Category: Meditations

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 those 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 NARROW ROAD (MT 7:6 & 12-14)

Prayer:

O Jesus, teach me to enter by the narrow gate of selflessness and walk the narrow

 Road that leads to life.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus warning his disciples about the conditions for eternal life.

Context:

Matthew writes for his Church members who have chosen the Kingdom.  They want eternal life, but He warns them that the gate is narrow. Many go through a wide gate that does not lead them into the Kingdom.

Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)

Jesus said to his disciples, “Do not give what is holy to dogs or toss your pearls before swine.

They will trample them underfoot, at best, or even tear you to shreds. Enter by the narrow gate, for the gate that leads to destruction is wide and many enter.  How narrow is the gate that leads to life and how constricted is the road and how few find it.

Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder those that attract you.)

1. Dogs and swine represent those who have no interest in the holy pearls of the gospel.  The disciples, although preaching to all, must not expose the gospel to ridicule.
2. To enter by the narrow gate is to accept the discipline needed to keep the commandments.
3. Some disciples want to be lax, refusing to accept restrictions on their freedom.
4. They are foolish.  They are entering a wide gate that leads to destruction of their lives.
5. Not only is the beginning gate narrow, but the whole road is constricted.
6. Living by the gospel doesn’t mean just being good at the beginning (to get through the narrow gate is not enough.) The disciple must persevere on the narrow road.
7. This gate and road are not hard to find.  People do not searching because they do not want to find.
8. All these warnings are wake-up calls!

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

• O Jesus, your words are pearls that I will cherish.
• Do not let me toss away your gospel.
• O Jesus, I will enter by your narrow gate.
• Show me the narrow road and I will walk with you.
• Close my eyes to the wide paths of death and destruction.
• I want your eternal life, Jesus. No matter what the cost.
• How I love your narrow gate which leads to life.

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

+ I will accept the restrictions imposed by God’s love.

+I will seek eternal life with all my heart, not fearing the narrow way.

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

How narrow is the gate that leads to life.

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 those 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.”

POWER OVER THE SEA (MK 4:35-41)

Prayer:

O Jesus, calm the storms in my life.

Imagination:

Picture the fearful disciples and Jesus calming the sea.

Context:

Mark begins a series of 5 stories showing Jesus’ power. The focus is on the disciples waking Jesus up to perform the miracle and their awe at his power when he does so.

Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)

When evening came, Jesus said, “Let us go to the other side. Jesus dispersed the crowd and they took him in their boat. There were also other boats. A windy storm blew up and the waves beat against the boat which filled up with water.

Jesus was in the rear part, asleep on a pillow. They woke him up and said, “Master, are you not concerned that we could die?” Getting up, he rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace, be still.” The wind ceased and the sea became calm.

Jesus said to them. Why are you fearful? Are you lacking in faith? They were very much afraid and said to one another, “Who is he whom even the wind and the sea obey?”

Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder those 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. If they had more faith, they would have left him sleeping.
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.
• Lord, when I awaken you, you always help me.
• Give me greater faith. I will let you sleep during my storms.
• 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.

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:

In this text, Jesus concludes his teaching about having confidence in God. He cites the universal anxieties that people have about what to eat, to drink and to wear.

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 those that attract you.)

1. Everyone worries about food, drink and clothing. However, every disciple has a special relationship to the Father.
2. Jesus explains that the heavenly Father has total concern for the disciple, even for our human needs.
3. Because of God’s concern, Jesus demands a total faith in God’s Providence.
4. He asks one thing. The disciple must seek first the Kingdom. Then, he will have all the needed food, drink and clothing.
5. The disciple must avoid one thing. He cannot worry about a tomorrow (which never comes). The Father provides for each day’s needs.

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.
• O Lord, calm my inner stirrings.
• O Father, why do I not trust you? Did you not create me? Will you not provide for me?
• Jesus, your teaching 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 provide 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.

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 those 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 both God and money.

HOW TO PRAY (MT. 6:7-15)

Prayer:

O Jesus, teach me to pray as you prayed.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus teaching His disciples the Our Father.

Context:

The Lord’s prayer has seven petitions.  The first three – “hallowed be your name.  Your Kingdom come.  Your will be done” are really the same, asking Jesus to return in glory.  The last four petitions focus on what you need to gain the Kingdom.

Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)

When you pray do not use many words, for the heavenly Father knows what you need before you ask.  When you pray, say:

“Our Father, who are in heaven.  Hallowed be your name.  Your Kingdom come.  Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.  Give us this day, our daily bread.  Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”

Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder those that attract you.)

1. In the Our Father, Jesus shows you what you should desire.
2. The Heavenly Father and His Kingdom must come first.
3. You must seek the Father’s will in all situations.
4. You must receive the daily bread of the Eucharist.
5. You need your sins forgiven to gain the Kingdom.
6. You must forgive all who have hurt you.
7. You must persevere in all trials and temptations.
8. The saints said this prayer slowly and devoutly.

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

• O Jesus, focus all my desires upon your Kingdom.
• O Father, I will live for your glory.
• Lord, let your Kingdom break into my life.
• Jesus, reveal the Father’s will.  I will do it always.
• Give me a hunger for daily Eucharist.
• I forgive everyone, Lord.  Everyone!
• O Jesus, help me in my temptations.
• Lessen the trials so I persevere.

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

+ I will make the Our Father my daily prayer.

+ I will make Holy Communion my daily food.

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

When you pray, do not use many words.

ACTING IN SECRET (MT 6:1-4)

Prayer:

Come, Holy Spirit.  Teach me to act in secret.  I do not want to lose my reward.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus teaching the disciples how to gain their reward.

Context:

Jesus contrasts Christian goodness with the goodness of the Pharisees.  He highlights doing good deeds in secret, with purity of intention.

Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)

Do not perform good deeds before men so you can be seen by them.  If so, you will receive no reward from your heavenly Father.

When you give an alms, do not blow a trumpet, as hypocrites do.  They already have their reward.  Give your alms in secret, and your Father, who sees in secret, will repay you.

When you pray, go to your room and pray in secret.  Your Father who sees in secret, will repay you.

Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder those that attract you.)

1. Your heart is very twisted. You often do good deeds to be seen by others.
2. Acting in secret removes this evil and purifies your intention.
3. When done in secret, your good deeds belong totally to the Father.
4. You preserve the true goodness of your alms and your prayer.
5. In demanding secrecy, Jesus has one goal.  He wants you to receive the heavenly Father’s reward.

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

• O Lord, purify my selfish motives.
• O Jesus, how many times I value men’s esteem more than the Father’s rewards.
• Let me hide myself from everyone but the Father.
• O Father, you wait for me to come to you in secrecy, unknown to others.
• Where is my heart, O Lord?  What do I seek?  Earthly esteem or heavenly glory?
• O Jesus, you emptied yourself. I, too, will empty myself to grasp heaven’s reward.

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

+ I will try to see the inner movements of my heart.

+ I will do all for the Father’s glory.

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

The heavenly Father, who sees in secret, will repay you.

LOVE YOUR ENEMIES (MT 5:43-48)

Prayer:

Come, Holy Spirit.  Make me perfect as the heavenly Father is perfect.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus asking the disciples to imitate the Father.

Context:

Jesus continues his demands concerning goodness towards enemies.  He contrasts his disciple with the pagans and demands a greater holiness. At the end, Jesus reveals his goal.  He wants the disciple to be as perfect as the heavenly Father.

Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)

You have heard it said, “You shall love your neighbor but hate your enemy.”  I say to you “Love your enemies.  Do good to those who hate you.  Pray for those who persecute you and insult you.  In this way, you can be children of your heavenly Father.  He makes the sun rise on the good and the bad. He makes the rain fall on the just and the unjust.

If you love those who love you, what reward shall you have?  Do not even sinners do this?  If you greet your brothers only, what is unusual about that?  Do not even the pagans do that?  You must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder those that attract you.)

1. Jesus leads you to the height of holiness.
2. At this new height, Jesus asks you to love everyone and to exclude all hatred.
3. He offers you the highest reward.  You will be a child of the heavenly Father.
4. Look at how God acts.  He sends his sun and his rain on everyone, good or bad.
5. Jesus wants you to act in every situation as the Father would act.

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

• Jesus, lead me to the heights of holiness.
• O Jesus, give me a new way to live.
• Let your love cast out all my hatred. Make me a child of the heavenly Father.
• I will shower my love, my blessings, my goods upon everyone.
• You call me to be perfect as the Father. I will begin right now.  Walk with me, Jesus.
• O Jesus, loving my friends is natural.  Even sinners do that.  Loving my enemies will be my new goal.

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

+ I will let everyone into my heart this day.

+ I will remove my hatred and critical spirit.

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

Be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect.

RELATIONSHIPS (MT 5-38-42)

Prayer:

Come, Holy Spirit. Teach me how to love as a disciple should.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus teaching kindness to his disciples.

Context:

The Jewish law to take only “An eye for an eye” was actually merciful in Jesus’ time. It limited the amount of revenge.  Jesus goes beyond this legal mercy.  The disciple must respond with extreme thoughtfulness, hoping to lead his opponent to faith in Jesus.

Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)

Jesus said to his disciples, “You have heard it said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth’.  But I say to you, ‘Offer no resistance to evil.  If someone strikes you on your right cheek, turn the other to him.  If anyone wants to go to law with you over your tunic, hand him your cloak as well.  If someone forces you to go one mile, then go two miles. 

Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder those that attract you.)

1. Jesus describes the new relationships in the Kingdom.  If his disciples relate to others in this way, the Kingdom will spread quickly.
2. Jesus asks his disciples not to retaliate.  In this way violence will end and the gospel can be preached.
3. Jesus asks the disciple to be patient, so others can see the Kingdom’s power.
4. The disciple does not invoke the law.  Let the person have both your tunic and cloak.  He is probably in need.
5. The disciple’s generosity in going “the second mile” witnesses to Jesus’ Kingdom.
6. After experiencing the disciple’s charity, the person will listen to the message about the Kingdom.

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

• O Jesus, change me.  Make my heart like your heart.
• Help me to bring everyone into your Kingdom, no matter what the cost!
• Jesus, I will set aside my interests for your interests.  I will forget myself for your gospel.
• I will use every situation to bring the Kingdom to others.
• Jesus, if I turn my back on no one, you will not turn your back on me.

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

+ I will examine my relationships to others.  Are they according to the Kingdom?

+ In my generosity, I will be a herald of the Kingdom.

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

Offer no resistance.  Go a second mile.  Hand him your tunic.  Give to him who asks.

THE PATIENT FARMER (MK 4:26-29)

Prayer:

O Jesus, let your Kingdom grow in my heart.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus with His disciples.

Context:

This parable forcefully portrays the Kingdom’s power.  The farmer does nothing (except planting and harvesting). The seed does everything.  The farmer has no anxiety.  He just goes about his normal duties.  Meanwhile, the seeds grow.

Suddenly, the harvest (the end time) arrives. It is as certain as the hour of God’s coming. God created the world and will bring all to conclusion.  The believer must patiently trust in God’s saving power.

Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)

The Kingdom of God is like a man who scattered seed on the ground.  He goes to bed and gets up day after day.  Through it all, the seed sprouts and grows but the farmer did not even know how.

The earth itself brings forth the fruit, beginning with the blade, then the ear and finally the full corn in the ear.  When the fruit was fully grown, he immediately wields his sickle because the harvest time has come.

Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder those that attract you.)

1. The parable describe exactly what happens.  People place seeds in the earth.  The ground provides nourishment.  The seed grows into the harvest.
2. The man just goes to sleep and wakes up.  He is even totally ignorant of how all of this takes place.  The harvest is God’s gift.
3. The farmer just trusts.  He doesn’t dig up the seed to see how it’s doing.
4. This unknown parable opens our eyes to what happens.  Every day, God is acting intensely on our behalf.
5. God orders everything (yes everything) for the harvest of our salvation.
6. We just harvest his gifts.

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

• O God, open my eyes to your Divine Providence, how you prepare everything for me.
• By your word and sacraments, you sow the seeds of heaven.
• My soul is the field and I must want your harvest to come forth.
• How often, O God, I am anxious about earth, when I should desire only your harvest.
• O God, I am helpless, even ignorant of what is happening.  I am a child but you prepare all things.
• Let me harvest your gifts, taking advantage of every opportunity.

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

+ I will see God’s hand in all the events of this day.

+ I will trust totally in God’s power sown within me.

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

The seed grew and the farmer didn’t even know how.

SIMPLICITY OF SPEECH (MT. 5:33-37)

Prayer:

Come, Holy Spirit.  Sanctify my words.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus teaching his disciples to practice simplicity in their speech.

Context:

People often call upon God to witness their lie.  To avoid this, a Jew might substitute for God’s name a holy place or holy thing.  Jesus says that this is still a vow.  The heart of a disciple should be simple and his speech be marked by simplicity. No need to swear by God.

Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)

Jesus said to his disciples, “You have heard it said ‘Do not take a false oath, but make good to the Lord what you vow’.  But I say to you, ‘Do not swear at all, neither by heaven, for it is God’s throne; nor by earth, for it is his footstall; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King.  Do not swear by your head, because you cannot make one hair black or white.

            Let your speech be ‘Yes’ when you mean ‘Yes’, and ‘No’ when you mean ‘No”.  Anything beyond that is from the evil one.”

Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder those that attract you.)

1. Each day, you speak thousands of words.   Many of these are false, or self-serving.
2. The Jews used “Heaven”, “earth”, and “Jerusalem” to substitute for God’s name.  God should not be invoked for our interests.
3. Purify your words, and you will make great progress in the Kingdom.
4. Holiness changes our speech.  Words flow more simply and more in accord with truth.
5. Say what needs to be said.  Make your speech helpful and encouraging.  Serve others and not yourself. 
6. Be faithful to your words.  Your yes is yes.  Your no is no.

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

• O Jesus, how important is my tongue.
• Make my words a gentle stream, always refreshing others.
• Guard my lips, O Lord.  Put your seal on my mouth.
• O Jesus, I will speak words of truth from my heart.
• Lord, remove all deceit from my lips.
• O Jesus, if I do not to sin with my tongue, then, “I will be a perfect man”. (James 3:2)

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

+ I will speak less today.  Holding my tongue when the words are hurtful or deceitful.

+ I will try to praise others, encouraging them with kind words.

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

Say “yes” when you mean “yes”. “No” when you mean “No”.

THE GREATER HOLINESS (MT 5:27-32)

Prayer:

O Lord Jesus, by your Holy Spirit, guide me to the heights of holiness.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus teaching his disciples.

Context:

Matthew wrote his gospel in 85 A.D. when the early fervor of the believers was cooling down.  He tries to enkindle the fire by setting a high standard of holiness for his church.  In this text, he contrasts the new level of holiness with the former level.

Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)

Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Unless your holiness surpasses that of the scribes and the Pharisees, you shall not enter the Kingdom of heaven.

You have heard the commandment “You shall not commit murder and every murderer will be liable to judgment.  What I say to you is: Everyone who grows angry with his brother shall be liable to judgment. 

You have heard the commandment, “You shall not commit adultery. What I say to you is: ‘Anyone who looks lustfully at a woman has already committed adultery with her in his thoughts.’ You have heard the commandment, Do not take a false oath but make good to the Lord all your pledges.  What I tell you is, ‘Do not swear at all.  Say “Yes” when you mean “Yes” and “No” when you mean “No”. Anything beyond that is from the Evil One.’

Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder those that attract you.)

1. The Pharisees were seen as the holiest of Jews. Jesus goes beyond their teaching and presents a gigantic challenge to his new disciples.
2. Since murder results from anger, Jesus demands that the sources of this violence be removed.
3. Adultery comes from lustful thoughts.  Even these must be purified.
4. Jesus demands truth.  No need to take an oath over little things.  Just speak plainly and simply.
5. The list of demands is endless, but if the disciple has a willing heart, he will do all these and more.

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

• O Jesus, lift me to the highest purity and holiness of life.
• Calm my anger.  Remove my resentment.  Give me inner stillness.
• Cool down the fires of lust.  Let me not feed those desires.
• Touch my lips with the burning coal of your Spirit.  Then, my tongue will speak truth.
• Jesus, help me to change so I can be your disciple.

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

+ I will not compromise.  I will seek a true life of holiness.

+ I will purify the interior sources of my sins.

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

Unless your holiness surpasses that of the scribes and the Pharisees, you will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven.

ANGER (MT 5:20-26)

Prayer:

Come, Holy Spirit.  Let your gentleness overcome my anger.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus teaching his disciples to reconcile.

Context:

Jesus teaches a “greater goodness” which is demanded by the holiness of this new Kingdom.  In this gospel, he compares the Old Testament teaching on anger and his new teaching.  Jesus desires a oneness among his disciples by avoiding anger.

Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)

Jesus taught the disciples about anger, saying, “You have heard it said, ‘You shall not kill’ and ‘Whoever kills shall be liable to judgment’.  But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother, shall be in danger of judgment.  Whoever shall say to his brother, ‘Raqa’ shall be in danger of the council.  Whoever shall say ‘You fool’ shall be in danger of hell fire.

If you come to the altar to offer your gift and remember that your brother has anything against you, leave your offering before the altar and go first to be reconciled to your brother.  Then come and offer your gift.”

Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder those that attract you.)

1. Jesus raises the Old Law to a new level and invites the disciples to live at that new height.
2. The law commanded only external compliance.  Jesus’ Kingdom goes much deeper, into the disciples’ hearts.
3. Jesus’ disciples must remove their inner anger. Then, violence will cease.
4. He forbids angry words, so hatred has no hold.
5. He even demands that the temple sacrifices be delayed until the disciples reconcile.
6. Jesus gives new precedents and requires total selflessness.

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

• Jesus, make me gentle.
• Save me, O Lord, from the violent waters of anger.  Bring me to the restful waters of your Spirit.
• Even on the cross, you spoke no angry word.  You were silent as a lamb going to the slaughter.
• Release a river of peace, forgiveness and reconciliation within me.
• Reconcile me to all of my family and friends.
• O Jesus, I will drink deeply of your forgiveness.

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

+ Today, I will forgive everyone who hurts me.

+ I will reconcile with my enemies wherever possible.

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

Leave your gift at the altar and go to be reconciled with your brother.

THE LAW AND THE PROPHETS (MT 5:17-20)

Prayer:

Come, Holy Spirit.  Make me great in Jesus’ Kingdom.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus teaching his disciples about following the Law and the Prophets.

Context:

“Law and prophets” means the whole Old Testament.  Jesus wants his Church to retain these books and teach them to his disciples.  At the same time, these books are not God’s final word or his greatest gift because Jesus “fulfills” these laws and prophetic words.

Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)

Jesus said to his disciples, “Do not think that I have come to destroy the law or the prophets.  I have not come to destroy, but to fulfill.  Amen I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter, not even the smallest part of the letter will pass away, until all is fulfilled.

Whoever shall break one of these least commandments and teach others to do so, will be called least in the Kingdom of heaven.  Whoever shall keep them and teach others to do so, shall be called great in the Kingdom of heaven.

I tell you that unless your goodness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you shall not enter the Kingdom of heaven.

Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder those that attract you.)

1. Jesus makes us God’s children.
2. The disciple must keep God’s word in the law and the prophets.
3. They must, also, teach others to live by God’s word. 
4. Then, they will be great in the Kingdom. They will be both doers and teachers.
5. As disciples, they must go beyond the limited goodness of the scribes and Pharisees.
6. Their tasks are heavy but their reward is great. They will enter the Kingdom of Heaven.

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

• O Jesus, you have made me a child of the Father.
• Train me in your word, O Lord. Plant your truth in my heart.
• Let your word be a lamp for my feet and a guide for my path.
• Give me a zeal to instruct others in your word.
• May your power make me a doer of your word.
• You call me to be great in the Kingdom.  I cherish your invitation.

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

+ I will examine where I do not keep God’s law.

+ I will read the Old Testament to see God’s words to Israel.

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

Whoever keeps these commandments and teaches others will be great in the Kingdom.

SALT AND LIGHT (MT: 5-13-16)

Prayer:

Come, Holy Spirit.  Set me as a light on the lampstand.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus instructing his disciples.

Context:

A disciple is someone who has made a decision to live totally for the Kingdom.  In the gospels, Jesus explains what he expects of his disciples.  The disciple must be salt, a power against food corrupting.  He must also be a light, so men can see God’s goodness reflected in the disciple’s life.

Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)

Jesus continued to teach his disciples on the mountain.

“You are the salt of the earth.  If the salt loses its flavor, how will it be salted? It is good for nothing except to be cast out and trodden under foot.

You are the light of the world.  A city set on a mountaintop cannot be hidden.  Men do not light a candle and put it under a bushel basket, but upon the lampstand, so it can give light to all in the house.  Let your light shine before men so that they can see your good works and glorify your heavenly Father.”

Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder those that attract you.)

1. Jesus does not exaggerate the truth.   His disciples will bless the whole world.
2. Jesus warns his disciples.  The salt can lose its flavor.  The light can be kept hidden.
3. When disciples cease to be disciples, the world trods them under foot. They are useless.
4. By allowing God to change their hearts, the disciple can show the world what God’s power can do.
5. All will glorify the heavenly Father for what he has accomplished in the disciple.
6. Jesus’ plan is very successful.  We should follow it more often.

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

• Jesus, you call me to greatness in your Kingdom.
• Give me your salt – a taste for devotion, and a desire for the Kingdom.
• Let me be your candle, burning brightly and set on the highest place.
• Jesus, change my life.  Then, I will have good works that shine out to others.
• O Father, all is for your glory!

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

+ What must I do to foster personal devotion?  What time should I find for prayer and spiritual reading?

+ I will try to bless others by my good works.

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

You are the salt of the earth. You are the light of the world set upon a lampstand.

THE FIRST FOUR BEATITUDES (5:1-12)

Prayer:

Come, Holy Spirit.  Form my heart according to Jesus’ teaching.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus teaching the crowds.

Context:

Jesus calls various groups “blessed”. However, anyone can choose to belong to these groups.  A person can be poor in spirit, meek, mourning over the world’s sins, and hungering for justice.  So, the door is open to everyone.  In all four situations, the person is promised heaven (under different figures of speech).

Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)

Seeing the crowd, Jesus went up the mountain.  When he sat down, his disciples came to him and he taught them, saying:

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are the meek, for they shall possess the land.  

Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.            

Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for justice.            

They shall have their fill.

Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder those that attract you.)

1. When Jesus speaks to the crowds, he invites them into the Kingdom.  Here, he speaks to disciples who are already members of his Kingdom.
2. Because their hearts are set upon the Kingdom, they can understand Jesus’ teaching.
3. A person is “Blessed” by being a member of the Kingdom.
4. A person becomes a member by a personal decision to be poor in spirit, to mourn for the Kingdom, to be merciful, and to hunger for justice.
5. If they persevere in these dispositions, they will receive the full reward of blessedness, an eternal kingdom.

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

• O Jesus, you invite me into your Kingdom.
• O Lord, I accept your offer.
• Reveal to me the Kingdom’s secrets, so I can embrace them.
• O Jesus, if I persevere in my decision, I will be blessed eternally.
• Right now, I give you my heart, my choices, and all my decisions.
• O Spirit of Jesus, form me.  Form me in poverty of spirit, meekness, sorrow for the Kingdom and mercy for all.

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

+ I will allow these teachings to form my thinking.

+ I will rejoice that Jesus calls me “Blessed.”

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

The disciples came to Jesus and he taught them.

A STARTLED FAMILY (MK 3-20-21,35)

Prayer:

O Jesus, help me to stand firm.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus surrounded by the crowd and his family.

Context:

This text contrasts the crowds, and the relatives.  The crowds hardly know Jesus, and yet they acclaim him.  His relatives, who think they know him, have the wrong opinion. “The house” refers to the early believes who formed “house churches.”

Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)

When they came to the house with his disciples, the crowds gathered, making it impossible for them to even eat.  When his family heard of this, they came to lay hold of him saying, “He is out of his mind.”

Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder those that attract you.)

1. Jesus returns to the house, always trying to get out of the spotlight.
2. His disciples act as a shield.  With them he feels perfectly at home.
3. The crowd’s feelings are evident.  They believe that Jesus is a miracle-worker and they need his blessing.
4. The relatives do not share the crowd’s enthusiasm.  They reject faith and are blinded by their natural knowledge.
5. They want to stop Jesus’ ministry because they are embarrassed.
6. They concluded that Jesus is insane – “He is out of his mind”.  Nothing justifies that opinion.

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

• O Jesus, take me with you into the house of your heart.
• Come to me, Jesus.  I welcome you.  I am your disciple.
• Even if you hide yourself, I will find you.
• You are near and I will come to you.
• O Jesus, your relatives see, but they do not see.  They know you, but they do not know you.  Help me to see and to know!
• The opinions of others mean nothing to me.  You alone, are all I want.

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

+ I will live by faith today, believing that Jesus is near.

+ I will not block Jesus’ actions in my life.

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

The crowds gathered around Jesus.  His relatives tried to take charge.

FEAST OF THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY (LK 2:41-51)

Prayer:

Come, Holy Ghost. Help me to search for the True Heart of the Temple.

Imagination:

Picture Mary and Joseph hurrying to look for Jesus.

Context:

When Jesus was twelve years old, He, Mary and Joseph travelled with others to the temple in Jerusalem to celebrate the feast of Passover, a thanksgiving to God for His goodness and mercy.

Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)

Each year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the feast of Passover, and when He was twelve years old, they went up according to festival custom. After they had completed its days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. Thinking that he was in the caravan, they journeyed for a day and looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances, but not finding him, they returned to Jerusalem to look for him. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions, and all who heard him were astounded at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him, “Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety.” And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” But they did not understand what he said to them. He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart.

Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder those that attract you.)

1. In obedience, Jesus, Mary and Joseph kept the laws of their faith in celebrating the Passover at the temple in Jerusalem.
2. This required sacrifice, a long journey, and joining with others for safety in the caravan.
3. In the Temple, the House of our Father, Jesus teaches all who will listen that everything we think, say and do must be done for the Glory of the Father, especially bringing Him souls through the Merits of Jesus.
4. Mary and Joseph suffered anxiety, grief, and sorrow when they could not find Jesus, but persevered in their search until He was found.
5. They did not immediately understand Jesus’ actions, but Mary ‘kept these things in her heart’. This is the heart which was joined to her Son’s, the heart which was obedient to the Holy Spirit in all things, even without understanding.
6. Jesus returned home with Mary and Joseph in obedience and love.

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

• O Mary, to what temple am I travelling in haste? God’s or the world’s?
• What am I searching for there? What have I lost that I hope to find?
• Am I hoping to find a temple filled with success, honors, friends, money?
• Am I hoping to find the true temple, filled with grace, mercy, hope, love?
• O Mary, Jesus knew that He wanted to be in His Father’s house. You lived your life in the house of obedience and fidelity to the Father and the Holy Spirit.
• Mary’s heart held the Spirit of her Son – in quiet contemplation, in sorrows, in joys, in obedience. May my heart take courage and strength from hers.

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

+ I will ask Mary to give me her heart so that I can find her Son, Jesus.

+ I will search the temple of my heart to look for the true Treasure of Grace.

+ When I find the Heart of the Temple, I will not leave.

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

Mary and Joseph searched the temple made by hands, to find the Temple of Life, whose Word made all things.

THE PIERCED HEART (Jn 19:31-37)

Prayer:

O Jesus, pierce my heart with your love.

Imagination:

Picture Mary and the Beloved Disciple watching the Centurion pierce Jesus’ heart.

Context:

Sometimes, the Romans let the bodies stay on the cross for days. Since the Passover falls on a Saturday (the Sabbath) Pilate accepts the Jews’ request that all the crucified be killed. The death was caused by the brutal breaking of legs. However, Jesus is the Passover Lamb (whose bones were not to be broken). That the blood and water would flow out is medically true. Here, they symbolize Baptism and Eucharist. The Church was born from Christ’s side just as Eve came from Adam’s side.

Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)

Since it was the Preparation Day, the Jews did not want the bodies left on the cross for the Sabbath, for that Sabbath was a solemn feast day. So, they asked Pilate that their legs might be broken and the bodies taken away. So, the soldiers came and broke the legs of those who were crucified with him. However, when they came to Jesus, they saw that he was already dead. So, they did not break his legs. One of the soldiers thrust a lance into his side and immediately, there came out blood and water.

This testimony has been given by an eyewitness and his testimony is true. He says what he knows is true so that you may believe. these events took place so that Scripture would be fulfilled. “Break none of his bones”. Another scripture passage says, “They shall look on him whom they have pierced.”

Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder those that attract you.)

1. The heavenly Father uses every event for his plans.
2. The time is short. The Passover is about to begin. The bodies must be removed.
3. Jesus is dead, yet he wants to give even more of Himself to us.
4. His side is pierced so that we can enter his heart.
5. The water and blood symbolize Baptism and Eucharist, Jesus’ first gifts to us.
6. The gospel writer (the Beloved Disciple) sees this piercing to record it for us.
7. Jesus is the new Passover Lamb. His bones, also, will not be broken.
8. They look upon Jesus to receive divine mercy flowing from his side.

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

• O God, You know exactly when everything must happen.
• O Jesus, after dying for me, you give me even more.
• Your heart is open! I will enter quickly.
• Thank you, Jesus, for the sacraments. They are streams of grace.
• O Jesus, let me cherish the gospels, based on what eyewitnesses saw.
• You are my Passover Lamb, the meal of my redemption.
• I look at Your cross and divine mercy flows out.

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

+ I will seek a true devotion to Jesus’ sacred Heart.

+ I will love the Church, Christ’s Bride, born from his side.

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

The soldier thrust a lance. Blood and water flowed from his side.