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!

Monday, June 2, 2014

Jn 16:29-33 Think Long Term

Monday of the Seventh Week of Easter
(Click here for readings)

Jesus said to his disciples:  "The hour is coming and has arrived when each of you will be scattered to his own home and you will leave me alone.  But I am not alone, because the Father is with me.  I have told you this so that you might have peace in me.  In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world."

The hour is coming...  "Take courage, I have conquered the world."  This is one of the most beautiful Scripture passages in the entire Bible.  And what makes it even more beautiful is when we realize the moment the Lord said it:  right before his betrayal and arrest.   

His reassurance is as mindboggling as His crucifixion.  In fact, it's as Orwellian as Pilate  having written on His cross the inscription:  He conquered the world. 

Huh?  And yet, it is completely true.  He truly conquered the world. 

Where is Roman Empire?  Where are all the emperors?  Where are the Pharisees and scribes and chief priests and elders?  Where is the Sanhedrin?  All gone.

...when you will be shattered.  Think back.  Think back to the time when your faith was shattered, and how you thought your life would be ruined forever.  Think back to that enormous weight upon your shoulders; that sin that was unforgiveable; that curse that was irreversible.  Think back to when your faith in God was gone.

If this hasn't happened, then mark my words:  It will.  It is only a matter of time.

In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world.

Difficult moments are crippling and blinding moments where we just can't move or see beyond the present - the moment.  Past experiences should have taught us well.  These are not the times to question our Lord.  These are the times to open the eyes of our heart and push forward.  WE ARE STRONGER THAN WE THINK.  WE WILL NOT JUST SURVIVE.  WE WILL SUCCEED. 

But how?    Faith.  Hope.  Love. 

We need to nourish all three.  We need to take good care of all three, for there will come a time when we will be scattered like lambs.

Assignment.  Think back.  Today is a day for reflection; to think back to when our faith was scattered, nay shattered!  Let's be honest with ourselves so that we can serve the Lord in times of trouble.  It's better this way.  It's better to be brutally honest than soft hearted, especially when it comes to acknowledging God's amazing graces in times of trouble.

It's better to sing a new song (cf. Ps. 68:22a) than to hum that old familiar itune called "doubt" and "vacillation."   

Let us recall what the Lord has done for us and think long term.
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4 comments:

  1. violinJune 2, 2014 at 10:43 PM

    Father:

    Two points stand out to me.

    1. "Take courage, I have conquered the world" The cross was a symbol of a horrible death for criminals in Christ's time. I think that carrying the crossing by the early Church (and even us today) symbolizes that we are no longer afraid of death because Christ has conquered it once and for all. I love to see the cross during the processional and recessional. It is such a profound proclaimation of Christ's victory leading us onwards!

    2. "Where is Roman Empire? Where are all the emperors? Where are the Pharisees and scribes and chief priests and elders? Where is the Sanhedrin? All gone." I love this! You know why? Because THEY are all gone but the Vicar of Chirst, Pope Francis is right here! 2000 years later, the Vicar of Christ is right here! That just blows my mind. We are privileged to share in this awesome faith.

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousJune 3, 2014 at 11:06 AM

    "It's better to be brutally honest than soft hearted, especially when it comes to acknowledging God's amazing graces in times of trouble."

    Being brutally honest is the only thing that will open our hearts. We must take this step in order to change. No one else can influence me more, than my being honest with myself. This is transformation!

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousJune 3, 2014 at 4:32 PM

    Nay? Is that a word? Come now Father.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. violinJune 4, 2014 at 6:16 AM

      Anonymous:

      It's boh an adverb and a noun. :))

      nay
      adverb
      1. or rather; and more than that (used to emphasize a more appropriate word than one just used).
      "it will take months, nay years"

      2.archaicdialect
      no.
      "nay, I must not think thus"

      noun
      1. a negative answer or vote.
      "the cabinet sits to give the final yea or nay to policies"

      Delete

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