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MARY & MARTHA (LK. 10:38-42)

Prayer:

Come, Holy Spirit.  Make Jesus the center of my attention.

Imagination:

Picture Mary sitting at Jesus’ feet.

Context:

Luke places this story right after the Good Samaritan to emphasize that the disciple must first love Jesus. Serving others is important (like the Good Samaritan) but not enough to be a disciple. Personal love is the first quality.

Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)

When Jesus entered a village, a woman named Martha invited him to come to her home. She had a sister named Mary, who delighted in sitting at the Lord’s feet and listening to him.
Martha was burdened with the task of serving. So, she stood and said, “Lord, are you not upset that my sister leaves me alone to do the serving? Tell her to help me.” Jesus replied, “Martha, Martha, you are troubled about many things. One thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her.”

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

1. Martha is filled with good will.  She invites Jesus to her home and prepares the meal.
2. Jesus accepts both Martha’s activity and Mary’s personal attention.
3. Martha causes the problem.  She cannot see the value of her sister just sitting with Jesus.
4. At this point, Jesus is forced to defend Mary’s choice.
5. Mary’s attention to Jesus is the disciple’s first obligation.  Martha’s activity is his second.

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

• Jesus, come into my life.  Come into my home.  My door is wide open.
• Be the center of all my attention.
• Speak, Lord.  I will listen.
• Lord, absorb my faculties by your overwhelming presence.
• You will make me a disciple and I will act to serve you.
• O Jesus, I will embrace my tasks in the Kingdom.

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

+ Today, I will seek some quiet moments to spend in Jesus’ presence.

+ I will prize the interior life of prayer (which I so often neglect).

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

Mary sat at his feet listening to him. She chose the better part.

THE GOOD SAMARITAN (LK 10:25-37)

Prayer:

Give me a loving heart, O Lord, like your own.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus with His disciples.

Context:

The lawyer’s question was common in Judaism, “How far must my charity extend?  Who is within that circle?” Jesus’ parable uses the usual set of three persons.  Logically, after the priest and Levite, the third person should be a Jewish layperson. The story’s impact comes from the identity of the caregiver – a Samaritan, an enemy of Israel. He is the model disciple because love must embrace the whole world.

Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)

A lawyer asked Jesus, “What must I do to gain eternal life?” Jesus replied, “What is written in the law?”He answered, “You shall love the Lord your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.”
Jesus said, “You have answered correctly. Do this and you shall live.” But, he, wishing to justify himself asked, “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus answered, “A man going down from Jerusalem to Jericho fell among robbers who stripped him, wounded him and left him half dead.
A certain priest going the same way, saw him and passed by. Also, a Levite came near, saw him and passed by. However, a Samaritan on his journey came near, saw him and was moved with compassion. Approaching, he bound up his wounds, poured on oil and wine, put him on his beast, brought him to the inn and took care of him. The next day he gave the host two pence and said, “Take care of him and I will repay you on my return”.
Which of these, in your opinion, was neighbor to the man?” He replied, “The one who showed mercy”. Jesus said, “Go and do likewise’.

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

1. The lawyer wanted a theoretical answer for his intellect.
2. Instead, Jesus tells a story which pierces the heart. In the parable, the actions of the priest and Levite are unacceptable.
3. The parable describes a disciple’s love – total, personal and with no reservations.
4. His love embraces everyone – the poor, despised, helpless and even enemies.
5. The example is highly vivid because the Samaritans received no love from the Israelites.
6. This love is very practical.  Jesus says, “Go and do likewise.”

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

• O Lord, flood my heart with love and I will accept this river.
• Limitless – that is your love for me and it should be my love for you.
• All-embracing, that should be my willingness to serve the needy.
• O Jesus, change my heart.  Change my heart.  Change my heart.
• O Jesus, let me “go and do likewise”.  Action, not theory makes me your disciple.

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

+ I will open my eyes and see how limited is my present love.

+ I will see Christ in all those who have needs.

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

“Take care of him and I will repay you.”

AS AT THE BEGINNING (MK 10:2-12)

Prayer:

O Jesus, restore me.  Make me pure as was the beginning creation.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus teaching the holiness of marriage.

Context:

Even though the Jewish people received God’s revelation, they wandered from the truth.  Because of their hardness of heart, Moses even allowed a man to divorce his wife and marry another.  Now, the Pharisees test Jesus, claiming that Moses allowed divorce.  Jesus, however, points to the Jewish bible and says that “in the beginning” God had a different plan that must be followed.

Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)

To test Jesus, the Pharisees asked him, “Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife? Jesus responded, “What did Moses command you?” They said, “Moses permitted a husband to write a bill of divorce and to put her away.”
Jesus said, “He wrote this commandment because of the hardness of your hearts. However, from the beginning, God made them male and female. Therefore, a man shall leave his mother and father, and shall cleave to his wife. They shall be two in one flesh. They are no longer two. They are one flesh. What God has joined together, let no man separate.”
Later, in the house, the disciples questioned this teaching. Jesus said, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another, commits adultery against her, and the woman who divorces her husband and marries another commits adultery.”

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

1. Sin obscured God’s revelation to Israel.  Even Moses, their inspired leader, permitted a bill of divorce.
2. Jesus restores God’s Kingdom, “as it was from the beginning.”
3. “In the beginning” man and woman were “two in one flesh”, and totally inseparable.
4. Their union was so important that they even left their father and mother.
5. God sealed this union and made marriage inviolable.
6. At this point, the disciples are confused.  After they receive the Holy Spirit, they will see permanent marriage as a sign of God’s Final Age.

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

• O Jesus, sin obscures my vision.  Purify me.
• I will follow your words, O Lord.
• O Jesus, you want to restore me “as in the beginning.”
• Make me a faithful spouse.
• Send me a marriage partner who shares in the ideals of your Kingdom.
• Jesus, send your Holy Spirit and begin your new creation.
• O Jesus, help me to live according to God’s plan.

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

+ I will seek God’s guidance in choosing a spouse.

+ I will use the sacraments to remain faithful to my marriage vows.

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

In the beginning, God made them male and female.

THE JOYFUL RETURN (LK 10:17-24)

Prayer:

O Jesus, I will serve you and I will rejoice with you.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus with his 72 disciples, all filled with joy.

Context:

In this scene, Jesus speaks of the great blessings when the disciples fulfill their mission. Satan falls. The disciples gain eternal life. Seeing all of this, Jesus sings a hymn of praise. The disciples are more blessed than kings and prophets. This is an astounding list of rewards for being a disciple.

Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)

The seventy two returned in joy, saying “Lord, the devils are subject to us in your name.” Jesus said, ‘I saw Satan fall like lightening from the heavens. I have given you power to tread on serpents and scorpions and upon all the power of the enemy and nothing shall hurt you. Yet, do not rejoice that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in the book of heaven.” In that hour, Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the prudent and you have revealed them to the little ones. Yes, Father, you have graciously willed it so. Everything has been given over to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father and no one knows the Father except the Son – and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him.”

Turning to his disciples he said, “Blessed are the eyes which see what you see. I say to you that many prophets and kings have desired to see and have not seen them, and to hear what you have heard and not heard them.”

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

1. The disciples’ joy is true. The devils have been subject to them. Satan has fallen from heaven at their commands.
2. This dignity is great, but even greater is having their name in the Book of Life and living forever in heaven.
3. Jesus, too, rejoices. These disciples will preach the Kingdom to all the world, even when he is no longer with them.
4. These disciples experience divine revelation. They are seeing and hearing the mysteries of the Kingdom.
5. The fullness of revelation is to know Jesus and the heavenly Father who sent him. Blessed are their eyes and ears.

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

• Jesus, teach me to rejoice. Teach me to see all the blessings of heaven.
• Place in my soul a love for my heavenly home. That is my only goal – to live with you forever.
• O Jesus, rejoice in me and in my efforts to spread your Kingdom.
• To know you, Jesus, and to know the heavenly Father, is your greatest gift to me.
• Blest are my eyes to see you. Blest are my ears to hear the gospel message. You have blessed me, Jesus.

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

+ I will rejoice today in the riches of my Catholic faith.

+ I will think about my heavenly home.

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

Rejoice, instead, that your names are written in the Book of Heaven.

THE UNREPENTANT TOWNS (LK 10:13-16)

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, let me use well this time for repentance given to me by the heavenly Father.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus speaking to his disciples and the crowds.

Context:

Jesus mentions three towns of Galilee – Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum. The gospels do not record any ministry of Jesus in the first two towns, but obviously he preached there. They are compared with Tyre and Sidon, two Gentile towns known for their sinfulness. In Capernaum, Jesus had an extended ministry, filled with great miracles. This city was known for its pride because of its lofty stature.

Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)

Jesus said, “Woe to you Chorazin! Woe to you Bethsaida! For if in Tyre and Sidon had been done the mighty works that were done in you, they would have done penance long ago in sackcloth and ashes. It will go easier on the day of judgment for Tyre and Sidon than for you.

And as for you, Capernaum, are you to be exalted to the heavens? You will be cast down into hell.

He who hears you, hears me. He who rejects you, rejects me. He who rejects me, rejects the one who sent me.

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

1. Jesus pulls no punches. His words are like arrows piercing the heart.
2. The first two towns did not accept the gospel. They did not repent. They will not share in the Kingdom.
3. Israelites despise Gentile Tyre and Sidon, but Chorazin and Bethsaida are even less worthy in God’s sight.
4. Capernaum totally misjudges its spiritual state. It prides itself on witnessing Jesus’ miracles but refuses to accept his message and repent. They are headed to hell.
5. For all three towns, Jesus is concerned about the Day of Judgment. These people will not be ready.
6. To reject the missionary is to reject the gospel, the only door into eternal life.

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

• Jesus, pierce my heart with your words.
• I will accept your gospel and be with you forever.
• Lord, you always worry about my Day of Judgment.
• To prepare, I must repent and cast aside what is evil.
• You will exalt me, Jesus. You will take me into your heart. You will do everything for me.
• How important to believe in your gospel and to accept you as Lord!

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

+ I will not delay. I will go to confession and be freed from my sins.

+ I will humble myself and ask Jesus to exalt me.

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

He who hears you, hears me.

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

Prayer:

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

Imagination:

Picture Jesus preparing 72 more disciples to go to the villages.

Context:

Three gospels (Matthew, Mark and Luke), record Jesus sending the Twelve. Only Luke mentions this larger number of 72. Obviously, the early Church communities sent out large numbers of missionaries. The instructions given for the 72 are almost identical to those already given to the 12.

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. But know 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 those that attract you.)

1. Jesus organizes. He plans. He wastes no time. These 72 prepare villages for Jesus to follow.
2. The disciples will face great hostilities – like lambs among wolves.
3. The task is urgent, with no time for greeting people and passing the time of day.
4. The disciple is a missionary, a preacher with an important message.
5. He must be disciplined; content with whatever food or housing is available.
6. If he preaches, the village must accept the message. Otherwise, Jesus will not come and they will lose the Kingdom.
7. How dreadful will be their punishment on the day of the Kingdom.

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

• Jesus, you have a plan for me, a place in your Kingdom and a task to be accomplished.
• Prepare me, Jesus, for the hostility I will face when I speak of your Kingdom.
• O Jesus, the whole world must hear and I must speak. How urgent is my task.
• O Lord, I will make any sacrifice. 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 to hear about the Kingdom.

+ I will seek out the right way to preach to them.

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

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

THE LITTLE CHILDREN (MT: 18:1-10)

Prayer:

O Jesus, I must accept your Kingdom like a little child.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus surrounded by children and the disciples.

Context:

After teaching on the permanency of marriage, Jesus welcomes children (the purpose of marriage).  When the disciples hinder them, Jesus grows angry because a vital principal is at stake (infant Baptism).  Only Jesus decides who is worthy of the Kingdom. No one else must hinder them.

Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)

People were bringing children to Jesus so he might touch them but the disciples scolded them for doing this. Jesus became indignant and said, “Let the little children come to me and do not forbid them. For such is the Kingdom of God.”
Amen I say to you, whoever does not receive the Kingdom of God as a little child shall not enter it. Then he embraced them and blessed them, laying his hands upon them.

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

1. The parents realize all the blessings that Jesus can give, and want their children to receive.
2. The disciples do not understand the Kingdom.  All are welcome.
3. Jesus becomes indignant.  For all to enter the Kingdom is his constant concern.
4. He speaks from his heart, “Let the little children come to me.”
5. This is your invitation.  Jesus speaks to you.
6. Set aside your adult sophistication.  You need a heavenly Father, just like everyone else.
7. Go to Jesus.  He will embrace you and you will be blessed as never before.

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

• Jesus, your blessings flow freely and are easily received.
• O Lord, let nothing hinder me. Sweep away all obstacles that stand between us.
• You speak to me.  You say “Let them come”. 
• You are like a king who wants his people to enter his palace.
• O Jesus, I need you. I need your presence.  I need your help.
• Take me in your arms.  Your hands are wounded and your arms are bloody – all for love of me.

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

+ Today, I will seek Jesus’ presence.

+ I will remove any obstacles that keep me from Jesus.

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

He embraced them and blessed them.

FIRE UPON SAMARIA (LK 9:51-56)

Prayer:

O Jesus, let me follow you to Jerusalem.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus walking with his disciples.

Context:

As Jesus begins his journey to Jerusalem, he encounters people who reject him.  He has to pass through Samaria which was between Galilee (North) and Jerusalem (South).  The Samaritans themselves were enemies of the Jews, and would not welcome Jesus.  However, after Pentecost, Samaria is very receptive when Philip preaches the gospel. (Acts C8)

Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)

When the days of his being taken from this world were to be accomplished, Jesus steadfastly set his face toward Jerusalem. He sent messengers ahead to prepare his way through a Samaritan town, but the Samaritans would not welcome him because he was on his way to Jerusalem.
When his disciples, James and John, saw this, they asked “Lord, would you not have us call down fire from heaven to destroy them?” Jesus turned only to reprimand them. Then he set off for another town.

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

1. Jesus ascends to Jerusalem. From there, he will ascend into heaven.  Jerusalem is just a stepping stone.
2. He is “resolved to proceed”.  His face is firmly set. Otherwise, he would turn back from his cruel death.
3. Samaria loses its opportunity to help Jesus.  Like Nazareth, it has rejected the prophet.
4. John and James react from human feelings, wanting immediate vengeance.  Jesus rejects their anger.
5. Jesus will take another route, blessing some other places.  This is how God always acts, giving to others the blessing rejected by some.
6. Samaria, however, repented at the preaching of Philip. They did not miss out when God gave them a second chance.

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

• O Jesus, I will accompany you.  I will go with you to Jerusalem.  Wait for me.  I am coming.
• O Lord, the gifts of your death and rising await me in Jerusalem.
• O Jesus, you can enter my city anytime.  My heart is always open to you.
• You are so patient.  You do not call down fire.  You wait for me to repent.
• How I have failed to listen!  No more.  Send your word and I will take it into my heart.

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

+ I will be steadfast in my decision to lead a devout life.

+ I will go to Jerusalem, seeking always God’s will for me today.

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

When his days of being taken from this world came, Jesus set out for Jerusalem.

AMBITIOUS AND ARROGANT (LK 9:46-50)

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, give me a humble and accepting heart.

Imagination:

Imagine Jesus reprimanding his disciples.

Context:

These two stories reveal two sins of disciples – ambition and exclusivity.  Ambition seeks prominence within the community.  Exclusivity excludes those outside the community.  Jesus quickly corrects both.

Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)

The disciple discussed among themselves who was the greater. Jesus, seeing their thoughts, placed a child by himself and said, “Whoever shall receive this child in my name, receives me, and whoever receives me, receives him who sent me. Whoever is least among you is the greatest.
John said, “Master, we saw a man casting out devils in your name and we tried to stop him because he is not of our company. Jesus told him in reply, “Do not stop him. Whoever is not against you, is on your side.”

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

1. The apostles have much to learn. They have not yet witnessed Jesus lowering himself and accepting death on the cross.
2. By placing a helpless child in their midst, Jesus demands service instead of ambition.
3. The reward for Christian service is great.  Receiving the helpless is to receive Jesus and the Kingdom.
4. John manifests human selfishness.  He wants to exclude others and not allow them to use the powers of the Kingdom.
5. Jesus’ heart is much more open. Everyone is to be accepted unless they line up against you.

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

• O Jesus, destroy my ambitious spirit that serves only me.
• Give me a new heart, open to all.
• Give me your Holy Spirit of service that cares for the helpless.
• Where can I find you, Jesus?  In all who need my help.
• Take down my walls.  Remove my prejudices.  Give me a heart open to all.
• In your name, I will embrace the whole world and invite them into the Christian community.

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

+ I will not tolerate my own pride.

+ I will welcome everyone and tear down my walls of exclusivity.

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

Whoever is least among you is the greatest.

GAINING HEAVEN (MK 9:38-43; 47-48)

Prayer:

O Jesus, purify my heart and guide my decisions.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus with his disciples.

Context:

This gospel has many little parts.  Some teach about relationships within the believing community.  Others explain what is needed for personal salvation.  Both are important.  Jesus mentions the “fire of Gehenna”.  This was a rubbish place outside of Jerusalem where there were constant fires.

Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)

John said to Jesus, “Master, we saw someone casting out devils in your name. Because he is not of our company, we tried to stop him.” Jesus said, “Do not forbid him, for no man can do a miracle in my name and speak ill of me. Whoever is not against us is for us.

Anyone who gives you a cup of cold water in my name because you belong to Christ, Amen, I tell you, he shall not lose his reward. But it would be better, if anyone leads astray one of these little ones who believe in me, that a millstone be tied around his neck and he be plunged into the sea.
If your hand is a difficulty, cut it off! Better for you to enter life with one hand than to keep both hands and enter into the fire of Gehenna.
If your foot is your undoing, cut it off! Better for you to enter life with one foot than, with two feet to be thrown into Gehenna.
If your eye is your downfall, pluck it out! It is better to enter life with one eye than to be thrown with two eyes into Gehenna, where the worm dies not and the fire is never extinguished.

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

1. Jesus confronts John’s pride.  He cannot accept an outsider sharing in Jesus’ powers.
2. Jesus confronts scandal, when new believers see older members who do not fulfill Jesus’ commands.
3. Believers must give a “cup of cold water”, that is, the good example of their Christian lives.
4. Jesus confronts sin within the Church.  The goal is heaven and damnation must be avoided at all costs.
5. This is a true disciple – humble, open to others, setting good example and avoiding sinful activity.

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

• O Lord, how holy is your name, containing all power in heaven and earth.
• O Jesus, let every tongue proclaim your name for the Father’s glory.
• I am your follower.  Let my life lead others to follow you.
• Help me so I never lead others astray.
• O Jesus, your Kingdom is worth any price!
• Cut out of my life whatever cuts me off from you.

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

+ I will use Jesus’ name to release God’s power.

+ I will remove anything that gives bad example.

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

He will not lose his reward.