of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
(Matthew 21:23-27) Prayer: O Jesus, you have all authority in heaven and earth. Imagination: (Picture Jesus teaching in the temple, confronted by the authorities.) Context: The day before this event, Jesus had cleansed the temple. As he returns to Jerusalem, the temple authorities want to know by what authority he took that action. He avoids …
Continue reading “MAY 28, 2016 – WEEK EIGHT – SATURDAY – WHAT ABOUT JOHN’S BAPTISM?”
(Mark 11:11 – 26) Prayer: O Jesus, let me offer you the good fruit of my life. Imagination: (Picture Jesus and the disciples looking at a withered fig tree.) Context: On the day after Palm Sunday, Jesus returns to Jerusalem. On the way, he seeks figs from a tree. Finding none, Jesus proclaims that the …
Continue reading “MAY 27, 2016 – WEEK EIGHT – FRIDAY – THE FIG TREE”
(Mark 10:46-52) Prayer: O Jesus, let me cry out to you in great hope. Imagination: (Picture Jesus with the crowd and a beggar by the roadside.) Context: This journey to Jerusalem began with Jesus healing a blind man and culminates with this healing of blindness. In contrast, the disciples grow in their blindness about Jesus’ …
Continue reading “MAY 26, 2016 – WEEK EIGHT – THURSDAY – THE BLIND BEGGAR”
(Mark 10:35-40) Prayer – Come, Holy Spirit. Reveal the glory you have prepared. Imagination – (Picture James and John seeking favors from Jesus.) Context: Jesus has just told the apostles about his future sufferings. James and John, however, are only interested in their own glory. Jesus talks about the “cup”, which means both the cup …
Continue reading “MAY 25, 2016 – WEEK EIGHT – WEDNESDAY – AMBITIOUS JAMES AND JOHN”
(Mark 10:28-31) Prayer – O Jesus, teach me to set aside everything for love of you. Imagination: (Picture Jesus instructing his apostles.) Context: A young man has walked away from Jesus because he was rich. In contrast, Peter is a model disciple who has set all aside. Jesus spells out the rewards, in this life …
Continue reading “MAY 24, 2016 – WEEK EIGHT – TUESDAY – RECEIVING THE HUNDRED-FOLD”
(Mark 10:17 – 27) Prayer – Come, Holy Spirit. Let me sacrifice everything to follow Jesus. Imagination: (Picture the young man asking Jesus about eternal life.) Context: The gospel begins “As Jesus set out”. This sets the scene. Jesus is on a journey and the young man will be invited to come along. The man’s …
Continue reading “MAY 23, 2016 – WEEK EIGHT – MONDAY – THE RICH YOUNG MAN”
(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 what Jesus was able to …
Continue reading “MAY 22, 2016 – TRINITY SUNDAY (C) – THE SPIRIT TEACHES”