... from the readings of the day:
“If you forgive men their transgressions,
your heavenly Father will forgive you."
Matthew 6:14
Jesus knew that when we hang on to
our angers and resentments we build a prison
cell that not even God can break into
with a door that becomes so thick and so small
that we will finally only be able to crawl out - if
with a door that becomes so thick and so small
that we will finally only be able to crawl out - if
we become able to use the only key
(that hangs on silk around our necks, and rests
over our hearts). Bitternesses and grudges
we choose to cling to are the only material
to build a sufficient barrier to our Creator.
God warned us to leave Justice to God
but knows it is an apple to test each of us.
Suggestions for meditation
Always begin by offering your time to God and asking for the grace to grow closer: something like "My loving God, I love you with my whole heart and above all things. I give you this time as I reach out to you, and ask that you guide me each day closer to you".
The exact words of the prayer are not important but you do need a firm intention to open yourself to God's input.
(that hangs on silk around our necks, and rests
over our hearts). Bitternesses and grudges
we choose to cling to are the only material
to build a sufficient barrier to our Creator.
God warned us to leave Justice to God
but knows it is an apple to test each of us.
Suggestions for meditation
Always begin by offering your time to God and asking for the grace to grow closer: something like "My loving God, I love you with my whole heart and above all things. I give you this time as I reach out to you, and ask that you guide me each day closer to you".
The exact words of the prayer are not important but you do need a firm intention to open yourself to God's input.
Read the mediation over slowly a couple of times.
Listen for the personal message for you. There will always be one word or phrase that will reach into your heart. Think of it as the personal meaning God has for you alone!
If you would prefer a more authoritative reading to focus your meditation, try this from one of today's readings, Matthew 6:11-15
"... and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
If you forgive men their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you do not forgive men, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions.”What word of phrase jumps out to speak to you?
Focus on that word or phrase from this passage or the meditation for a few moments.
Try to put yourself into those words. Maybe imagine Jesus speaking, and reply.
Then spend 5, or 10, or 15 minutes with your word from Jesus, or the word FORGIVE.
You need a clear intention to empty your mind of random thoughts (you won't be entirely successful but you need the intention).
You might want to begin the meditation using the breathing exercise I suggest in We have two minds.
After a minute or two focused on your breathing, move your focus to the word/s you have chosen.
Each time your attention moves away from the word/s, push the distraction gently aside and return to the word ("without the intervention of analytical thought" as The Cloud of Unknowing puts it).
You may need a countdown clock.
At the end thank God, and return to your day.
Then spend 5, or 10, or 15 minutes with your word from Jesus, or the word FORGIVE.
You need a clear intention to empty your mind of random thoughts (you won't be entirely successful but you need the intention).
You might want to begin the meditation using the breathing exercise I suggest in We have two minds.
After a minute or two focused on your breathing, move your focus to the word/s you have chosen.
Each time your attention moves away from the word/s, push the distraction gently aside and return to the word ("without the intervention of analytical thought" as The Cloud of Unknowing puts it).
You may need a countdown clock.
At the end thank God, and return to your day.
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