of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
SEPTEMBER 23, 2016 – WEEK TWENTY-FIVE – FRIDAY – JESUS’ IDENTITY REVEALED

SEPTEMBER 23, 2016 – WEEK TWENTY-FIVE – FRIDAY – JESUS’ IDENTITY REVEALED

(Luke 9:18-22)

Prayer: O Holy Spirit, open to my heart the mystery of Jesus Christ.

Imagination – (Picture Jesus with his disciples)

Context:

An earlier gospel showed what the Father wanted Jesus to accomplish for Israel. This gospel answers a deeper question. What is Jesus’ relationship to the Father and to Israel. At this point, only the apostles must know. The crowds would misinterpret this truth and make him a king.

Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud).

As Jesus was praying in seclusion, his disciples were with him. He asked them, “Whom do people say that I am. They answered, “Some say John the Baptist. Some say Elijah. Others say that one of the prophets has arisen.”

He said, “Whom do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered, “The messiah of God”. He strictly commanded them not to tell anyone, saying “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes and be put to death and rise on the third day.”

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

  1. When Jesus is at prayer, he sees clearly the Father’s will.
  2. The disciples, also, are especially blessed when they join Jesus in prayer.
  3. The world cannot comprehend who Jesus is or what he accomplishes.
  4. Jesus’ direct question to the disciples fills Simon Peter with faith and revelation.
  5. Jesus is the Messiah, sent by God to fulfill his divine plan.
  6. Surprisingly, the Father wills that Jesus suffer, die and rise from the dead.

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

  1. Jesus, my human intelligence cannot understand who you are and what you will do for me.
  2. Give me the light of prayer. I will understand my task.
  3. Fill me with faith. Reveal your mysteries. Draw me to yourself.
  4. You are the Messiah, sent by God to save me.
  5. I will follow you into the great mystery of your death. You will raise me from the dead, also. 

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

  1. By daily mental prayer, I will get to know Jesus Christ.
  2. I will thank Jesus who suffered and died for me.

Thought for the Day (To recall your meditation)

You are the Messiah of God.