Tag: lectio divina

Tuesday of the Fifth Week of Easter

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John

Jesus said to his disciples: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.”

Jesus tells the disciples he is going away to the Father and that he will come back to them. For this, Jesus says, the disciples should rejoice if they love him. Preparing them for his ascension into heaven, Jesus tells the disciples that its time approaches. He says that he will no longer speak much with them because the ruler of the world, Satan, is coming. “He has no power over me,” Jesus says, “but the world must know that I love the Father and that I do just as the Father has commanded me.” In telling the disciples that he is going away but that he will come back to them, Jesus reassures them that he has conquered Satan and that out of love he does his Father’s will by returning to him. The peace he leaves his disciples with is not as the world gives but the peace of his Father in heaven, whose power extends to all who believe in Jesus.

God, help me understand today’s Gospel. I place the words and events in time and space as I reflect on them, yet the peace that Jesus offers to the disciples, he offers to me. It is peace not as the world gives but comes from you, who are outside of time and space. Just as Satan has no power over your Son, who does your will, he has no power over me as long as I remain in your peace and do your will. The ruler of the world, Satan, comes every day on this earth, dividing individuals, families, and communities. Help me today, Lord, by remaining in me as I strive to remain in you, where Satan has no power.

Prince of Peace, give me the grace to know and do your will today and always.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Monday of the Fifth Week of Easter

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John

Jesus said to his disciples: “Whoever has my commandments and observes them is the one who loves me. Whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and reveal myself to him.”

In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells his disciples that those who love him will keep his commandments and that the Father will love them and they will make their home with them. He also says that the Holy Spirit will teach them all things and remind them of everything Jesus has said to them. That same Holy Spirit is active today in instructing all who observe Jesus’ commandments and in making oneself a temple that is fit for the Holy Spirit.

God, help me hear and understand Jesus’ words, his promise of love and protection to those who follow his commandments. Sustain me with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit—the love between you and your Son—to guide and instruct me. Lord, I know you love me unconditionally. Help me choose to do right, to live in your truth, and to love you in return for the sake of your glory.

From the responsorial psalm, we pray: “Not to us, O LORD, not to us but to your name give glory because of your mercy, because of your truth.”

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Fifth Sunday of Easter

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John

“Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on my own. The Father who dwells in me is doing his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else, believe because of the works themselves. Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these, because I am going to the Father.”

In today’s Gospel Jesus powerfully makes clear his identity and mission. He is the Son of God, and he is one with the Father. As the Messiah, he has come to save the world. Those who believe in him will be able to do the same works that he does and even greater works. As Saint Paul says of Jesus, quoting Isaiah: “Behold, I am laying a stone in Zion, a cornerstone, chosen and precious, and whoever believes in it shall not be put to shame.” God invites me to follow him. With what degree of faith do I respond to that call? “Do not let your hearts be troubled,” Jesus says. “You have faith in God; have faith also in me.”

Father in heaven, Jesus your Son calls me into the peace of knowing that he is the way, the truth, and the life. “Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me,” Jesus tells the disciples, “or else, believe because of the works themselves.” He is, as Saint Paul says, the one who calls me out of darkness into his wonderful light. Help me strive to trust that in him there is no deception and that through your mercy, Jesus will prepare a place for me and take me to himself.

From the responsorial psalm, we pray: “Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.” Stay with me today, Lord!

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Saturday of the Fourth Week of Easter

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John

Jesus said to the disciples: “Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on my own. The Father who dwells in me is doing his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else, believe because of the works themselves.”

Today’s Gospel continues the Last Supper discourses of Jesus. He shares with the disciples his oneness with the Father and his desire that they recognize that he does the will of his Father. “The words that I speak to you,” Jesus says, “I do not speak on my own. The Father who dwells in me is doing his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else, believe because of the works themselves.” Teaching them this, Jesus also tells them that whatever they ask in his name, he will do “so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.”

God, as I hear these words of Jesus, skepticism and worldly wisdom challenge my belief that whatever I ask in your name you will do. How is this possible? I have to ground this in the truth to understand it. Just as Jesus does your will and models this to the disciples, so must I abandon my own will to yours and remain in you while recognizing my limitations. There is something of a mystery here. Do I abandon free will in doing this? No, instead I freely abandon my will to truth itself so that your will can be done.

Lord, help me remain in this truth today as I consider your love for me. From the responsorial Psalm: “If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples, and you will know the truth, says the Lord.”

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Friday of the Fourth Week of Easter

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John

Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be.”

In today’s Gospel, Jesus speaks to his disciples during the Last Supper on the night before his crucifixion. He tells them not to let their hearts be troubled and that he will prepare a place for them in his Father’s house and come back again to take them to himself so that, as Jesus says, “where I am you also may be.” Thomas, uncertain of the way to follow him, asks how they can know the way. Jesus tells him, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” This is the same Jesus, the I AM, who is God made man. In saying, “I am the way and the truth and the life,” Jesus is not proposing principles by which to live in truth; instead, the Son of God is the way and the truth and the life.

God, help me understand the love Jesus had for his disciples and his desire to be with them always. By that same love, Jesus prepares a place for me and will come to take me to himself so that I may also be where he is. Your Son is the way to your house and its many dwelling places.

From the Gospel acclamation, let me remember this prayer throughout the day: “I am the way and the truth and the life, says the Lord; no one comes to the Father except through me.” Stay with me, Lord! Teach me the desire to come to you always.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Thursday of the Fourth Week of Easter

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John

When Jesus had washed the disciples’ feet, he said to them: “I am not speaking of all of you. I know those whom I have chosen. But so that the Scripture might be fulfilled, The one who ate my food has raised his heel against me. From now on I am telling you before it happens, so that when it happens you may believe that I AM. Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.”

In the first reading from the Acts of the Apostles, the synagogue officials ask Paul to speak a word of exhortation for the people. He tells them the history of Israel and the revelation of Jesus as the Messiah. In a similar manner, Jesus speaks to the disciples at the Last Supper, clearly stating that he is I AM, the God of Israel present in the flesh. “If you understand this,” Jesus tells them, “blessed are you if you do it.” By washing the disciples’ feet, the humility of God made man demonstrates sacrificial love and service to them and to all of humanity. To become like you, Lord, is impossible without your grace.

God, help me understand the significance of Jesus washing the feet of his disciples. You sent your Son, who is one with you; in receiving the one sent, I receive you as my Father in heaven. Peter objected to Jesus washing his feet, but Jesus said to him: “Unless I wash you, you will have no inheritance with me.” Grant me the grace, God, to receive your loving kindness fully in this life so that I can in turn bring your love to others and one day as your adopted son come into your glory.

From the Gospel acclamation: “Jesus Christ, you are the faithful witness,
the firstborn of the dead, you have loved us and freed us from our sins by your Blood.” Be with me today, Lord!

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Feast of Saints Philip and James, Apostles

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John

Jesus said to Philip: Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these, because I am going to the Father. And whatever you ask in my name, I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything of me in my name, I will do it.”

With these words, Jesus responds to Philip, who says to him: “Master, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us.” Especially among the disciples, Jesus’ divine identity in the Father is in plain sight. Yet, Philip is unable to see. As Jesus says, “I am in the Father and the Father is in me.” Speaking to the disciples during the Last Supper, Jesus tells them that just as the Father does his works through him, whoever believes in him will do the works that Jesus himself does. Jesus asks Peter this question, one that I can ask myself throughout the day: “Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me?”

God, help me understand the significance of today’s Gospel when I am faced with choices to refuse your will or to carry it out. I tend toward self-reliance at times, so much so that I am unable to see you in plain sight in the present moment. Rather than relying solely on my own initiatives today, let me ask in Jesus’ name that the Father may be glorified in the Son. Jesus says, “If you ask anything of me in my name, I will do it.” Only with childlike trust can I approach you, Lord, in what I ask of you and in what I expect to receive.

God, look upon me today with your love. Give me the grace to see myself as you see me—apart from my own means of measuring self-worth—wholly as you see me, as your beloved child.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Memorial of Saint Athanasius, Bishop and Doctor of the Church

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John

And Jesus walked about in the temple area on the Portico of Solomon. So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long are you going to keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.” Jesus answered them, “I told you and you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify to me. But you do not believe, because you are not among my sheep. My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish. No one can take them out of my hand.”

Jesus teaches the people gathered around him in the temple area. Addressing those who do not believe that he is the Christ, he emphasizes his unity with the Father, telling them, “The Father and I are one.” Although Jesus tells them that he is the Son of God and that those who believe and follow him have eternal life, they insist that he tell them plainly whether he is the Christ. Standing before them is God’s own Son, yet they fail to see what is in plain sight. What are the challenges I will face today in hearing and following the voice of Christ?

God, help me hear your voice today. Your ways, Lord, are hidden in mystery but are perceivable to ears that are open and a heart that longs to hear you. Long ago, in Jerusalem during winter, your Son walked around the temple area. Thinking about him that way makes him seem far away and out of touch with the present. Yet, your risen Son is alive today and accessible through your mercy in the sacraments of the Church, through the scriptures, and in the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Grant me understanding, Lord, to know that it was through the death and resurrection of your Son the he placed me in your hands to receive the gift of eternal life.

Remain in me today, God, whether in times of quiet or commotion. Remind me I am in your hands. Saint Athanasius, pray for us!

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Monday of the Fourth Week of Easter

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John

Jesus said: “I am the good shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I will lay down my life for the sheep.”

In today’s Gospel, which continues from last week’s readings as he addresses the Pharisees, Jesus describes his relationship to the Father as the Good Shepherd. While the hired man, Jesus says, whose sheep are not his own, has no interest in caring for the sheep in time of danger, the good shepherd knows the sheep and they know him. Just as the Father knows Jesus, and Jesus knows the Father, the sheep know the good shepherd. Jesus speaks here of the love between the Father and the Son. For those who follow him and believe, the Good Shepherd lays down his life for the sheep to take it up again in the resurrection. Jesus says, “This is why the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again.”

Do I recognize Jesus as the Good Shepherd and see the sacrificial love of the Son who does his Father’s will? Through his passion, death, and resurrection, Jesus calls us each by name to be brought into the same loving relationship with his Father to reconcile us to him in the hope of eternal life. God, help me understand how the Good Shepherd is not a remote concept, referring to some far-off people from long ago, but is the risen Christ present to me today in the people and events I encounter.

Be with me, Lord, throughout the day. From today’s Psalm, help me recall your love: “Send forth your light and your fidelity; they shall lead me on. And bring me to your holy mountain, to your dwelling-place.”

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Fourth Sunday of Easter

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John

So Jesus said, “A thief comes only to steal and slaughter and destroy; I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly.”

In today’s Gospel for the Fourth Sunday of Easter, Jesus addresses the Pharisees. He tells them the parable of the Good Shepherd, that whoever does not enter a sheepfold through the gate is a thief and robber and that whoever enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for them and leads them out, following his voice, and walks ahead of them to lead them. But a stranger, Jesus says, they will not follow because they don’t recognize his voice. The Pharisees don’t understand what Jesus is trying to tell them, so he explains things to them in this way: “I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate. Whoever enters through me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. A thief comes only to steal and slaughter and destroy.”

God, help me see that Jesus your Son is the only way to salvation, the gate, and that what he offers is eternal life to those who follow him. Jesus says: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” There are choices I can make to steal and slaughter and destroy, but Jesus is the true shepherd who knows his sheep by name, those who choose to follow him to have life and have it more abundantly.

Jesus, you are the Good Shepherd, you call me by name to follow you. Even though I walk in the dark valley, I fear no evil; for you are at my side.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.