Keeping the commandments prepares the disciple’s heart to be God’s dwelling place.
4. After coming to the disciple, Jesus will send the “Paraclete,” the Holy Spirit.
5. This Spirit will teach and remind the disciples of Jesus’ teaching.
6. The final result is a peace, which removes all fear from their hearts.

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

• O Jesus, what a great mystery! You manifest yourself to me but not to the world.
• If I love you, you and the Father will come and abide with me.
• O Jesus, send your Spirit into my heart. He will teach me.
• O Jesus, let your peace burst forth and flood my whole being.
• O Holy Spirit, how can I grow troubled when you abide with me?

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

+ I will treasure the presence of Father, Son and Spirit in my soul.

+ I will seek quiet moments, so the Spirit can teach me.

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

My Father and I will come and abide with him.

Prayer:

O Jesus, I will glorify you by my love for others.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus at the Last Supper.

Context:

Judas has just left the Last Supper. Only the eleven apostles remain. Jesus speaks of two great realities – he will glorify God by his obedient death and the apostles must love one another so all the world sees that they belong to Jesus.

Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)

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

1. When Judas left to betray him, Jesus knew that his death was inevitable.
2. His obedient death is the way he will give glory to the Father.
3. The Father will reciprocate. He will glorify Jesus in the resurrection.
4. While all these events are happening, the disciples will feel abandoned.
5. For a “little while” Jesus will be taken from them. He cannot do anything to avoid that suffering.
6. They are ready for the greatest commandment, far beyond loving each other as they love themselves.
7. They must love as Jesus loved them.
8. This is the great sign to the whole world.

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

• Jesus, teach me obedience to the Father.
• O Father, I, too, will glorify you and you will glorify me.
• O Jesus, how dark it is when you are absent.
• Let it be “just a little while.” Come back soon!
• Jesus, give me your Holy Spirit so I can love as you loved.
• Your love can change me and the whole world.

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

+ I will imitate Jesus’ obedience to the Father.

+ I will love everyone with Jesus’ love.

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

I will not be with you much longer.

Prayer:

O Jesus, stay with me, and my life will produce good fruit.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus teaching his disciples.

Context:

Jesus’ first priority is his unity with his disciples. From this oneness comes all blessings, both for the disciples and for the world. The disciples must make a choice to stay with Jesus. This decision is filled with frightening consequences. They will either be cast out into the fire or bear fruit.

Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)

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

1. Jesus highlights the disciple’s decision. Although chosen by Jesus, the disciple must freely decide to remain in him.
2. The wrong choice is devastating. Like everyone else, they will be cast out into the fire of hell.
3. Making the right choice merits the greatest blessings – complete access to God.
4. The Father himself initiates their union with Jesus. He loves Jesus and Jesus loves the disciple.
5. The union is completed by the disciple keeping the Father’s commandments.
6. Abiding in Jesus brings an indescribable joy.

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

• O Jesus, I give you my consent. Claim me for yourself.
• Losing you, Jesus is an unthinkable disaster. Never let it happen.
• You attract me. You entice me.You call me to yourself.
• You offer me the Father’s love and say, “This is yours if you want it.”
• O Jesus, place your commands in my heart. They are the doors to the Father.
• You pour out your joy – complete and total – earthly and heavenly – for now and forever.

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

+ I will recall that the Father’s love for Jesus can be mine, also.

+ I will struggle to keep the commandments, never growing discouraged by my sins.

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

“That my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.”

Prayer:

Jesus, bring me to the heavenly mansion which you have prepared for me.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus teaching at the Last Supper.

Context:

The scene now shifts dramatically. Jesus is still in Jerusalem but no longer teaching the crowds. He has just completed the Last Supper and gives these extensive teachings only to his apostles.

Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)

Jesus said, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house, there are many mansions. If not, would I have told you that I go and prepare a place for you? I will come back and take you to myself, so that where I am, you also may be. Where I am going, you know the way.”

Thomas said, “Lord, we do not even know where you are going, how can we know the way? Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.”

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

1. After speaking about his death, Jesus tries to calm the disciples’ fears.
2. Jesus never wants our “hearts to be troubled.”
3. The apostles must believe that his death will be their door into glory.
4. Jesus has a place for them in heaven and he will come back for them.
5. Without realizing it, they even know the way.
6. Thomas’ question brings out the full revelation. Jesus is the way into the Father’s glory. 

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

• O Jesus, how I need you to calm my fears.
• You always whisper in my heart, ‘Do not be troubled. Do not be troubled.”
• O Jesus, you have entered into glory. Carry me there in your heart.
• You will come back for me. I await you with great hope.
• I can even set out because I know the way.
• You are the way, and I will follow you.
• You are the fullness of all reality.You are all in all.

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

+ In difficult moments, I will walk by faith’s light.

+ I will refuse to take any other road. Jesus is truth. All else is false.

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

Do not let your hearts be troubled. Have faith in me.

Prayer:

Jesus, I will follow your example.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus with his apostles at the Last Supper.

Context:

After washing the apostles’ feet, Jesus makes clear what that action meant. He has served the Apostles and they must serve others. Even here, the betrayal by Judas claims Jesus’ attention. He predicts the betrayal, so the apostles are not scandalized by that action.

Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)

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

1. Jesus renounced all his privileges to serve mankind.
2. He expects his disciples to do the same.
3. If the disciple imitates Jesus, the gospel message will be clear.
4. We are blessed only by imitating Jesus.
5. Jesus worrying about Judas’ betrayal will affect the others. Jesus predicts the event to soften the blow.
6. Jesus describes the greatness of a disciple. Whoever receives them, receives Jesus and the Father.

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

• O Jesus, my greatest dignity is to serve with you.
• O Jesus, I will think like you, speak like you, act like you.
• O Jesus, with all my faults, you have chosen me.
• You worry about me. You are concerned. You ease my every sorrow.
• Send me. Wherever I go as your apostle, you will go with me. 

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

+ I will imitate Jesus’ spirit of service.

+ I will recall moments when Jesus softened my hardships.

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

Blessed are you if you put these things into practice.

Prayer:

O Jesus, do not let me stay in darkness.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus teaching in the Temple.

Context:

Jesus is about to leave the temple to go into hiding. His public teaching ministry is over. These verses in John’s gospel are a summary of his main themes, an overview of all that Jesus has taught.

Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)

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

1. These verses provide an excellent review of the Jesus’ teachings. 
2. To believe in Jesus is to believe in the Father.
3. Jesus is the light of the world.
4. He alone can lead us out of darkness.
5. Therefore, when we hear Jesus’ words, we must take them to heart.
6. If we do this, Jesus will not judge us.
7. His words will give us everlasting life.

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

• O Jesus, your teaching is clear, easy to grasp.
• O Jesus, I will walk only in your light.
• You call me out of darkness.
• You unite me to the Father.
• You give me eternal life.
• O Jesus, I embrace your words. They lead me to eternal, abundant life.

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

+ I will reflect on the great gift. Jesus unites me with the Father.

+ I will accept my responsibility to keep Jesus’ word.

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

The Father who sent me told me what to say.

Prayer:

O Jesus, I will hear your voice and follow you to eternal life.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus teaching in the Temple.

Context:

Even this image of shepherd gets drawn into controversy. Not being Jesus’ sheep, the hearers do not believe that Jesus can give everlasting life to those who follow him. Jesus explains that he holds every person in his hands, just as His Father does.

Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)

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

1. The Jews ask a question which seemingly deserves a plain answer. 
2. However, the question comes because they refuse to believe Jesus’ testimony.
3. More words, even plainer words, will not help them.
4. They need to make a decision. They must accept Jesus.
5. Because the true sheep desire to live forever, they easily understand.
6. Jesus holds these sheep and no one snatches them away.
7. Jesus reveals his identity. He is one with the Father.

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

• Jesus, you have already given me enough words. Now, I must believe.
• I will give you my heart. Then, I will fully understand your words.
• Awaken in me immense desires for eternal life. 
• Jesus, I will share your relationship with the Father.
• Speak loudly in my soul, Jesus. Silence all other voices.
• Where else would I rather be than in your hands?

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

+ I will listen today for Jesus’ voice.

+ I will stay in Jesus’ hands. I am safe there.

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

The Father has given these sheep to me and no one will snatch them from my hands.

Prayer:

O Jesus, you will be my good Shepherd.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus teaching in the Temple.

Context:

At night, many shepherds would bring their sheep into the city and place them in a large building. In the morning, the owner (a gatekeeper) would allow the true shepherds to enter the building. Because the sheep would be mingled, each shepherd had to call out. Knowing his voice, his sheep would come forward. Then, the shepherd could lead them out to pasture.

Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)

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

1. The Father is the gatekeeper. He gives Jesus full access to the sheep. 
2. Others are kept away because they will steal the sheep.
3. A shepherd trains his sheep to recognize his voice.  
4. Their safety depends upon their recognizing their shepherd’s voice.
5. When called by another voice, the sheep flee. He is not their shepherd.
6. Those listening to Jesus cannot understand this easy example because their hearts are set against him.

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

• O Jesus, you alone are my shepherd.
• Train me to know your voice and to recognize your words.
• Call me, Jesus, and I will follow.
• Lead me out of a sinful life and into the daylight of goodness.
• O Jesus, when I followed false shepherds, they stole my heavenly treasure.
• I want only your voice, your words, your path, and your will.

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

+ I will listen today for the voice of the Shepherd.

+ I will follow wherever he leads me.

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

He calls the sheep by name and leads them out. They follow because they know his voice.

Prayer:

O Jesus, I will hear your voice and follow you to eternal life.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus teaching in the Temple.

Context:

Even this image of shepherd gets drawn into controversy. Not being Jesus’ sheep, the hearers do not believe that Jesus can give everlasting life to those who follow him. Jesus explains that he holds every person in his hands, just as His Father does.

Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)

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

1. The Jews ask a question which seemingly deserves a plain answer. 
2. However, the question comes because they refuse to believe Jesus’ testimony.
3. More words, even plainer words, will not help them.
4. They need to make a decision. They must accept Jesus.
5. Because the true sheep desire to live forever, they easily understand.
6. Jesus holds these sheep and no one snatches them away.
7. Jesus reveals his identity. He is one with the Father.

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

• Jesus, you have already given me enough words. Now, I must believe.
• I will give you my heart. Then, I will fully understand your words.
• Awaken in me immense desires for eternal life. 
• O Jesus, I will share your relationship with the Father.
• Speak loudly in my soul, Jesus. Silence all other voices.
• Where else would I rather be than in your hands?

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

+ I will listen today for Jesus’ voice.

+ I will stay in Jesus’ hands. I am safe there.

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

The Father has given these sheep to me and no one will snatch them from my hands.