(John 16:23-28) Prayer: Come, Holy Spirit. Explain to me the mysteries of Jesus. Imagination: (Picture Jesus with the apostles at the Last Supper) Context: Jesus admits that he is using figures of speech which the disciples do not understand. You, the reader, understand them clearly because you know that Jesus …
(John 16:16-22) Prayer: O Jesus, turn my sorrows into joys. Imagination: (Picture Jesus with the apostles at the Last Supper.) Context: Jesus has spoken of “a little while.” Because the disciples are confused, Jesus explains what this means. He speaks of a joyful woman who has given birth. This “birth” …
(Luke 24:47, Acts 1:8-11) Prayer: O Jesus, take my heart to heaven with you. Imagination: (Picture the disciples watching Jesus ascend into heaven.) Context: Luke describes the Ascension in two places – at the end of his gospel and at the beginning of the Acts of the Apostles. Here we …
(John 16:12-15) Prayer: O Jesus, thank you for the Holy Spirit who teaches me all truth. Imagination: (Picture Jesus with the apostles at the Last Supper.) Context: Jesus describes the two goals which the Spirit will accomplish among the disciples (the Church). First, He will extend Jesus’ revelation, going beyond …
(John 16:8-11) Prayer: O Jesus, send your Paraclete to overcome the world. Imagination: (Picture Jesus with the apostles at the last Supper) Context: Jesus again shifts the focus. The Holy Spirit will not just be an advocate for the disciples. He will be a prosecuting attorney against the world. He …
(John 16:4-7) Prayer: O Jesus, give me faith in your word. Imagination: (Picture Jesus at the Last Supper.) Context: The discourse shifts. Jesus turns the disciples’ attention to his future departure. Realizing that Jesus will leave, the disciples grow sorrowful. So Jesus speaks of the great gift that will follow …
(John 15:26-16:3) Prayer: O Jesus, I will testify to the whole world about you. Imagination: (Picture Jesus teaching the apostles at the Last Supper.) Context: Two powers will confront the world’s hatred – the Spirit’s powerful testimony and the Church’s doctrines, based on Jesus’ own teachings. In spite of this …
(John 14:23-29) Prayer: O Jesus, I will abide in your word. Imagination: (Picture Jesus teaching his disciples at the Last Supper). Context: This text focuses on Jesus’ teaching – which enjoys a surprising power. A disciple who lives this teaching will enjoy the presence of the Father and Jesus. Then, …
