Meditation is an ideal way to pray. Using God's word (Lectio Divina) allows me to hear, listen and reflect on what the Lord wants to say to me - to one of his disciples - just like He did two thousand years ago.
The best time to reflect is at the beginning of the day and for at least 15 to 30 minutes.
Prior to going to sleep, read the Mass readings for the next day and then, in the morning, reflect on the Meditation offered on this website.
I hope these daily meditations allow you to know, love and imitate the Lord in a more meaningful way.
God bless you!


Saturday, February 5, 2011

Mk 6:30-34 Let It Snow!

Mk 6:30-34 Let It Snow!

(Click here for readings)

I wasn’t sure what to name my meditation today. It was between two: Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow or Come away and rest. I guess I didn’t choose the conservative and holier one.

“The Lord is my Shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.” (Ps 23:1)

Yes!!! The Lord leads me in verdant pastures he gives me repose. I needed a break, desperately. But I couldn’t do it for myself. I didn’t know how to. I do not want to sound dramatic. I would not even be telling you this, but I need to because I see it as a miracle. The Lord gave me a break. This week was a packed week: Masses, confessions, retreats, talks, dinners, marriage preps, marriage counseling, appointments and spiritual directions. It was even Catholic School’s Week and I was all by myself. And all of a sudden, the rain fell and turned to ice. Last night, the snow fell and gave to many of us a well deserved break! I am still working, but I have been able to do a lot of other things like rest, eat, jog and most importantly, pray and meditate. How I love to pray, read and meditate. I turned these past 5 days into Ignation Spiritual Exercises – five days of near silence. I love it! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you Lord! And whoever was praying for ice and snow, you can stop now!!!

Yesterday I spoke to a priest who is a missionary in Atlanta and he told me that he experienced the same thing a few weeks ago: this tremendous need for time alone. Lo and behold, they canceled school for 10 days! That was a blessing in disguise for him. The Lord knows what we need. He is willing to level mountains and raise valleys so that the path - my path, my journey - may refresh my soul.

The Apostles returned from their mission and they must have been exhausted. The first thing our Lord tells them to do is to go to a deserted place and rest. Deserts are useless to man but very much useful to God. It is the place to forget oneself and to contemplate on the fruitfulness of God. He made the barren bear fruit! It is He who accomplishes all things. We are simply workers in the vineyard. Let us pray that we may always be useful to Him – always!

This is the only way to live life. There is no other way. With the decay of authentic values and a world that is heartbroken – full of empty promises, troubles, hardships and threats, our hearts swell ever more to be reunited to the King of peace. There is such a strong desire within us to live in peace and love with our God and neighbor, but our failings and failures and our neighbors’ threats and fallacies won’t leave us alone! All our efforts seem to fail. What we experience is similar to what the Lord experienced: Rejection. What is the solution? Do what the Lord did. The anonymous author writes in The Cloud of Unknowing

1st: If the memories of past sins or the temptations to new one should plague your mind, forming an obstacle between you and God, CRUSH THEM! 2nd: As often as they rise up, you must put them down. 3rd: When distracting thoughts annoy you, pretend that you do not even notice them. 4th: Look over your shoulder as if you are looking for something else. Look beyond all these things because God is hidden beyond the cloud of unknowing. 5th: Do this and I am sure you will be relieved of anxiety because you are really yearning for God, you have a longing to see him as much as possible in this life and a desire like this is actually love, which always brings peace.

St. Ephrem the Syrian wrote, “Jesus, in that hour when darkness like a cloak shall spread over all things, may your grace shine on us in place of the earthy sun.”

Come away and rest a while with the Lord.


8 comments:

  1. Great Meditation Father!

    This week was fantastic! God knows exactly what we need when we need it! I heard so many people complaining about cabin fever...not me!

    I am so glad you were able to relax, refresh & renew!

    My schedule is not as demanding as yours, but I sure did enjoy the break! Actually, it was also God's perfect timing for me! I am usually running a million miles a minute. He knew I needed to do a lot of sitting this week. I was not able to run or walk, I was able to finish another book and sit with the kids and watch a ton of movies(we found Toy Story 3).

    And it is Dr. Von-Weber praying for ice and snow! He told me and another mom to pray for Glacier" monday after school. :)

    You are in our daily prayers!

    God Bless You,

    Rose :)

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  2. . . . or the temptations to new ones should plague your mind, forming an obstacle between you and God, CRUSH THEM! 2nd: As often as they rise up, you must put them down. 3rd: When distracting thoughts annoy you, pretend that you do not even notice them. . .

    Working on it. I'll keep you in my prayers, if you can say a couple for me.

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  3. Dear Fr. Alfonse,
    I have those very words from "The Cloud of Unknowing" written on a card that I turn to frequently when faced with temptations. They ring so true. It is God that I am yearning for.

    When reading the Gospel today I thought of your reflection where you mentioned giving beyond our limits. The one where you went to celebrate a Communion service with the Boy Scouts in a week that was over committed.

    We all need time to rest and be refreshed. Jesus did this all the time, going to a deserted place to pray, and He taught the Apostles to do the same.

    I am glad you were able to use this time to do the things you love to do; pray, read and meditate.

    Keeping you in my prayers!

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  4. I'm so glad you got to rest. You are always working so so hard for others!
    I always pray for you, and always will.

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  5. I for one appreciate all the appointments, dinners etc...thanks for all you do for me! But please don't burn yourself out for my sake.

    "Beside restful waters he leads me..." Today I received a lion's share of God's grace, compassion and love and for the better part of the day experienced restful waters.

    “The Lord is my Shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.” (Ps 23:1) - Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!

    Have the best day!

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  6. When we were at Mass yesterday my husband noticed on the bulletin that after your name was L.C.
    He was wondering why you still use it since you left the order. I told him I would ask.

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  7. Thank you for the question. The answer is I am technically an LC until all the paper work is completed...and that can take a while.

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  8. What does LC mean? and what is the order?

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