Category: Meditations

COMMISSIONING OF THE TWELVE (MT 10:1-7)

Prayer:

Come, Jesus. Anoint me to preach your Kingdom.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus preparing his apostles for their missionary journey.

Context:

Jesus now makes his apostles into missionaries. He calls them and gives two powers – to drive out demons and to heal. He tells them how to act and what to preach. For the first time, others will use Jesus’ powers.

Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)

Jesus called his twelve disciples together and gave them authority to expel unclean spirits and to heal every disease and illness.
Jesus sent them on mission as the Twelve, after giving them the following instructions. “Do not go to the Gentiles or to the Samaritans. Go to the lost sheep of Israel. When you go, you are to preach, ‘The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Heal the sick. Raise the dead. Cleanse the lepers. Cast out devils. Do this freely, for you have freely received.

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

1. Jesus sends forth his most dedicated group – the Twelve. 
2. He gives them extraordinary powers, – to cast out devils and to heal every illness.
3. They must not go to Gentile villages nor to Samaritan towns.
4. Their goal must be Israel, the special object of Jesus’ love.
5. They say only one thing.  “The Kingdom is at hand.”  At this point, that is all they understand.
6. They will do extremely well because they obey Jesus and use his powers.

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

• O Jesus, call me.  I will dedicate my life to the Kingdom.
• Show me where to go and what to do.
• Give me the power to preach and persuade.
• Help me to lead my family and friends to faith.
• Jesus, give me a simplicity of lifestyle.
• Jesus, the Kingdom is at hand and everyone must know it.
• How great is the need for all to hear the message!  The time is short and You are coming soon.

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

+ In my own little way, I will announce the Kingdom to everyone.
+ I will believe that Jesus will equip me with His powers.

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

When you preach say, “The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Then, heal the sick.

THE FAITH OF THE CROWD (MT 9:32-38)

Prayer:

O Jesus, come to my town.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus healing and teaching the crowds.

Context:

The gospel has 2 parts. First, Jesus casts out a demon so a person begins to speak. This causes both praise and criticism. Then, Jesus tours all the villages with multiple miracles of power.

Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)

They brought to Jesus a dumb man who was possessed by the demon. After the demon was cast out, the man spoke. The crowd wondered, saying “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel.” But the Pharisees said, “By the prince of demons, he casts out demons.”
Jesus went all around to their cities and towns, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the gospel of the Kingdom. He healed every illness and disease. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were lying prostrate from exhaustion, like a sheep without a shepherd.
Then he said to his disciples. The harvest is indeed great but the laborers are few. Pray, therefore, to the Lord of the harvest, that he would send laborers into his harvest.

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

1. The people hear the stories about Jesus, and know exactly what to do.  They “bring the man to Jesus.”
2. Jesus’ power is total.  The demon leaves and the man speaks.
3. The crowds respond in great simplicity.  They rejoice, never having seen such a mighty work in Israel.
4.  The Pharisees respond in duplicity, refusing to accept Jesus, and claiming his powers are demonic.
5. Jesus releases all his powers.   His compassion drives him to all the towns.
6. Without Jesus, the people are like exhausted sheep, having no shepherd.
7. Jesus sees their need and knows that he needs helpers.  So, he begins to prepare his disciples.

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

• O Jesus, I know the gospel stories and I know what to do.  I will come to you.
• Your power is total. You are not a specialist who handles only one type of illness.
• No one is like you, Jesus. All blessings flow from your hands.
• Remove my cynical spirit.  Make me a child, ready to believe.
• How compassionate you are!  Always thinking of me.  Always preparing blessings ahead of time.
• O Jesus, send me to labor in your harvest.

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

+ In the greatest faith, I will bring my problems to Jesus.
+ I will offer my time to spread the gospel.

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

The crowds said, “Never have we seen anything like this in Israel.”

WOMAN WITH AN ISSUE OF BLOOD (MT 9:18-26)

Prayer:

O Jesus, let me press close to you and be healed.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus, surrounded by crowds and the woman secretly touching His garment.

Context:

This story contains excellent teachings about healing. The woman has been suffering for twelve years. Many people touch Jesus (as the disciples make clear) but only the woman touches him with faith. Since we have the story with many details, she must have been a member of Mark’s community.

Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)

As they were going, a woman with a flow of blood who had suffered for twelve years came up behind him and touched the tassel of his garment. “If I just touch his garment, I shall get well.” Jesus turned around and saw her and said, “Courage, daughter, your faith has restored you to health.” That very moment, the women got well.

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

1. This woman’s world was spiraling downward.  Twelve years of hopelessness.
2. She finds new hope in Jesus.  “If I just touch his garments, I will be healed.”
3. God’s power goes forth from Jesus.
4. He turns to the woman, giving her all of his attention.
5. She hears Jesus’ own words telling her that she has acted correctly.
6. He praises her faith and guarantees that her healing is true.

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

• O Jesus, so much of my life spirals downward.
• You give me new hope, even after years of suffering.
• Your presence draws me close, fills me with faith and leads me to touch you.
• Your power goes out to me.  I will never be the same.
• You give me your complete attention.  You speak to me. You encourage me.
• Jesus, you assure me that Your power will last forever.

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

+ In all my sufferings, I will look to Jesus for help.
+ I will seek to experience his presence.

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

If I just touch his garment, I will be healed.

SEVENTY-TWO MORE MISSIONARIES (LK 10:1-12)

Prayer:

O Lord, choose me and send me wherever your word needs to be preached.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus preparing seventy-two more disciples to go to the villages.

Context:

Other gospels (Mark and Matthew) record Jesus sending the Twelve. Only Luke mentions this larger number of seventy-two. Obviously, the early Church communities sent out large numbers of missionaries. The instructions given for the seventy-two are almost identical to those already given to the Twelve.

Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)

The Lord appointed seventy-two and sent them two by two before him where he was to visit. He said, “The harvest is great but the laborers are few. Pray to the Lord of the harvest to send laborers into his harvest.
Behold I send you as lambs among wolves. Carry neither walking staff nor traveling bag. Greet no one along the way. Whatever house you enter say, “Peace be to this house.” If there is a peaceable man, your peace will rest upon him. If not, it will return to you. Remain in the same house, eating and drinking what is put before you. The laborer is worthy of his hire. Do not move from house to house.
Heal the sick and say, ‘The Kingdom of God is at hand.’ If the city does not receive you, then leave, saying ‘We shake the dust of this city from our feet as testimony against you.’ Yet, the Kingdom is at hand. I assure you, on that day, the fate of Sodom will not be as severe as for that town.”

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

1. Jesus organizes.  He plans. He wastes no time. 
2. These seventy-two will go to definite villages and Jesus will follow.
3. They will face great hostilities – like lambs going among wolves.
4. The task is very urgent. There is no time for greeting people and having a chat.
5. The disciple is a missionary, a preacher with an important message.
6. They must be disciplined, content with whatever food or housing is available.
7. If they preach, the village must accept the message.  Otherwise, Jesus will not come and they will lose the Kingdom.
8. How dreadful will be their punishment on the day of Jesus’ Second Coming.

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

• O Jesus, you have a plan for me, a place in your Kingdom and a task to be accomplished.
• Give me courage against the hostility I will face.
• O Jesus, the whole world must hear and I must speak.  How urgent is my task.
• O Lord, I will make any sacrifice and pay any price to bring your word.
• The people must listen.  They must respond.
• O Jesus, I will do all I can.  Give me your Holy Spirit.

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

+ I will look for people who need my words about the Kingdom.
+ I will seek out the right way to preach to them. I will see the urgency to spread Jesus’ word.

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

Say to them, “The reign of God is at hand.”

TRUSTING THE FATHER (MT 9:14-17)

Prayer:

Come, Holy Ghost. Help me to seek first the Kingdom of heaven.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus teaching His disciples about the Father’s care for them.

Context:

In this gospel, Jesus speaks only to his disciples. Since they have given themselves to the Kingdom, Jesus promises that the Father will provide. Since the Father provides for disciples, they must not grow anxious.

Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)

“Oh, you of little faith. Do not worry and say “What are we to eat?” or “What are we to drink?” or “What are we to wear?” All these things the pagans seek. Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. Seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides.
Do not worry about tomorrow. Tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for each day is the evil thereof.

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

1. To worry about food, drink and clothing is quite normal.  Everyone does this, even pagans who have no faith.
2. Jesus explains that the heavenly Father knows and cares for those who are disciples.
3. Then, he demands that disciples have a total faith in God’s Providence.
4. The disciple must do one thing, they must seek first the Kingdom.  Then, they will have all the food, drink and clothing that you need.
5. The disciple must avoid one thing, worry about a tomorrow (which never comes).  The Father provides for each day’s challenges.

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

• O Jesus, when I have little faith, I am anxious.  When I have great faith, I am at peace.
• Lord, calm my inner questions.
• Father, why do I not trust you?  Did you not create me?  Did you not make me a disciple?
• Jesus, I have one task.  I must seek first your Kingdom.
• Jesus, make me a child.  To trust.  To live one day at a time.  To believe that God will give me my daily bread.

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

+ I will examine my anxieties and why I grow fearful.
+ I will place greater trust in my heavenly Father.

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

Your heavenly Father knows that you need all of these.

MATTHEW, THE TAX COLLECTOR (MT 9:9-13)

Prayer:

Come, Holy Spirit. Let me respond quickly to Jesus’ call.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus at table in Matthew’s house.

Context:

This text has 2 parts. First, Matthew responds to Jesus’ call and then he invites Jesus to his house. Since Matthew is a sinner (collecting taxes for Romans) his friends are also “sinners”, so the dinner becomes a controversy story. This leads to the pronouncement that Jesus came to call sinners, not the righteous.

Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)

Jesus saw a man named Matthew sitting at his tax collector’s post. He said to him, “Follow me.” He got up and followed him.
Later, while Jesus was at table in Matthew’s house, many tax collectors came and sat with Jesus. Some Pharisees saw this and asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with such people?” Jesus heard them and said, “Those who are well do not need the doctor. The sick do. Learn the meaning of the words, ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’ I came to call sinners, not the righteous.”

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

1. Matthew never searched for Jesus. He just went to work one day and Jesus found him.
2. What a special day! Matthew began as a tax collector (working for the Roman Empire). He ends the day as Jesus’ disciple (working for the Kingdom.)
3. Everything happened so quickly. Jesus saw him and invited him. Matthew left his post and followed.
4. If he had hesitated or doubted, he would have missed his call.
5. He accepts Jesus completely, opening his home and inviting the other sinners.
6. The Pharisees try to exclude Matthew and his friends from the Kingdom. Jesus would have none of that.
7. Jesus proclaims that they are the very ones he is calling.

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

• O Jesus, today is so important! You will come. You will pass by. You will say, “Follow me.”
• Do not let me say “tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow” (like St. Augustine)
• When you call, I will follow.
• Come for me! I am a sinner and your Father sent you to sinners.
• Why do I wait? Why do I continue to sit at my tax collector’s post? Why am I afraid? Who do I not “get up and follow you?”
• In the quiet of this prayer, I hear your voice. I respond, “Wait, Jesus, I am coming.”

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

+ I will be vigilant today.
+ I will open my whole house to Jesus.

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

Seeing Matthew at his post, Jesus said, “Follow me.”

THOMAS THE DOUBTER (Jn 20:24-29)

Prayer:

Jesus, remove all my doubts so I can proclaim you as Lord and God.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus offering Thomas the opportunity to touch his wounds.

Context:

This is the high point of the gospel. John has put forth all the evidence to show Jesus has come from the Father. He has told many stories of people accepting Jesus. In this text, Thomas gives the clearest and greatest expression of faith in Jesus, “My Lord and my God.”

Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)

When the disciples told Thomas that they had seen the Lord, he said, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nail marks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”
A week later, Jesus came, even though the doors were locked. He said, “Peace be with you.” Then, he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Bring your hand and put it into my side. Do not be unbelieving but believe.” Thomas answered, “My Lord and my God.”
Jesus said “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”

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

1. Even a week later, the doors are still locked from fear.
2. Thomas’ doubts have closed his mind to faith.
3.  Jesus overcomes both the locked doors and the closed mind.
4. To gain Thomas heart, Jesus accedes to his requests.
5. Thomas’ story, (more than any other), shows that Jesus’ body was truly risen.
6. Thomas’ faith goes beyond the other disciples.  He is the first to proclaim Jesus as “Lord and God.”
7. Jesus praises us. We believe without seeing his risen body.

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

• Enter my heart, Jesus.  Do not let my closed doors keep you away.
• You arrange everything to bring me to faith.
• Jesus, let me touch your hands and enter your open heart.
• O Lord, let me experience you.  Come in your fullness.
• You are “Lord, God, Saviour, Redeemer” – my all!

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

+ I will ask Jesus to come to me.
+ I will believe even though I do not see.

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

Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.

POSSESSED MEN AND A DUMB CITY (MT 8:28-34)

Prayer:

O Jesus, how great is your power to free me.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus with his disciples as he frees the two possessed men.

Context:

Matthew takes this story from Mark’s gospel (5:1-20) but he shortens Mark’s story. In doing so, he highlights Jesus’ power. Unfortunately, the people ask him to leave.

Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)

As Jesus approached the Gadarene boundary, two men possessed by demons came out of the tombs. They were so fierce that no one could walk that road. They cried out, “What have we to do with you, Jesus, Son of God. Are you here to torment us before the appointed time?”
Some distance away a large herd of swine was feeding. The devils asked him, “If you expel us, send us into this herd of swine.” He said, ‘Out with you.” They came out and entered the swine. The whole herd rushed down the hill into the sea and they were drowned.
The swineherds fled into the city and told everything that had happened concerning the possessed men. The whole city went out to meet Jesus. When they saw him they asked him to depart from their city.

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

1. The demons love death and they lead possessed people to seek refuge among the tombs.
2. Jesus changed that. Cemeteries are no longer a place of death.  They are a place of sleeping where the dead await their rising.
3. The two men possess the fierce, destructive powers of the demons, chasing others away.
4. The demons know that Jesus’ power will chase them away.
5. The time of their ouster is at hand.  They thought they had a permanent place of rest.
6. With one phrase, Jesus expels them and frees the two men.
7. Their destructive forces turn against the swine. They die in the sea which Jesus has just calmed. (He has power there, also).
8. The people make a terrible decision.  They ask Jesus to leave. How many more miracles he would have done!

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

• O Jesus, you have conquered death. I no longer fear the tomb.
• All is changed.  I will sleep in peace, waiting for you to say, “Arise”.
• O Jesus, cast out all destructive forces in my life.
• You have greater power.  You are the victor and I am your spoils.
• You shorten the time.  You come for me early.  Come, Lord Jesus.
• Free me, Jesus, like you freed these two men.
• Stay in my life and be King of my soul.

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

+ I will stay away from all demonic powers.
+ I will invite Jesus to stay with me.

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

They asked him to leave their city.

POWER OVER THE SEA (MT 8:23-27)

Prayer:

O Jesus, calm the storms in my own life.

Imagination:

Picture the fearful disciples and Jesus calming the sea.

Context:

Matthew very much follows Mark’s story when Jesus sleeps in the boat. The miracle causes awe and wonder in the apostles.

Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)

Jesus got into a boat and his disciples followed him. Without warning, a violent storm came up on the lake, and the boat began to be swamped with waves, but he was asleep.
They came and woke him saying, “Lord, save us. We are perishing!” He said to them, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” then he got up and rebuked the winds and the sea and there was great calm. The men were amazed and said, “What sort of man is this that even the winds and the sea obey him?”

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

1. There were many boats but Jesus travels with his disciples.  He wants them to be the primary witnesses of his power.
2. The wind and the unruly sea are symbols of demonic chaos which destroys our lives as disciples.
3. The disciples have some faith.  They wake Jesus up, believing he can save them.
4. Jesus expected more faith. His being in their boat, awake or asleep, would have saved them.
5. Jesus rebukes the wind and the sea, just as he rebuked Satan who possessed people.
6. The apostles understand that only God can tame the wind and sea.  If so, “Who is this Jesus?”

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

• O Jesus, travel in my boat.  You are always welcome.
• Chaos and evil surround me.  You are my only safeguard.
• Jesus, when I awaken you, you always help me.
• Give me greater faith.   Even when you seem to sleep, I will trust you.
• Waking or sleeping, you always guard me.
• You are Lord.  You are God.  You are Saviour.  You are Redeemer.  You are all in all.

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

+ I will never begin a task without Jesus in my boat.
+ I will always believe that his power can do all things.

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

Even the wind and the sea obey him.

THE WOULD BE DISCIPLES (MT 8:18-22)

Prayer:

O Jesus, make me your true disciple, ready to pay any price.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus with the crowd, challenging people to be his disciples.

Context:

This gospel is Matthew’s version of the reluctant disciple. From this story, we get a clear picture that some people followed Jesus regularly. The two mentioned here are somewhat initiated into discipleship. Yet, they lack something. Jesus uses their statements to outline the requirements of full discipleship.

Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)

When Jesus saw the great crowd gathering, he gave orders to go to the other side. A certain scribe said to him, “Master, I will follow you wherever you shall go.” Jesus said to him, “The foxes have their lairs and the birds of the air have their nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.”
Another of his disciples said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father”. But Jesus said to him, “Follow me and let the dead bury their dead.”

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

1. The scribe is sincere. He wants to follow, but sees that he does not comprehend the difficulties involved.
2. Jesus describes his own total commitment. The foxes and the birds have more conveniences than Jesus does.
3. Jesus is the “Son of Man” and he will return in glory. For now, he sacrifices everything for us.
4. The second disciple realizes his limitations. He has an elderly father and wants to postpone his commitment.
5. Jesus shifts this man’s priorities. Others can care for his father. He must not lose this unique moment. His call to discipleship should come first.
6. The two little dialogues reveal this truth. Jesus’ call takes first place because nothing else equals his gift.

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

• O Jesus, let your call sweep away all my hesitations.
• O Jesus, what you have done for me? You have accepted the most difficult life on earth to bring me the Kingdom.
• You are the Son of Man who will come in glory. Now, you are searching for me. I will await you!
• O Jesus, how many excuses I use to postpone my commitment.
• Open my eyes. Change my goals. Sweep away what does not matter.
• I will follow you, Jesus, wherever you go. Even if I have nowhere to lay my head.

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

+ I will not postpone my response to Jesus’ call.
+ I will examine my own priorities. What do I put first that should not be first?

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

Follow me and let the dead bury their dead.

PETER’S REVELATION (Mt 16:13-20)

Prayer:

O Jesus, You are the Messiah, the son of God.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus with Peter and the apostles.

Context:

Who is Jesus Christ? Many people still do not know. Peter, by a divine revelation of the Father, answers that question. Jesus calls him “Peter” (meaning rock) and makes him the foundation of his Church. This part of Matthew’s gospel focuses on Jesus forming his Church.

Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)

Jesus asked the apostles, “Who do people say I am?” They responded, “Some say John the Baptist. Others say Elijah. Others say Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He then asked, “Who do you say that I am.” Peter said, “You are the Christ, Son of the Living God.”
Jesus exclaimed, “Blessed are you, Simon, son of John, because flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. I say to you, “You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven. Whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”

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

1. Jesus wants to reveal his identity. So, he begins the questioning.
2. Peter has the right answer and can think of nothing else to say.
3. By the light of a heavenly revelation, Peter says words far beyond his own understanding.
4. Peter can now receive a greater power – the Keys of the Kingdom.
5. Jesus will build his Church and uses Peter as his foundation.
6. The Church on earth has all the powers of heaven.

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

• O Lord, you ask me the same question, “Who do you say I am?”
• “You are the Christ”, I exclaim and you call me “blessed”.
• O Jesus, may your Spirit reveal the Kingdom.
• Give me your power and I will serve others.
• Enlighten me by inner revelation. Show me the Kingdom’s mysteries.
• With your powers, I can touch even heaven.

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

+ I will seek to know Jesus.
+ I will ask God to reveal my task in his Church.

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

And you, who do you say I am? You are the Christ, Son of the living God.

A CENTURION WITH GREAT FAITH (MT 8:5-17)

Prayer:

O Jesus, fill me with faith in all that you can do.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus with the Centurion.

Context:

This Gentile centurion is the great model of faith. He believed that Jesus could heal at a distance (unheard of in Judaism). Even Jesus proclaims his extraordinary faith.

Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)

When Jesus entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him saying, “Lord, my servant is at home in bed paralyzed suffering painfully.” Jesus said, “I will come and heal him. The centurion answered, “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but say but the word and my servant shall be healed.
I also am a man subject to authority, having soldiers under me. I say to this one, “Go” and he goes. To another, “Come” and he comes. To my servant “Do this” and he does it.”
Hearing this, Jesus was amazed and said to the crowd who followed him. “Amen I say to you that I have not found such great faith in Israel. Many shall come from the east and the west, and shall sit down with Abraham and Isaac and Jacob in the Kingdom of heaven, while the natural heirs will be cast out into the dark.”

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

1. The centurion has complete and total faith in Jesus’ power to heal.
2. Jesus, also, is totally aware of his powers. He proclaims “I will come and heal him.”
3. The centurion is extraordinary for his great humility (I am not worthy) and for his faith that Jesus could heal at a distance.
4. Jesus proclaims that He has never seen Jewish people with that level of belief.
5. Jesus predicts that many Gentiles will enter the Kingdom by having the same faith.

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

• O Jesus, I will come to you in all my needs.
• O Jesus, you can accomplish all things. Nothing limits your power.
• Jesus, I too, am not worthy but you will act in my soul.
• Your Kingdom is open to all. The whole world is invited.
• Just speak your word, Jesus, and I will be healed.
• O Jesus, place great faith in my heart.

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

+ Today I will bring to Jesus whatever needs to be healed – my body, my soul, my relationships, my memories.
+ I will have great desires to be at Jesus’ banquet.

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

I have not found such great faith in all of Israel.

THE LOST SHEEP (Lk 15:3-7)

Prayer:

O Jesus, come and find me.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus with His disciples.

Context:

The parable of the Lost Sheep is connected to the Prodigal Son. Both show God’s love for the sinner. A hundred sheep was a medium sized flock. The shepherd must have been poor, unable to pay a helper. Matthew’s gospel stresses the shepherd’s unwearied search. Here, Luke’s gospel centers on God’s joy on the last day.

Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)

Jesus told this parable to the Pharisees and the scribes. 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.

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. He does not abandon his search, until he finds his lost sheep.
3. He does not scold the sheep but sees its wariness and places it on his shoulder.
4. His joy cannot be contained. Friends and neighbors must share in it.
5. This is not temporary. Finding the sheep is a symbol of heaven and an eternal union.
6. 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.)

• God, I am precious to you.
• Your saints say you are “Mad” in your unreasonable love for me.
• You never abandon your search for me.
• O Jesus, carry me on your shoulders.
• Jesus, your joy will not be complete until I am with you 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.

DOING THE FATHER’S WILL (MT 7:21-29)

Prayer:

Come, Holy Spirit. Teach me to do the Father’s will.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus teaching His disciples true devotion.

Context:

The disciples in Matthew’s Church exercised many charismatic powers (as seen in this gospel). Here, Matthew issues a severe warning. These powers do not get the disciple into heaven. Only doing the Father’s will accomplishes that.

Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)

Not everyone who says to me “Lord, Lord”, shall enter into the Kingdom of heaven. Only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven shall enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Many will say to me on that day, “Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and cast out devils in your name and do miracles in your name?” And I will say to them, “I never knew you. Depart from me you workers of inequity.”

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

1. If you do not enter Jesus’ Kingdom, you will be lost forever.
2. Lip service, like saying “Lord, Lord” does not suffice.
3. Even having special powers, like prophecy and healing, do not open the door.
4. To enter heaven, you must do the Father’s will.
5. What if you performed miracles and lived an evil life? What would this profit you?
6. If you have no interest in the Father’s will, you are really a “worker of inequity”. Somewhat shocking!

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

• O Jesus, often I say “Lord, Lord” but do not do the Father’s will.
• Lord, if I do your will, you will take me to heaven.
• Jesus, help me to enter heaven someday.
• Give me great powers, but only to serve your Kingdom.
• Jesus, make me a true child of God.
• Jesus, I want you to say “Come. I know you. You have done my Father’s will.”

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

+ I will cry out “Lord” and live by his commandments.
+ I will reject every lie in my life.

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

Only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.

THE FALSE PROPHETS (MT 7:15-20)

Prayer:

O Jesus, teach me to be on guard lest I be deceived.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus teaching his disciples.

Context:

Matthew tries to protect and form his church members. He protects them by warning against false prophets who can lead them astray. He forms them by demanding a life that brings forth good deeds.

Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)

Beware of false prophets who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. By their fruits you shall know them. Do men gather grapes from thorns or figs from thistles?
Every good tree brings forth good fruit and every evil tree brings forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth bad fruit nor a bad tree bring forth good fruit.
Every tree that does not bring forth good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. By their fruits you shall know them.

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

1. In Jesus’ time, people claiming to be true prophets, led the people astray.
2. The Holy Spirit of Pentecost raised up true prophets to guide the people.
3. Today, we have both true and false prophets.
4. The true prophet proclaims Jesus as Lord and exalts him.
5. The false prophet points to himself and his own greatness.
6. Follow the true prophet and bring forth good fruit in your life. Otherwise, you will be cut down and thrown into the fire.

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

• O Jesus, let your true voice sound loudly in my heart.
• Send me your true friends to speak your word to me.
• You are the Lord. I exalt you and follow you. Lead me wherever you wish.
• O Jesus, so many voices lead me astray. Help me.
• I will follow your Church, the voice of the true prophet.
• O Jesus, I will bring forth fruit and you will not cut me down.

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

+ I will examine who leads me to God and will follow them.
+ I will find some minutes for inner stillness to listen to God’s word.

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

Every good tree brings forth good fruit.

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.”

JUDGING OTHERS (MT 7:1-5)

Prayer:

O Jesus, teach me compassion and forgiveness to improve my relationships with others.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus teaching His disciples not to judge.

Context:

Jesus praised the meek and the peacemakers. In these words, Jesus explains how to fulfill those roles. Not to judge other disciples is meekness and to remove your own faults is to make peace.

Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)

Do not judge, so that you may not be judged. As you judge, so you will be judged. The measure with which you measure out, will be measured out to you.
Why do you see the splinter in your brother’s eye, but do not see the wooden beam in your own? Why do you say to your brother, “Let me take the splinter out of your eye” when there is a wooden beam in your eye? Hypocrite! Remove the beam in your own eye first and then you can remove the splinter in your brother’s eye.

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

1. Because this issue is so important, Jesus goes into great detail.
2. “Brother” means a fellow-believer. Disciples should have a loving relationship with each other.
3. Judging others destroys compassion and unity.
4. Seeing the faults of others, blinds the disciple to his own greater failings.
5. Jesus wants his disciple to stop judging and to start cleansing his own soul.
6. Once purified, he can purify others.

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

• O Jesus, how falsely I judge others.
• Remove my critical spirit.
• Let me excuse the faults of others, not magnify them.
• Fill me with your compassion and mercy.
• If I do not judge, you will not judge me.
• Make me a little child, O Jesus, who sees goodness in every person.

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

+ Look at your relationships. What can you do to improve them?
+ Seek a child-like spirit that overlooks evil.

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

Do not judge, so you will not be judged.

LOAVES AND FISHES (Lk 9:11-17)

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 (one for a Jewish crowd and the other for Gentiles). This miracle is told in all four gospels (therefore, very important) and told six times altogether. It is so central because it prefigures Jesus’ gift of Eucharist. Epiphany means manifestation and these gospels are Jesus’ manifesting himself.

Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)

Jesus spoke to the crowds of the Reign of God and he healed all who were in need of healing. As the day came to an end, the twelve said to Jesus, “Send the crowd away so they can go to the neighboring villages and buy some food, because here, we are in a deserted place.
But Jesus said to them, “You give them to eat”. They said, “We have only five barley loaves and two fishes, unless we go and buy food for the crowd.” There were about five thousand men. Jesus told his disciples, “Make them sit down in groups of fifty.” So, they made them all sit down.
Taking the five loaves and two fishes, he looked up to heaven and blessed them. He broke and distributed to his disciples to give to the crowd. They all ate and were filled. They gathered up twelve baskets of fragments that were left over.

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

1. Jesus does two things. He preaches and he heals.
2. The crowd responds. They pass the whole day with Jesus, heedless of even their need to eat.
3. Jesus will provide a great abundance, supernaturally.
4. The disciples’ thinking lacks faith. They want to solve the problem in a natural way
5. Jesus blessing and breaking the bread will happen again at the Last Supper. This miracle previews the Eucharist.
6. Jesus brings all to completion. The people have their fill and twelve baskets are left over for us.

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

• Jesus, speak to me about the reign of God.
• O Lord, I will stay with you during the whole day of my life.
• O Jesus, your plans for me are supernatural, beyond my greatest dreams.
• Every day, you multiply the bread from heaven. Help me to love the Eucharist.
• Complete your work in me. Bring all to an abundance.

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

+ Today, I will seek out Jesus’ teachings.
+ I will seek Holy Communion every day.

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

The disciples said, “Send them away.” Jesus said, “How many loaves do you have?”
He blessed them, broke them and gave them to the disciples to distribute.

TRUSTING THE FATHER (MT 6:24-34)

Prayer:

Come, Holy Ghost. Help me to seek first the Kingdom of heaven.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus teaching His disciples about the Father’s care for them.

Context:

Having told the disciples not to store up earthly treasures, Jesus responds to their questions about gaining the necessities of life.

Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)

“Oh, you of little faith. Do not worry and ask “What are we to eat?” or “What are we to drink?” or “What are we to wear?” All these things the pagans seek. Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. Seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides.
Do not worry about tomorrow. Tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for each day is the evil thereof.

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

1. To worry about food, drink and clothing is quite normal.  Everyone does this.
2. Jesus explains that the heavenly Father knows and cares about the disciples’ human needs.
3. Disciples are different, they must have a total faith in God’s Providence.
4. The disciple must seek first the Kingdom.  Then, he will have all the food, drink and clothing that God will provide.
5. The disciple must never worry about a tomorrow (which never comes).  The Father provides what is needed for each day.

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

• Jesus, when I have little faith, I am anxious.  When I have great faith, I am at peace.
• Lord, give me great faith.  Give me others who believe.
• Jesus, calm my inner anxieties.
• Father, why do I not trust you?  Did you not create me?  Will you not provide?
• Jesus, your guidance is clear.  I must seek first your Kingdom.
• Jesus, make me a child.  To trust.  To live one day at a time.  To believe that God will give me my daily bread.

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

+ Do I seek first God’s Kingdom? That is my question today.
+ I will place greater trust in my heavenly Father.

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

Your heavenly Father knows that you need all of these.

LAYING UP HEAVENLY TREASURES (MT 6:19-23)

Prayer:

O Jesus, teach me to treasure heavenly riches.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus teaching His disciples to treasure heaven.

Context:

These sayings of Jesus have a common theme. He wants the disciples to have a singleness of purpose, totally serving God and not being distracted by earthly cares.

Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)

“Do not lay up earthly treasures for yourselves. Rust and moth corrode and thieves break in and steal. Instead, store up treasures in heaven where rust and moth do not corrode and thieves cannot break in and steal. Remember, where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
The eye is the light of the body. If it is well, you will be in light. If the eye is evil, then you will be in darkness.
No one can serve two masters. He will either hate one and love the other, or love one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.

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

1. Where is your treasure? On earth or in heaven?
2. Why seek earthly treasures? Do they not fade?
3. Have the right desires, and you will walk in light.
4. Seek evil, and you walk in darkness.
5. Do not try to serve two masters. Jesus says it is impossible.
6. If you love Jesus, money will not be your master but your servant.

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

• O Holy Spirit, show me my heart. What treasure do I seek, earthly or heavenly?
• O Lord, remove the attraction which earthly treasures have over me.
• O Jesus, you offer me heavenly treasures. These I will seek.
• Purify my desires. Then, I will walk in light.
• Do not let darkness enter my heart.
• O Jesus, why should I choose to serve any other master?
• I will no longer serve money. It cannot buy eternal life.

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

+ I will ask myself, “Which master do I serve?”
+ I will store up heavenly treasures.

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

You cannot serve God and money.