Pilgrimage to Easter: Day 11

Meditation for Saturday 20 February
... from the readings of the day:

But I say to you, love your enemies,
and pray for those who persecute you,
that you may be children of your heavenly Father,
for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good,
and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust.
Matthew 5,44-45

O child of my heart, I love you so much.
Made in my image, each day I see more of
myself in you. I see myself in your joy in living,
and the delight you share so easily.

I see myself in your care for your brothers 
and sisters, in your love for your parents.
When you reach out in love to new people,
also my loved children, I see myself in you.

And I see you stretching out to others of my children

with my love and justice in your heart, 
slowly becoming aware that each one is created
in the same image and is part of the same body,

part of you, my only child. 

Then my spirit weeps, overwhelmed with love for you,
O child of my heart.

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 5:43-48

Jesus said to his disciples:“You have heard that it was said,You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.But I say to you, love your enemies,and pray for those who persecute you,that you may be children of your heavenly Father,for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good,and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust.For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have?Do not the tax collectors do the same?And if you greet your brothers and sisters only,what is unusual about that?Do not the pagans do the same?So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

Focus on a significant word or phrase in this passage or the meditation for a few moments.

What word of phrase jumps out to speak to you?

Why? 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 ONE or the word LOVE.

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.

Pilgrimage to Easter: Day 10

Meditation for Friday 19 February
... from the readings of the day:

... leave your gift there at the altar,
go first and be reconciled with your brother,
and then come and offer your gift.
Matthew 5:24

We are one in the body of Christ.

But we seem to survive separately, 
waiting for our final end, standing alone,
foretelling others' attack, believing they scheme
and sharpen weapons for our destruction.
Life, alone in our minds, is our nightmare of hell.

   I trust in the LORD; 
   my soul trusts in his word.
   My soul waits for the LORD, 
   more than sentinels wait for the dawn.

When I am at peace with my brothers and sisters,
I am at peace with myself. Only then 
do I have the serenity to share myself with God.
Without peace I am a being of fears, replaying
angry movies of destruction and isolation, 
when I try to bring the gift of myself to the altar.

   I trust in the LORD; 
   my soul trusts in his word.
   My soul waits for the LORD, 
   more than sentinels wait for the dawn.

I will build our unity, and stand strong against 

envy and resentment, regrets and inferiority.

All are attacks on my peace and on my links with God.

I will wash away my jealousies, 

and cleanse my soul from every barrier 

to my brothers and sisters in the body of Christ.

   I trust in the LORD; 
   my soul trusts in his word.
   My soul waits for the LORD, 
   more than sentinels wait for the dawn.

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 5:23-24

Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there at the altar. 

Go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift.

Focus on a significant word or phrase in this passage or the meditation for a few moments.

What word of phrase jumps out to speak to you?

Why? 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 ONE or the word PEACE.

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.

Pilgrimage to Easter: Day 9

Meditation for Thursday 18 February
... from the readings of the day:

Which one of you would hand his son a stone
when he asked for a loaf of bread,
Matthew 7:9-10

Our Papa, Abba, our loving Father, you made 
each of us, and are so proud of each one.
We know you want only good for us. 
You give us everything we truly ask for.

But we do need to actually ask; 
but not to "let Abba know" - 
God knows what is right for us before we do. 

Jesus tries so hard to be clear and explain: 

it is up to us to find ways to 
seek in faith - working with God so we discover what we need to fulfil God's will; to
knock in hope - and open doors 

we had not thought were for us; then to
ask in love - already in unity with God's plan;
to ask knowing it is ours, able to
say thank you before we finish asking!


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 7:7-12

Jesus said to his disciples:“Ask and it will be given to you;seek and you will find;knock and the door will be opened to you.For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds;and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.Which one of you would hand his son a stonewhen he asked for a loaf of bread,or a snake when he asked for a fish?If you then, who are wicked,know how to give good gifts to your children,how much more will your heavenly Father give good thingsto those who ask him.
“Do to others whatever you would have them do to you. This is the law and the prophets.”

Focus on a significant word or phrase in this passage or the meditation for a few moments.

What word of phrase jumps out to speak to you?

Why? 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 FATHER.

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.

Pilgrimage to Easter: Day 8

Meditation for Wednesday 17 February
... from the readings of the day:

A clean heart create for me, O God,
and a steadfast spirit renew within me.
  Psalm 51:12

Many of us know that God is with us and in us
- such good news!
And yet we still focus on our busy lives,
forgetting we were born for a different purpose.

Like Jonah we say "Surely not me!"
and rush into daily life, ignoring 
the kingdom within until something happens,
and we can ignore you no longer.

My God, you made me and keep me alive:
I take everything I am and have from you. 
I am sorry for the many times I have forgotten you, 
the many times I have tried to live without you in my life.

You made me in your image, but separated us,
so I may choose to live in you,
so I may choose to grow in my likeness to you
so I may, with my brothers and sisters, become

your body on Earth and return to you, united in Christ. 
Renew my heart, my God.
Help me each moment to live fully aware of you.
And, living always in your presence, make it my delight
to live each moment in unity with your will.

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, Psalm 51:12-13

R. A heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn.
  A clean heart create for me, O God,
  and a steadfast spirit renew within me.
  Cast me not out from your presence,
  and your Holy Spirit take not from me.
R. A heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn.

Focus on a significant word or phrase in this passage or the meditation for a few moments.

What word of phrase jumps out to speak to you?

Why? 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.

Pilgrimage to Easter: Day 7

Meditation for Tuesday 16 February
... 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 

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.

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.

Pilgrimage to Easter: Day 6

Meditation for Monday 15 February
... from the readings of the day:

‘Amen, I say to you, whatever you did
for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.’
Matthew 25:40

All of us are brothers and sisters 
in the body of Christ,
bound together in a single organism
with many parts, but one.

Many hearts pumping blood but, 
at heart, a single heart, beating love.
Many hands reaching out to push and pull,
to break and create frail, fleeting structures

we dream will live after us. We dream
we are gods and our creations will
last for ever. But everything created of
matter wears and breaks. Only love lasts.

Single minds dreaming of separation
and domination - but finally powerless before
our one mind of love; our one thought
of love, love's true single kingdom.

Our dreams of separation: Syrians, boat people,
separate races, religions, countries, gods, histories -
all dreams, fever nightmares leaving us
sweating, confused, alarmed when we start awake.

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 25:37-40

Then the righteous will answer him and say,
‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you,
or thirsty and give you drink?
When did we see you a stranger and welcome you,
or naked and clothe you?
When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?’
And the king will say to them in reply,
‘Amen, I say to you, whatever you did
for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.’

Focus on a significant word or phrase in this passage or the meditation for a few moments.

What word of phrase jumps out to speak to you?

Why? 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 CHRIST. 

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.

Pilgrimage to Easter: First Sunday of Lent

Meditation for Day 5, Sunday 14 February

... from the readings of the day:

When the devil had finished every temptation, 

he departed from him for a time.
Luke 4,13

When Jesus Carpenter got so angry

with the occupiers, the priests, the people,

and decided to do what he could

to change it, he was still just an angry man - 

still to discover the God-in-him.

What was unusual was not his very human fantasies, 

but his urge to purify himself first by fasting.

Tempted by food was easy 

(although we have all failed there!)

But as a young man starting out 

on a dangerous path he was also

tempted by power and history and his ability 

to be remembered for something truly spectacular!

And although he later turned all three

temptations into prophesies, the wonder

of the starving ragged man was

that he stood strong against them.

Human, he trusted in God and rejected them.

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 when I am reaching 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, Psalm 91,1-2

   R. Be with me, Lord, when I am in trouble. 

You who dwell in the shelter of the Most High, 

who abide in the shadow of the Almighty, 

say to the LORD, “My refuge and fortress, 

my God in whom I trust.” 

   R. Be with me, Lord, when I am in trouble.

Focus on a significant word or phrase in this passage or the meditation for a few moments.

What word of phrase jumps out to speak to you?

Why? 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 TRUST. 

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.