Although the colder air that accompanies this time of year in the Northeast can be quite refreshing, after some time, it can leave one wanting for the warmth of shelter, a soft blanket, or hot beverage to offset the chill.
In the Gospel passage for the Fourth Sunday of Advent (Matthew 1:18-24), we learn about the warmth of St. Joseph’s response to his betrothed, with whom he had not yet lived or had relations with, being pregnant. Imagine the response, gossip, or chill in the air, created by those around Mary and Joseph. Yet, even before his dream in which the Lord appeared, reassuring him of Mary’s faithfulness, Joseph had decided to respond in a way that was filled with warmth, gentleness, and mercy:
This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. – v. 18-19
Envision yourself in Joseph’s shoes. He is described here as being righteous. What do you make of his initial decision to quietly divorce?
Reflecting on situations that are on your mind and in your heart, how do you seek righteousness? What does it look like? And what qualities does it manifest?
As the Gospel passage continues, Joseph has a dream in which the Lord visits him.
“Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” – v. 20-21
Recall a time when you had made a decision and then something occurred that reaffirmed your decision or created a new sense of the situation. What happened? What were you praying for, and how did things turn out? How were you saved or blessed? What was the warmth of God like?
Invite the Lord to revisit this with you. What grace from this experience awaits you today?
Spend some time contemplating the verses below and noticing what word, phrase, or image speaks to your heart most:
All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means “God is with us.” – v. 22-23
Continuing to pray with what caught your attention, ask the Lord to grant you insight so that you may see, or have a greater sense of, “God is with us.”
Before ending this prayer time, return to the image of St. Joseph.
When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home. – v. 24
As you strive to be faithful to God, what inspires you? What do you need from the Lord to draw comfort and strength from Him, as you journey through your days, while also reflecting the warmth of His presence.
Let the Lord enter; he is king of glory. – Psalm 24:7c,10b
With the news of yet another mass shooting in the United States along with violence and conflict around the world, on top of any personal challenges, from which no one is spared, a sense of doom or a feeling of imprisonment can hang in the air and weigh on one’s heart and mind. Yet, as we enter the Third Week of Advent, Gaudete (Rejoice) Sunday, our faith encourages us to remain a people of hope, holding firm to the Lord, and continuing to strive to be living testaments to the Way, knowing that there is something greater, and that God is with us.
In today’s Gospel (Matthew 11:2-11), it is written:
“Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?” – v. 3
This is the question that an imprisoned John the Baptist, having heard about “the works of the Christ,” (v.2) had his disciples ask Jesus.
With the events occurring around you, and in the world today, what are you looking for?
Taking a step back, in the First Reading (Isaiah 35:1-6a, 10), it is written:
Strengthen the hands that are feeble, make firm the knees that are weak, say to those whose hearts are frightened: Be strong, fear not! Here is your God, he comes with vindication; with divine recompense he comes to save you. – Isaiah 35:3-4
Spend some time recalling some of the ways that you have been strengthened by the Lord. What happens as you allow yourself to remember?
Read aloud today’s Psalm (146:6-10):
The Lord God keeps faith forever, secures justice for the oppressed, gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets captives free. The Lord gives sight to the blind; the Lord raises up those who were bowed down. The Lord loves the just; the Lord protects strangers. The fatherless and the widow he sustains, but the way of the wicked he thwarts. The Lord shall reign forever; your God, O Zion, through all generations.
Reflecting on the qualities of God expressed in the Psalm, bring forth your own petitions, praying for the cares and concerns that are pulling at your heart at this time. Following each one, say the response, “Lord, come and save us.”
In the Letter of Saint James, from today’s Second Reading, it is written:
Be patient, brothers and sisters, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You too must be patient. Make your hearts firm, because the coming of the Lord is at hand. Do not complain, brothers and sisters, about one another, that you may not be judged. Behold, the Judge is standing before the gates. Take as an example of hardship and patience, brothers and sisters, the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. – James 5:7-10
Share with Jesus, the ways or situations in which you are feeling challenged when it comes to patience, complaining/criticizing, and/or a heart firm in the Lord. Allow Jesus to impart his wisdom regarding this.
When you are ready for this prayer period to come to a close, offer an expression of gratitude, and ask the Lord to help you to draw inspiration from the experiences recalled and the insights gained during your prayer.
Lord, help me to discern what’s important as I face the moments before me today, and in the days to come. Help my choices to reflect your goodness, and my prayers to reflect your heart.
Victory, that is, true happiness—joy—can never be had in isolation, or at the expense of another’s wellbeing.
The readings for the Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time call attention not only to the degree of God’s mercy and compassion, but also to the Lord’s openness to dialogue and mutual respect, as well as calling attention to the degree that living through and embracing the way of love, mercy, and compassion on behalf of others makes all the difference, playing part in salvation—individual and collective.
In the first reading (Genesis 18:20-32), there is discussion between the Lord and Abraham about Sodom and Gomorrah, the twin sin cities. The Lord can surely do whatever, whenever. However, that is not God’s way. In this passage, we see another example of God engaging with humanity, in response to seeing what’s going on in the two cities.
What do you make of the Lord desiring to bring Abraham along as he looks more closely?
The Lord not only listens to what Abraham has to say, but also receives it without offense, and honestly considers it with great openness and humility.
What’s it like to put yourself in Abraham’s shoes? Envision yourself in the setting and saying to the Lord:
“Will you really sweep away the righteous with the wicked? Suppose there were fifty righteous people in the city; would you really sweep away and not spare the place for the sake of the fifty righteous people within it? Far be it from you to do such a thing, to kill the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous and the wicked are treated alike! Far be it from you! Should not the judge of all the world do what is just?” (v. 23-25).
In the verses that follow, Abraham continues to question the Lord. He asks 5 more times, referring to equally less quantities of righteous among the unrighteous. This back and forth ends with the following:
“But he persisted: ‘Please, do not let my Lord be angry if I speak up this last time. What if ten are found there?’ For the sake of the ten, he replied, I will not destroy it.” (v. 32).
Throughout this passage, one can see that the Lord does not grow impatient with Abraham, nor does he shut down the conversation, berate or demean him.
What strikes you most about the exchange between the Lord and Abraham?
The passage in the first reading can be referred to as “Abraham intercedes for Sodom.”
Think of a situation that you’re aware of and that is of concern to you. Pray for grace to receive the Lord’s view with openness and humility, without taking offense or turning away from questions and challenges but instead facing them with patience and a focus on what is truly right and just.
In the Responsorial Psalm (Psalm 138:1-3,6-8), the response is, “Lord, on the day I called for help, you answered me.” (v. 3a). The entirety of verse 3 is,
“On the day I cried out, you answered; you strengthened my spirit.”
Reflecting on what you intercede for, spend some time crying out to the Lord, and expressing a desire for your spirit to be strengthened in the Lord. Invite the Lord to help you to see the places where you and He are on the same page, and the places where you may vary.
In verses 12-14 of chapter 2 of the Letter of St. Paul to the Colossians, the second reading, we are reminded of the life-giving power of being baptized in the Lord. Nothing is insurmountable to spiritual wellbeing in and through the Lord. St. Paul writes in part,
“And even when you were dead in transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, he brought you to life along with him, having forgiven us all our transgressions;” (v. 13).
Notice which phrase in the verse above grabs your attention. Considering this phrase amid earthly cares, how might the Lord be inviting you to greater peace and harmony? And how might you extend greater peace and harmony to others?
In the Gospel (Luke 11:1-13), Jesus’s response to a disciple’s request of, “Lord, teach us to pray just as John taught his disciples.” (v. 1) is:
“When you pray, say: Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread and forgive us our sins for we ourselves forgive everyone in debt to us, and do not subject us to the final test.” (v. 2-4)
It’s important to remember that to live authentically and to truly overcome obstacles, one must consider who is being lifted up from words/actions. How is something giving glory to God? Who is benefiting and to what extent? And, in what ways does it fit in with the Lord’s example of love, mercy, and compassion to oneself and others?
Going back to the concern you were praying about, ask the Lord to help you to see (or to reaffirm for you) what’s most important, or what the final test is, in the situation. Take time to share and rest in the Lord with your thoughts and feelings on this, and to receive and desire to carry forward His.
The Gospel passage continues with Jesus giving an example of two friends, one asking the other for loaves of bread in the middle of the night. Jesus says,
“I tell you, if he does not get up to give him the loaves because of their friendship, he will get up to give him whatever he needs because of his persistence.” (v. 8)
Returning to your prayer, where, or with whom, does the bulk of your concern lie? Is it with yourself, others, a mix, or something else? Ask the Lord to reveal to you, from moment to moment throughout each day, the spot(s) to invest your time and energy. Where is greater persistence needed? How might you need the Lord’s help in this area?
“And I tell you, ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. What father among you would hand his son a snake when he asks for a fish? Or hand him a scorpion when he asks for an egg? If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?” – Luke 11:9-13
Walking along the path, flowers sprinkled among the greenery on either side bring both brightness and variation to the scene. In the middle, one flower leans toward another as if reaching out to the one looking down at petals lost. Holding on, seeking comfort, seeking peace; providing both to those walking through or passing by.
Stories, so many stories, in the present and in the past. Living, breathing stories, held by many hearts. And then there’s Peace, held within those many stories, seeking hearts to hold them well, souls to glean their wisdom, and bodies with the mind to march peace forward.
Let the peace of Christ control your hearts; let the word of Christ dwell in you richly. – Colossians 3:15a, 16a
The readings for the Fifth Sunday of Easter can be seen as encouragement toward, and an opportunity to reflect throughout the week on perseverance, praise, promise, and practice, but most of all, Love.
In the First Reading (Acts 14:21-27), Paul and Barnabas continue their travels, preaching to and teaching the Gentiles about the Way. In this scripture passage, it is written:
“They strengthened the spirits of the disciples and exhorted them to persevere in the faith, saying, ‘It is necessary for us to undergo many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.’” (v. 22).
Think about some of the hardships you have encountered or are currently experiencing. Where have you found strength to persevere? What about moments of peace? How do you desire God to be present to you regarding these challenges? Take some time to bring these areas to prayer and express what is in your heart as you do.
The First Reading ends with the following verses:
“From there they sailed to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work they had now accomplished. And when they arrived, they called the church together and reported what God had done with them and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.” (v.26-27).
Continuing to reflect on the questions above, your prayer, and these closing verses, what insight or inspiration comes to you?
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In the Responsorial Psalm (Psalm 145:8-13), the response comes from verse 1 of the Psalm which is, “I will extol you, my God and king; I will bless your name forever and ever.” While it expresses the psalmist’s deep sense of gratitude to God, the verses that follow it speak to characteristics of God:
“The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and of great kindness. The Lord is good to all and compassionate toward all his works.” (v. 8-9).
In what ways have you encountered, and do you continue to encounter, grace, mercy, patience, and kindness through God, both directly and indirectly? In what ways do you embody and promote these characteristics to others?
The verses of the Psalm continue:
“Let all your works give you thanks, O Lord, and let your faithful ones bless you. Let them discourse of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might.” (v. 10-11).
“Let them make known your might to the children of Adam, and the glorious splendor of your kingdom. Your kingdom is a kingdom for all ages, and your dominion endures through all generations.” (v. 12-13).
What strikes you most about the above verses, in terms of the reception of the Creator and the response of the created? As you contemplate this, what events or circumstances come to mind and what feelings do they give rise to? Where and how do praise and gratitude come into play? Pray with this, sharing your thoughts and feelings with the Lord, and allowing yourself to listen to or get a sense of the Lord’s response.
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The Second Reading comes from the Book of Revelation (Revelation 21:1-5a):
“Then I, John, saw a new heaven and a new earth. The former heaven and the former earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. I also saw the holy city, a new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Behold, God’s dwelling is with the human race. He will dwell with them and they will be his people and God himself will always be with them as their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there shall be no more death or mourning, wailing or pain, for the old order has passed away.’ The One who sat on the throne said, ‘Behold, I make all things new.’”
After reading the above passage, when you read, “God’s dwelling is with the human race.”, what comes to mind, and what feelings accompany it?
As you continue to reflect, envision yourself, arm in arm with the Lord, walking along a path, in a place of your choosing. Share the thoughts and feelings that are stirring within you and allow the Lord to respond. Notice the way you receive or embrace each other as you communicate? What characteristics of the Lord do you experience and what ones do you exude to the Lord?
Recalling the last verse in this passage, “The One who sat on the throne said, ‘Behold, I make all things new.’”, what is your current level of trust in these words? Taking to heart God’s words as God’s promise, and your current reality, what happens? Share what’s going on inside you with the Lord including the areas that pose a challenge to your belief?
As your prayer time comes to its closing, what desire is in your heart? And what is the Lord’s desire for you?
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The Gospel passage for the Fifth Sunday of Easter (John 13:31-33a, 34-35) takes us back to the Last Supper, after Jesus has washed the feet of the disciples and Judas has taken leave of Jesus and the others present.
“When he had left, Jesus said, ‘Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him. If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and God will glorify him at once. My children, I will be with you only a little while longer. I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another. This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.’”
What’s it like to sit with the notion of the glory of God being in you? In what ways does, and can, being mindful of this truth enrich and/or enlighten your words and actions? In practice, how does it inspire a cooperative spirit with the flow of God’s love in and through you?
“Where do we begin? Begin with the heart.” – Julian of Norwich
“Christ is risen from the dead, and by His death He has trampled upon death, and has given live to those, who are in the tombs.” – the Troparion of Pascha
Taking it on the level, as only You, Lord, can do. Giving what humanity, can only aspire to grasp.
Falling down, then getting up, pushed time upon time again. Light of Life into darkness, You brought life—heart, mind, and soul.
Impostors come, and they go, but Your Spirit, Lord, remains. Waiting our reception, Lord, not for one, but for the many.
Looking up at the nighttime sky, Your artistry on full display. Shades of hope… brighter, better times, Memories reckoning what was, Speculation of what will be, But then light, your glorious light, Bringing me back to my senses. Troubled, wretched waters may be, Times for standing up together, Praying that this beat finds its end. Looking up at the nighttime sky, Your artistry on full display. The stones are crying out for all. Forsaken? No, nor shall any be.
For a time, many things are only for a time. Some things forever gone, others, on hiatus. Sometimes returning, welcome on arrival, Sometimes returning, unwanted and in dread, Sometimes slithering, seeping in, seeping out, Creating a stir, unease or great unrest. But Light, the Great Protector, shines thru, Revealing all, shedding lies in time, And casting out, what Time ordains as passed.
The Gospel passage for the First Sunday of Lent (Luke 4:1-13) is referred to as the Temptation of Jesus. After his baptism, Jesus is led into the desert by the Holy Spirit for forty days. And after these days of fasting, he is tempted by the devil in three ways:
First, to use his status as the Son of God to relieve himself of his situation of hunger.
“If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.” (verse 3)
Second, to exalt himself by paying homage, or worshipping, the devil to receive earthly power and glory.
“I shall give to you all this power and their glory; for it has been handed over to me, and I may give it to whomever I wish. All this will be yours, if you worship me.” (verses 6-7)
And third, to show doubt in God, by throwing himself from the parapet of the temple, and thereby testing Scripture:
“If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, for it is written: ‘He will command his angels concerning you, to guard you, and: ‘With their hands they will support you, lest you dash your foot against a stone.’” (verses 9-11)
Jesus responds to these temptations as follows:
“It is written, ‘One does not live on bread alone.’” (verse 4)
“It is written ‘You shall worship the Lord, your God, and him alone shall you serve.’” (verse 8)
And lastly, when the devil tries to zero in on and twist Scripture verses to tempt Jesus away from the truth of who God is calling him to be, Jesus, again focuses on God—a higher purpose—responding:
“It also says, ‘You shall not put the Lord, your God, to the test.’” (verse 12)
The “Temptation of Jesus” Gospel passage ends with, “When the devil had finished every temptation, he departed from him for a time.” (verse 13)
Oftentimes, after going through a challenging situation or event, it is common to be grateful for that time to be over. It can also be tempting to walk away with a notion of achievement or learning from it in a way that we see as being complete. Yet, whether good or bad, there are times when the same, or a similar challenge returns, offering an opportunity to draw even closer to God, and to see or learn even more.
Take some time to consider how open you are to remembering what you’ve learned as well as to learning something new when repeat or similar situations of challenge occur?
Reflecting on Jesus’s words in response to each of the temptations he faced in the desert, what invitation(s) are there for you and Jesus to explore? Allow your prayer to extend into these areas. Express your wants, needs, fears, etc. to Jesus, and allow Jesus to express His thoughts and wisdom to you.
You who dwell in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shadow of the Almighty, say to the Lord, “My refuge and fortress, my God in whom I trust.” – Psalm 91:1-2
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