Praying with the Cathedral of Saint Andrew Windows
Often we hear about how beautiful the stained glass windows are here at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew. In the tradition of the cathedrals of Europe these windows tell the story of the incarnation, of God becoming man in Jesus the Christ. It is our hope that you enjoy your virtual walk from window to window, exploring each story in prayer and reflection.
The images of the four evangelists are the highest windows that surround the domed area behind the Altar. It is from the Gospels attributed to them that the rest of the Cathedral windows get their inspiration.
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If you do this retreat in one setting it can be done in about 90 minutes. You can take longer as well. Perhaps you might only do one window a day.
If you do it in multiple settings, start each time with the opening prayer and end with the closing prayer.
If you do it in multiple settings, start each time with the opening prayer and end with the closing prayer.
Begin your retreat by dedicating your prayer time in the Name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit Amen.
(Light a candle to represent the light of Christ for the duration of your retreat)
Lord Jesus Christ, present with me. I thank you for the glory of your incarnation;
I thank you for having called me to be with you;
I thank you because we through you praise the Father perfectly in your humanity.
I thank you because you, in me, are perfect justice toward my brothers and sisters;it is you in me who continually heals injustice, mistrust, and fear.
I thank you, Lord Jesus, for your great glory that is the light for the world.
I offer you what I am about to undertake, everything I think, do and experience during our time together is in your honor and because of you.
Grant that, I may begin this retreat in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The Annunciation
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Mary was 13 or 14 when the angel Gabriel came to her. Can you imagine being that age and coming up pregnant with the only explanation being God did it? Imagine if you were that age and God sent an angel to you asking you for permission to do do something that would completely change your life.
Lord be on my mind, on my lips and in my heart as I read your holy scripture.
"In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin's name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, 'Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you.' But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Then the angel said to her, 'Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.' But Mary said to the angel, 'How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?' And the angel said to her in reply, 'The holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; for nothing will be impossible for God.' Mary said, 'Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.' Then the angel departed from her." (Luke 1:26-38)
Mary bravely says "yes" to God's plan for her life. What about you? How have you said yes to God? Or perhaps you have not yet. What is God asking of you?
Spend 5 min in silence pondering these questions.
Prayer: the the Hail Mary
Lord be on my mind, on my lips and in my heart as I read your holy scripture.
"In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin's name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, 'Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you.' But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Then the angel said to her, 'Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.' But Mary said to the angel, 'How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?' And the angel said to her in reply, 'The holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; for nothing will be impossible for God.' Mary said, 'Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.' Then the angel departed from her." (Luke 1:26-38)
Mary bravely says "yes" to God's plan for her life. What about you? How have you said yes to God? Or perhaps you have not yet. What is God asking of you?
Spend 5 min in silence pondering these questions.
Prayer: the the Hail Mary
The Birth of Christ
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Matthew and Luke record this scene for us. We like to think that it was three kings that came to see the Christ Child, but in truth we know that there were no kings at all. Rather there were magi or wise men. We don't even know how many. We do know they brought three gifts and followed a star rising in the east. Perhaps most significant is the presence of the shepherds, common folk, mostly women and children says one scripture scholar. To them is announced God's not so dramatic entry into the world as an ordinary human baby.
Lord be on my mind, on my lips and in my heart as I read your holy scripture.
“And Joseph went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.
While they were there, the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear. The angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.’
And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: ‘Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.’” (Luke 2:4-14 NAB)
“ . . . . magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.”
When King Herod heard this, he was greatly troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search diligently for the child. When you have found him, bring me word, that I too may go and do him homage.”
After their audience with the king they set out. And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. (Matt 2:1-3, 8-11)
“And Mary kept all these things reflecting on them in her heart.” (Luke 2:19 NAB)
This Child of Mary is good news for all of us. What about you? How are you "good news" for the world?
Spend 5 min in silence pondering these questions.
Prayer: God, our Father, You redeemed us and made us Your children in Christ. Help me to become more like Jesus. Grant me peace in Your kingdom which is at hand. By Your loving care protect the good You have placed within me. Open my eyes to the wonders of Your love that I may serve You with a willing heart. I pray this in Jesus name. Amen
Lord be on my mind, on my lips and in my heart as I read your holy scripture.
“And Joseph went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.
While they were there, the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear. The angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.’
And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: ‘Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.’” (Luke 2:4-14 NAB)
“ . . . . magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.”
When King Herod heard this, he was greatly troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search diligently for the child. When you have found him, bring me word, that I too may go and do him homage.”
After their audience with the king they set out. And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. (Matt 2:1-3, 8-11)
“And Mary kept all these things reflecting on them in her heart.” (Luke 2:19 NAB)
This Child of Mary is good news for all of us. What about you? How are you "good news" for the world?
Spend 5 min in silence pondering these questions.
Prayer: God, our Father, You redeemed us and made us Your children in Christ. Help me to become more like Jesus. Grant me peace in Your kingdom which is at hand. By Your loving care protect the good You have placed within me. Open my eyes to the wonders of Your love that I may serve You with a willing heart. I pray this in Jesus name. Amen
Presentation of Jesus at the Temple
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Mary and Joseph bring the infant Jesus to the Temple for three significant Jewish traditions. It was at this time that Jesus was circumcised, given his name and consecrated to the Lord as the 1st born.
Lord be on my mind, on my lips and in my heart as I read your holy scripture.
". . . . they took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord.
Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. It had been revealed to him by the holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Messiah of the Lord. He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to him, he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying: 'Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word,for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in sight of all the peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.'
The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him;and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, 'Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted (and you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.'"
(Luke 2:22,25-35)
Jesus was offered up to God. What about you? How have you been given to God?
Spend 5 min in silence pondering these questions.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, at such an early age, you learned that belonging to a community was would be painful. At the same time you also became aware of the father's will for you. Send us your spirit that I too might not only discern your will for me but that I would have the strength to follow your desire.
I pray this in Your name. Amen
Lord be on my mind, on my lips and in my heart as I read your holy scripture.
". . . . they took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord.
Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. It had been revealed to him by the holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Messiah of the Lord. He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to him, he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying: 'Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word,for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in sight of all the peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.'
The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him;and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, 'Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted (and you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.'"
(Luke 2:22,25-35)
Jesus was offered up to God. What about you? How have you been given to God?
Spend 5 min in silence pondering these questions.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, at such an early age, you learned that belonging to a community was would be painful. At the same time you also became aware of the father's will for you. Send us your spirit that I too might not only discern your will for me but that I would have the strength to follow your desire.
I pray this in Your name. Amen
The Flight to Egypt
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Over the last several decades there have been refugees all over the middle east running from dictators and power mongers killing the innocents. Here we find that this is an old story still going on today.
Lord be on my mind, on my lips and in my heart as I read your holy scripture.
. . . the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him.” Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed for Egypt. He stayed there until the death of Herod.
When Herod realized that he had been deceived by the magi, he became furious. He ordered the massacre of all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had ascertained from the magi. Then was fulfilled what had been said through Jeremiah the prophet:
“A voice was heard in Ramah, sobbing and loud lamentation; Rachel weeping for her children,and she would not be consoled,since they were no more.” (Matt 3:13-18 NAB)
Joseph listened to the angel of the Lord and obeyed, protecting his loved ones, his family. How about you? Does your words and actions cause pain and suffering for those around you? How do you protect the innocent?
Spend 5 min in silence pondering these questions.
Prayer: Lord God, creator of all, I struggle to understand the pain of this world. Through your son I can see that even he was not spared this evil. I am grateful for your presence with me in both my joy and my suffering. Clearly it is not your desire that we suffer but rather it comes our own selfishness and thirst for power. Help me in my daily encounters to bring peace and love to those around me. I pray this in Jesus name. Amen.
Lord be on my mind, on my lips and in my heart as I read your holy scripture.
. . . the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him.” Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed for Egypt. He stayed there until the death of Herod.
When Herod realized that he had been deceived by the magi, he became furious. He ordered the massacre of all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had ascertained from the magi. Then was fulfilled what had been said through Jeremiah the prophet:
“A voice was heard in Ramah, sobbing and loud lamentation; Rachel weeping for her children,and she would not be consoled,since they were no more.” (Matt 3:13-18 NAB)
Joseph listened to the angel of the Lord and obeyed, protecting his loved ones, his family. How about you? Does your words and actions cause pain and suffering for those around you? How do you protect the innocent?
Spend 5 min in silence pondering these questions.
Prayer: Lord God, creator of all, I struggle to understand the pain of this world. Through your son I can see that even he was not spared this evil. I am grateful for your presence with me in both my joy and my suffering. Clearly it is not your desire that we suffer but rather it comes our own selfishness and thirst for power. Help me in my daily encounters to bring peace and love to those around me. I pray this in Jesus name. Amen.
Finding the Child Jesus in the Temple
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Jesus, at the age of 12, was eager to get about his mission. But that would wait. Joseph and Mary were greatly distressed at his disappearance.
Lord be on my mind, on my lips and in my heart as I read your holy scripture.
"Each year his parents went to Jerusalem for the feast of Passover, and when he was twelve years old, they went up according to festival custom. After they had completed its days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. Thinking that he was in the caravan, they journeyed for a day and looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances, but not finding him, they returned to Jerusalem to look for him.
After three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions, and all who heard him were astounded at his understanding and his answers.
When his parents saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him, 'Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety.' And he said to them, 'Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?' But they did not understand what he said to them. He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart." (Luke 2:41-51 NAB)
Jesus' journey to adulthood had its head scratching moments. What about you?
Spend 5 min in silence pondering these questions.
Prayer: Merciful Lord, let not my eagerness to get things done get in the way of where you need me to be. Help me to see that it is in the relationships with those around me that you are most present. I pray this in Jesus name. Amen
Lord be on my mind, on my lips and in my heart as I read your holy scripture.
"Each year his parents went to Jerusalem for the feast of Passover, and when he was twelve years old, they went up according to festival custom. After they had completed its days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. Thinking that he was in the caravan, they journeyed for a day and looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances, but not finding him, they returned to Jerusalem to look for him.
After three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions, and all who heard him were astounded at his understanding and his answers.
When his parents saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him, 'Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety.' And he said to them, 'Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?' But they did not understand what he said to them. He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart." (Luke 2:41-51 NAB)
Jesus' journey to adulthood had its head scratching moments. What about you?
Spend 5 min in silence pondering these questions.
Prayer: Merciful Lord, let not my eagerness to get things done get in the way of where you need me to be. Help me to see that it is in the relationships with those around me that you are most present. I pray this in Jesus name. Amen
The The Holy Family at Work
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We know nothing of Jesus life from the Time he was 12 to when he again appears in the Gospels as an adult. All we have is this one line:
"And Jesus advanced [in] wisdom and age and favor before God and man." (Luke 2:52 NAB)
We can surmise that with Mary being a Jewish mother and Joseph a carpenter, that Jesus would have continued to be taught by them.
Jesus grew up in a family that valued work and sacrifice. What about you?
Spend 5 min in silence pondering these questions.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, as a child you submitted to your parents guidance and wisdom, learning from them the skills of a carpenter, the ethic of working class people, the faith of those dependent on God. Help me to always be faithful to the lessons I learned from valued mentors and family. May if love, sacrifice and work as those who gave me life. In your name I pray. Amen
"And Jesus advanced [in] wisdom and age and favor before God and man." (Luke 2:52 NAB)
We can surmise that with Mary being a Jewish mother and Joseph a carpenter, that Jesus would have continued to be taught by them.
Jesus grew up in a family that valued work and sacrifice. What about you?
Spend 5 min in silence pondering these questions.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, as a child you submitted to your parents guidance and wisdom, learning from them the skills of a carpenter, the ethic of working class people, the faith of those dependent on God. Help me to always be faithful to the lessons I learned from valued mentors and family. May if love, sacrifice and work as those who gave me life. In your name I pray. Amen
The Baptism of the Lord
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Jesus, the holy one came to be baptized by the Baptist, John. Clearly he was not in need of having his sins forgiven. Some would say that in being baptized in the Jordan with all the others he took up their sins. Perhaps for Jesus the sense of ritual purification connected him with the community of believers. This act of submission was the very beginning of his public life, through it he set the theme of his ministry. Truly, anointed by the Holy Spirit and confirmed by the words of the Father, he was now able to take on the life of the anointed one, the Christ.
Lord be on my mind, on my lips and in my heart as I read your holy scripture.
"Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. John tried to prevent him, saying, 'I need to be baptized by you, and yet you are coming to me?' Jesus said to him in reply, 'Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.' Then he allowed him. After Jesus was baptized, he came up from the water and behold, the heavens were opened [for him], and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove [and] coming upon him. And a voice came from the heavens, saying, 'This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased."' (Matt 3:13-17 NAB)
Jesus humbly accepted God's baptismal call. What about you? How does membership in the Body of Christ, forgiveness of your sins and the taking on of the life of Christ connect with you?
Spend 5 min in silence pondering these questions.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, blessed are you. Thank you your example in Jesus. Continue to send me the Holy Spirit that I may live the life I took up in my Baptism. Amen
Lord be on my mind, on my lips and in my heart as I read your holy scripture.
"Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. John tried to prevent him, saying, 'I need to be baptized by you, and yet you are coming to me?' Jesus said to him in reply, 'Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.' Then he allowed him. After Jesus was baptized, he came up from the water and behold, the heavens were opened [for him], and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove [and] coming upon him. And a voice came from the heavens, saying, 'This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased."' (Matt 3:13-17 NAB)
Jesus humbly accepted God's baptismal call. What about you? How does membership in the Body of Christ, forgiveness of your sins and the taking on of the life of Christ connect with you?
Spend 5 min in silence pondering these questions.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, blessed are you. Thank you your example in Jesus. Continue to send me the Holy Spirit that I may live the life I took up in my Baptism. Amen
Jesus Calms the Storm at Sea
What an interesting story to be put in the Bible. Does this not exemplify our own life today. We often become overwhelmed with the storms of life. Why do we not simply respond in faith that God will be there for us and with us.
Lord be on my mind, on my lips and in my heart as I read your holy scripture.
"He got into a boat and his disciples followed him. Suddenly a violent storm came up on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by waves; but he was asleep. They came and woke him, saying, 'Lord, save us! We are perishing!' He said to them, 'Why are you terrified, O you of little faith?' Then he got up, rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was great calm. The men were amazed and said, 'What sort of man is this, whom even the winds and the sea obey?'" (Matt 8:23-27 NAB)
When the storm rose up, the disciples sought out Jesus to save them. What about you?
Spend 5 min in silence pondering these questions.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, you calmed the stormy sea for the disciples. Help me the steadfast assurance that you will be there for me. Light my path that I may always do your will. Amen.
Lord be on my mind, on my lips and in my heart as I read your holy scripture.
"He got into a boat and his disciples followed him. Suddenly a violent storm came up on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by waves; but he was asleep. They came and woke him, saying, 'Lord, save us! We are perishing!' He said to them, 'Why are you terrified, O you of little faith?' Then he got up, rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was great calm. The men were amazed and said, 'What sort of man is this, whom even the winds and the sea obey?'" (Matt 8:23-27 NAB)
When the storm rose up, the disciples sought out Jesus to save them. What about you?
Spend 5 min in silence pondering these questions.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, you calmed the stormy sea for the disciples. Help me the steadfast assurance that you will be there for me. Light my path that I may always do your will. Amen.
Peter's Confession about Jesus
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Isn't it just like Peter to leap out with his heart leading the way! Proclaiming not what his head has told him but what he experiences and senses with his heart. You are the Christ, the Messiah! Yet, in no less than ten chapters we find that Peter denies Jesus three times.
Lord be on my mind, on my lips and in my heart as I read your holy scripture.
"When Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi he asked his disciples, 'Who do people say that the Son of Man is?' They replied, 'Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.' He said to them, 'But who do you say that I am?' Simon Peter said in reply, 'You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.'
Jesus said to him in reply, 'Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.'" (Matt 16:13-20 NAB)
Peter answered the question, "Who do you say that I am?" What about you? Who is Jesus for you? How does this person impact your life?
Spend 5 min in silence pondering these questions.
Prayer: Lord, each of us has to come face to face with the question of who you are. There are times when it all seems too good to be true. "I believe. Help me in my unbelief!" Amen.
Lord be on my mind, on my lips and in my heart as I read your holy scripture.
"When Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi he asked his disciples, 'Who do people say that the Son of Man is?' They replied, 'Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.' He said to them, 'But who do you say that I am?' Simon Peter said in reply, 'You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.'
Jesus said to him in reply, 'Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.'" (Matt 16:13-20 NAB)
Peter answered the question, "Who do you say that I am?" What about you? Who is Jesus for you? How does this person impact your life?
Spend 5 min in silence pondering these questions.
Prayer: Lord, each of us has to come face to face with the question of who you are. There are times when it all seems too good to be true. "I believe. Help me in my unbelief!" Amen.
Jesus Raises Lazarus
John leads us through this story to see that Jesus is the resurrection and life itself!
Lord be on my mind, on my lips and in my heart as I read your holy scripture.
"Now a man was ill, Lazarus from Bethany,[from] the village of Mary and her sister Martha. . . it was [Mary's] brother Lazarus who was ill. So the sisters sent word to him, saying, 'Master, the one you love is ill.' When Jesus heard this he said, 'This illness is not to end in death, but is for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.' Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.
When Jesus arrived, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, only about two miles away. And many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them about their brother. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went to meet him; but Mary sat at home. Martha said to Jesus, 'Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. [But] even now I know that whatever you ask of God, God will give you.' Jesus said to her, 'Your brother will rise.' Martha said to him, 'I know he will rise, in the resurrection on the last day.' Jesus told her, '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?' She said to him, 'Yes, Lord. I have come to believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one who is coming into the world.'
When she had said this, she went and called her sister Mary secretly, saying, 'The teacher is here and is asking for you.' As soon as she heard this, she rose quickly and went to him. For Jesus had not yet come into the village, but was still where Martha had met him. So when the Jews who were with her in the house comforting her saw Mary get up quickly and go out, they followed her, presuming that she was going to the tomb to weep there. When Mary came to where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said to him, 'Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.' When Jesus saw her weeping and the Jews who had come with her weeping, he became perturbed and deeply troubled, and said, 'Where have you laid him?' They said to him, 'Sir, come and see.' And Jesus wept. So the Jews said, 'See how he loved him.' But some of them said, 'Could not the one who opened the eyes of the blind man have done something so that this man would not have died?'
So Jesus, perturbed again, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay across it. 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.' (John 11:1-5,17-44 NAB)
Mary and Martha believed that Jesus was more powerful than death, yet they did not truly understand. Death was death after all. Jesus shows all that even after 4 days and decomposition he would raise his friend Lazarus. What about you? Do you believe that Jesus is the resurrection and the life?
Spend 5 min in silence pondering these questions.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, you came and set the entire world on its ear. You have shown that in you death is no longer death but new life. Guide me that I might live in your life today and everyday. Amen.
Lord be on my mind, on my lips and in my heart as I read your holy scripture.
"Now a man was ill, Lazarus from Bethany,[from] the village of Mary and her sister Martha. . . it was [Mary's] brother Lazarus who was ill. So the sisters sent word to him, saying, 'Master, the one you love is ill.' When Jesus heard this he said, 'This illness is not to end in death, but is for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.' Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.
When Jesus arrived, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, only about two miles away. And many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them about their brother. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went to meet him; but Mary sat at home. Martha said to Jesus, 'Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. [But] even now I know that whatever you ask of God, God will give you.' Jesus said to her, 'Your brother will rise.' Martha said to him, 'I know he will rise, in the resurrection on the last day.' Jesus told her, '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?' She said to him, 'Yes, Lord. I have come to believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one who is coming into the world.'
When she had said this, she went and called her sister Mary secretly, saying, 'The teacher is here and is asking for you.' As soon as she heard this, she rose quickly and went to him. For Jesus had not yet come into the village, but was still where Martha had met him. So when the Jews who were with her in the house comforting her saw Mary get up quickly and go out, they followed her, presuming that she was going to the tomb to weep there. When Mary came to where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said to him, 'Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.' When Jesus saw her weeping and the Jews who had come with her weeping, he became perturbed and deeply troubled, and said, 'Where have you laid him?' They said to him, 'Sir, come and see.' And Jesus wept. So the Jews said, 'See how he loved him.' But some of them said, 'Could not the one who opened the eyes of the blind man have done something so that this man would not have died?'
So Jesus, perturbed again, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay across it. 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.' (John 11:1-5,17-44 NAB)
Mary and Martha believed that Jesus was more powerful than death, yet they did not truly understand. Death was death after all. Jesus shows all that even after 4 days and decomposition he would raise his friend Lazarus. What about you? Do you believe that Jesus is the resurrection and the life?
Spend 5 min in silence pondering these questions.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, you came and set the entire world on its ear. You have shown that in you death is no longer death but new life. Guide me that I might live in your life today and everyday. Amen.
The Transfiguration
Can you imagine being Peter, James and John? What an experience. Peter again using his heart, says he will make three tents for Jesus, Moses and Elijah. He was so excited that he wanted to extend this experience. But, what about for him James and John?
Lord be on my mind, on my lips and in my heart as I read your holy scripture.
"After six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them; his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, conversing with him. Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, 'Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.' 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. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, 'Rise, and do not be afraid.' And when the disciples raised their eyes, they saw no one else but Jesus alone." (Matt 17:1-8)
The Father revealed who Jesus really was to Peter, James and John. What about you? In the Eucharist we meet the real Jesus. What has been revealed to you?
Spend 5 min in silence pondering these questions.
Prayer: Father God, would it be that I could have such extraordinary revelations as Peter, James and John experienced. Yet, I am told that when ever I participate in the Eucharist, I become even closer to Jesus than Peter, James and John on that day. Thank you for the wonderful experience of the Eucharist. Amen.
Lord be on my mind, on my lips and in my heart as I read your holy scripture.
"After six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them; his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, conversing with him. Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, 'Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.' 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. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, 'Rise, and do not be afraid.' And when the disciples raised their eyes, they saw no one else but Jesus alone." (Matt 17:1-8)
The Father revealed who Jesus really was to Peter, James and John. What about you? In the Eucharist we meet the real Jesus. What has been revealed to you?
Spend 5 min in silence pondering these questions.
Prayer: Father God, would it be that I could have such extraordinary revelations as Peter, James and John experienced. Yet, I am told that when ever I participate in the Eucharist, I become even closer to Jesus than Peter, James and John on that day. Thank you for the wonderful experience of the Eucharist. Amen.
Jesus Blesses the Children
As adults we have forgotten what it is like to be childlike. We want to wrap our intellect around our beliefs when in the end it comes down now to our ability to think but rather the gift of faith. As a child has faith in it mother or father.
Lord be on my mind, on my lips and in my heart as I read your holy scripture.
"And people were bringing children to him that he might touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this he became indignant and said to them, 'Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it.' Then he embraced them and blessed them, placing his hands on them." (Mark 10:13-16)
Jesus looks for a child like faith. What does that mean for you? Can you do that?
Spend 5 min in silence pondering these questions.
Prayer: Lord, clear away my over thinking. Clear away my attempts to rationalize and prove to myself who you are and who we are together. Help me to accept your free gift of a childlike faith. I pray this in your name. Amen.
Lord be on my mind, on my lips and in my heart as I read your holy scripture.
"And people were bringing children to him that he might touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this he became indignant and said to them, 'Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it.' Then he embraced them and blessed them, placing his hands on them." (Mark 10:13-16)
Jesus looks for a child like faith. What does that mean for you? Can you do that?
Spend 5 min in silence pondering these questions.
Prayer: Lord, clear away my over thinking. Clear away my attempts to rationalize and prove to myself who you are and who we are together. Help me to accept your free gift of a childlike faith. I pray this in your name. Amen.
Jesus Heals the Sick
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To the very end Jesus reached out to the poor, the sick, the imprisoned and the disenfranchised. It was never for recognition or glory, but rather as servant of the Father.
Lord be on my mind, on my lips and in my heart as I read your holy scripture.
"At sunset, all who had people sick with various diseases brought them to him. He laid his hands on each of them and cured them. And demons also came out from many, shouting, 'You are the Son of God.' But he rebuked them and did not allow them to speak because they knew that he was the Messiah." (Luke 4:40-41 NAB)
Many trusted the Jesus with those they loved. What about you? What do you not trust Jesus with?
Spend 5 min in silence pondering these questions.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, place in me the heart of a servant, grateful to serve you as you serve the Father. Fill me with compassion that I may be your disciple, serving the least in society. Amen
Lord be on my mind, on my lips and in my heart as I read your holy scripture.
"At sunset, all who had people sick with various diseases brought them to him. He laid his hands on each of them and cured them. And demons also came out from many, shouting, 'You are the Son of God.' But he rebuked them and did not allow them to speak because they knew that he was the Messiah." (Luke 4:40-41 NAB)
Many trusted the Jesus with those they loved. What about you? What do you not trust Jesus with?
Spend 5 min in silence pondering these questions.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, place in me the heart of a servant, grateful to serve you as you serve the Father. Fill me with compassion that I may be your disciple, serving the least in society. Amen
The Ascension
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Jesus' public ministry was a short three years. He challenged all the norms of life then and he continues to challenge us in our time. He literally laid down his life so that we might truly see who he was and who we are in relationship with Him, with the Father. He leaves us not as one who is dead and we can only hope in. Rather he leaves us having conquered death full of life showing us the way.
Lord be on my mind, on my lips and in my heart as I read your holy scripture.
"Then he led them [out] as far as Bethany, raised his hands, and blessed them. As he blessed them he parted from them and was taken up to heaven. They did him homage and then returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and they were continually in the temple praising God." (Luke 24:50-52 NAB)
Jesus blessed them looking for the disciples to carry on his work in love. What about you? How are you carrying on his work in love?
Spend 5 min in silence pondering these questions.
Prayer: God almighty, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, your glory overwhelms me. You gave of yourself becoming small, humble and meek. You are a contradiction. Why me? Why am I so important to you? There is nothing that I can do to earn your love. I can only receive it and respond. May I always come to you as you have come to me, humble and meek. May I seek, not my will, but rather, to be in sync with yours. Teach me your ways that I might participate in your life, in your love.
I pray these things in the name of Jesus, who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.
Lord be on my mind, on my lips and in my heart as I read your holy scripture.
"Then he led them [out] as far as Bethany, raised his hands, and blessed them. As he blessed them he parted from them and was taken up to heaven. They did him homage and then returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and they were continually in the temple praising God." (Luke 24:50-52 NAB)
Jesus blessed them looking for the disciples to carry on his work in love. What about you? How are you carrying on his work in love?
Spend 5 min in silence pondering these questions.
Prayer: God almighty, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, your glory overwhelms me. You gave of yourself becoming small, humble and meek. You are a contradiction. Why me? Why am I so important to you? There is nothing that I can do to earn your love. I can only receive it and respond. May I always come to you as you have come to me, humble and meek. May I seek, not my will, but rather, to be in sync with yours. Teach me your ways that I might participate in your life, in your love.
I pray these things in the name of Jesus, who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.