When I was young, I recall the warmth of the sun, And the gentle breeze as if echoing goodwill. I did not know it then, but now I do for sure.
Presence, carrying me, instilling love and hope. Peace, keeping me steady, ready for Your wisdom. The joy of knowing You, or thinking that I do, Helps my unbelief, turning doubt into a prayer.
The times, they may seem dark, and danger lurks about. Yet, Grace, I remember, and carry in my heart, The blessing like no other, the gift that Thou art.
The Lord is near to all who call upon him, to all who call upon him in truth. – Psalm 145:18
Reflecting on the past week, think about a couple of things that really grabbed your attention whether out of concern, celebration, etc. What was it that pulled you in, caught your eye or ear, and/or touched your heart?
What is it like now as you recall these things?
In the First Reading for the Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Isaiah 55:1-3, it is written:
Come to me heedfully, listen, that you may have life. – verse 3a
Continuing to think about the past week, how have you been attentive to the Lord? In what moment(s) have you felt closest to the Lord? What have you shared and what insights have come to light through listening and prayer?
The Psalm for this Sunday (Psalm 145: 8-9, 15-18) reminds us of the way the Lord meets our needs:
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. The eyes of all look hopefully to you, and you give them their food in due season; you open your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing. The Lord is just in all his ways and holy in all his works. The Lord is near to all who call upon him, to all who call upon him in truth.
Take some time to consider the qualities described in these verses and the ways you have experienced the Lord meeting your needs. Allow time to express the sentiments that arise within as you recall these graced moments.
In the Second Reading (Romans 8:35, 37-39), St. Paul writes:
Brothers and sisters: What will separate us from the love of Christ? Will anguish, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or the sword? – verse 35
The answer—nothing. There is absolutely nothing; no matter how big or powerful or existential. There is nothing that can “separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (v. 39).
Take a few moments to let that sink in!
When ready, reflect again on the past week and name the moment(s) where you felt closest to the Lord. How was that moment(s) different than a moment where perhaps you didn’t feel as close to the Lord?
In the Gospel passage, Matthew 14:13-21 (included below), Jesus has stepped away from the crowds after learning of John the Baptist’s death. However, he is followed by them to the place to which he has retreated. He knows they’re following him from the start. And what does he do? He doesn’t go further away, turn his back on them, or tell them, “Go away”, “Come back tomorrow”, “Maybe another time”, or “Too late”.
Instead, Jesus’s “heart was moved with pity for them, and he cured their sick.” Not only that, but also as the day grows even longer and into the evening, rather than sending the crowd away or taking leave of them, he feeds them—all 5,000—with five loaves of bread and two fish.
What speaks to you most about this passage?
Spend the next few minutes envisioning the Lord’s care, strength, hope, love, and wisdom being poured upon you and filling your heart, body, and soul. Allow yourself to encounter the warmth and generosity of the Lord.
What do you imagine the Lord wants you to know about the things that caught your attention this past week? And the ones that will catch your attention in the week ahead?
When Jesus heard of the death of John the Baptist, he withdrew in a boat to a deserted place by himself. The crowds heard of this and followed him on foot from their towns. When he disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, and he cured their sick. When it was evening, the disciples approached him and said, “This is a deserted place and it is already late; dismiss the crowds so that they can go to the villages and buy food for themselves.” Jesus said to them, “There is no need for them to go away; give them some food yourselves.” But they said to him, “Five loaves and two fish are all we have here.” Then he said, “Bring them here to me,” and he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he said the blessing, broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, who in turn gave them to the crowds. They all ate and were satisfied, and they picked up the fragments left over— twelve wicker baskets full. Those who ate were about five thousand men, not counting women and children. – Matthew 14:13-21
Through the waves of dissonance, steady and in great calmness, Truth works its way to the front, making known what was hidden, replacing what’s distorted, shining light on what’s debased, transforming what’s been disturbed, renewing all purpose and bringing a meaningful state.
The Spirit of truth will testify to me, says the Lord; and you also will testify. – John 15:26b, 27a
Approaching the Fifth Sunday of Lent, take a moment to consider the past few weeks and the times you have felt closest to the Lord as well as those times you have felt distanced. Of the situations that come to mind, what jumps out the most in terms of the characteristics of the Lord that you experienced and the ones that, in hindsight, you may have been seeking without knowing it at the time? Take what you notice to prayer, trusting that although the time has passed, conversation with the Lord can still bear fruit, providing insight, wisdom, and whatever else you may need at this moment, and going forward.
As you prepare to consider the readings for this Sunday, invite the Lord to continue the conversation and time together.
In the First Reading from Ezekiel 37:12-14, we have the ending verses of a section referred to as “Vision of the Dry Bones”. The passage is a conversation between the prophet and the Lord where the dry bones are likened to the loss of hope in the Lord, and Ezekiel is instructed as to what he is to tell to the people. As Ezekiel follows each of the Lord’s directives, the vision moves toward the bones being restored to life.
The directives to the dry bones spoken by the prophet are in Word:
“Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord!” (v. 4);
and Spirit:
“Listen! I will make breath enter you so you may come to life.” (v. 5).
The dry bones come to life and the Lord says to Ezekiel: “They are saying, ‘Our bones are dried up, our hope is lost, and we are cut off.’” (v.11)
This is where the First Reading starts. The Lord further instructs Ezekiel, giving him the words to address the need for restoration/renewal, hope, and connection.
Among the words of the Lord, in these verses, to be prophesied are:
“I will put my spirit in you that you may come to life, and I will settle you in your land. Then you shall know that I am the Lord. I have spoken; I will do it” (v. 14)
How are your mind and your heart touched by the words and imagery in this passage? Share what you think and feel at this moment with the Lord. Ask the Lord for openness to receiving his insights about restoration, renewal, hope, and/or connection in your life, your community, and the world at large.
Continuing to stay with the conversation, consider the response to the Psalm, “With the Lord there is mercy and fullness of redemption.” (Psalm 130:7). What are a few ways that you have received the Lord’s mercy and a sense of redemption? How do you feel as you recall those times? In what ways might they instill greater hope in you or inspire you today?
In the Second Reading (Romans 8:8-11), part of what St. Paul writes to the Romans is:
“But you are not in the flesh; on the contrary, you are in the spirit, if only the Spirit of God dwells in you. Whoever does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the spirit is alive because of righteousness.” – v. 9-10
How do you desire for the Spirit of God, that dwells in you, to be with you and to help you to not only hold onto and connect to, but to also be energized by and to be a reflection of the Lord’s mercy, hope, and inspiration? Share with the Lord whatever is in your heart at this time. Also, take time to allow the Lord to reveal what’s on his heart.
The following verses are an excerpt from the Gospel Reading (John 11:1-45):
Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the dead man’s sister, said to him, “Lord, by now there will be a stench; he has been dead for four days.” Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believe you will see the glory of God?” So they took away the stone. And Jesus raised his eyes and said, “Father, I thank you for hearing me. I know that you always hear me; but because of the crowd here I have said this, that they may believe that you sent me.” And when he had said this, He cried out in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, tied hand and foot with burial bands, and his face was wrapped in a cloth. So Jesus said to them, “Untie him and let him go.” Now many of the Jews who had come to Mary and seen what he had done began to believe in him. – John 11:39-44
Contemplating this passage in the light of your prayers, conversation with the Lord, and what you noticed from the prior readings above, what is the stone that Jesus wants to take away? In what ways might Jesus want you to “untie” and “let go”?
As you pray with this, ask for openness to the Lord’s guidance and for whatever you feel you need to hear the Word of God, to listen, and to receive the Spirit of God. What does the Lord desire for you so that the goodness that dwells within you, continues to sustain you, your hope in the Lord, and extends to others.
I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this? – John 11:25-26
As we reach Laetare (“rejoice”) Sunday, the thought of rejoicing during a time of such unrest, outright war, and great concern throughout the world can seem so far away and of another world. However, isn’t that part of what faith is all about? Trusting that there is something more. Placing our hope in the One who hears our cries, lifts us up, and gives us guidance and strength as we strive for eternal life. Rejoicing in the Lord who, without fail, is with us.
Take some time to think about what you’re grateful for and to remember the ways in which you have been blessed by the Lord. Then, inspired by the Lord’s faithfulness, pray for whatever enters your mind and heart, knowing that you are praying to the Lord for whom nothing is impossible.
Continuing on, be mindful of the Lord who is ever present and loves us unconditionally as we look at the readings for the Fourth Sunday of Lent.
In the First Reading (1 Samuel 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a), the Lord sends Samuel to Bethlehem to anoint David king. When Samuel arrives in Bethlehem all he knows is that one of Jesse’s sons is to be anointed and that the Lord will help him to know which one. As soon as Samuel sees the first son, Eliab, he assumes this is the one to be anointed. However, Eliab is not the one.
“But the Lord said to Samuel: Do not judge from his appearance or from his lofty stature, because I have rejected him. God does not see as a mortal, who sees the appearance. The Lord looks into the heart.” – v. 7
What have you been holding in your heart this past week? What about today? What do you imagine is on God’s heart?
As the reading continues, the remaining sons of Jesse are then presented to Samuel, but none of them are the one that he was sent to anoint. This leads Samuel to ask Jesse if he has any other sons. Jesse reveals that there is another son and then sends for David, his youngest, at Samuel’s instruction. Sure enough, David is the one whom the Lord has chosen.
At first sight, Samuel was certain that Eliab had to be the one the Lord had chosen. Yet, in the end, the son the Lord had chosen wasn’t present and had to be sent for. Imagine how unexpected going through the seven sons who were present and not being told, “this is the one,” must have been for Samuel. What do you think led him to ask Jesse if he had any other sons?
What kinds of things do you notice at first sight? How do you experience the unexpected? In what ways do you sense or seek the Lord’s presence in what you notice? In the unexpected?
The Psalm for Laetare Sunday is the following:
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. In verdant pastures he gives me repose; beside restful waters he leads me; he refreshes my soul. He guides me in right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk in the dark valley I fear no evil; for you are at my side With your rod and your staff that give me courage. You spread the table before me in the sight of my foes; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Only goodness and kindness follow me all the days of my life; and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord for years to come. – Psalm 23: 1-6
Reflecting on the characteristics of the Lord that are expressed in the Psalm, in what way do you most need the Lord to shepherd you today?
Turning to the Second Reading, it is written:
You were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light, for light produces every kind of goodness and righteousness and truth. Try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the fruitless works of darkness; rather expose them, for it is shameful even to mention the things done by them in secret; but everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for everything that becomes visible is light. Therefore, it says: “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light.” – Ephesians 5:8-14
Allow yourself to envision being enveloped in the light of the Lord. As you take in the goodness of the Lord, your heart becomes full of peace, love, and hope. How do you desire to respond? How does the Lord envision you as an extension of God’s peace, love, and hope?
The Gospel passage is John 9:1-41, The Man Born Blind. Read this passage from your Bible.
What part(s) of this passage resonated with you most? What part(s) surprised you or struck you differently than in the past? How does what you noticed or what’s being stirred within you relate to what’s in your heart and what’s weighing on your heart?
What insight does the Lord want to share with you so that you are better able to consider what’s beyond visible and to see more and more with the eyes of your God-given heart?
I am the light of the world, says the Lord; whoever follows me will have the light of life. – John 8:12
Late afternoon the other day as sunset was moving in, the sky displayed a beautiful spread of colors in between the homes and trees, utility poles and power lines. Through all the obstacles intruding on the view, there was light, not only persevering, but also bringing hope, showing up in shades of glory, working among its surroundings, in a most remarkable way.
When was the last time your attention was caught by light? Recall where you were and what was happening at the time. How were your heart and mind stirred by the experience? As you remember it, how are you touched by it today?
The following verses from the Gospel reading for the Second Sunday of Lent (Matthew 17:1-9) come after Peter, James, and John witness the Transfiguration of Jesus. The three disciples saw remarkable light as they watched Jesus, transfigured, speaking with the prophets, Moses and Elijah. Peter is all about wanting to build three tents at the site—one each for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah.
Take some time to consider what you seek to preserve and what kinds of things lead you to a sense of reverence or admiration?
While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud cast a shadow over them, then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” When the disciples heard this, they fell prostrate and were very much afraid. – v. 5-6
Envision yourself on the mountain alongside the three disciples. Like them, you hear the voice and fall to the ground, face down in fear. In that moment, it’s as if you’re alone. But then, Jesus puts his hand on your shoulder and says, “Rise, and do not be afraid.” (v. 7). You lift your head and the first thing you see, are Jesus’s eyes, tenderly looking into your eyes. You reach for and grab his hand as he helps you to stand up. Next, the two of you sit down, and Jesus asks you to tell him what you are afraid of, what is weighing on you or puts your gaze down toward the ground. What do you say? And how does Jesus respond?
What do you need from Jesus to continue raising your eyes toward Him?
Continue the conversation, taking time to reveal what’s on your heart and pausing to really listen to what Jesus wants you to know. When this exchange with Jesus feels complete, allow for some words or a gesture between you and Jesus as you prepare to rejoin the disciples for the trek back down the mountain.
What does Jesus want you to carry with you or to remember most at this moment?
And when the disciples raised their eyes, they saw no one else but Jesus alone. – Matthew 17:8
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
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