Presence

God is with me, but more, God is within me.
Let me dwell for a moment on God’s life-giving presence
in my body, in my mind, in my heart,
as I am here, right now.

Freedom

Lord, I pray for Your gift of freedom.
May Your Holy Spirit
guide those in power to work for
true justice for all Your people.

Consciousness

Knowing that God loves me unconditionally,
I look honestly over the last day, its events and my feelings.
Do I have something to be grateful for? Then I give thanks.
Is there something I am sorry for? Then I ask forgiveness.

The Word of God

¹Soon afterward he went on through one town and village after another, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. The twelve were with him, ²as well as some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, ³and Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, and Susanna, and many others, who ministered to them out of their own resources.

Inspiration

Much attention is given to the twelve who travelled around with Jesus, bringing the good news of the Kingdom. There were women disciples who got little attention, but in fact, Jesus was truly radical for his time in how he welcomed and accompanied men and women alike. Like them, may we provide for Jesus and his company out of our own resources so that they can continue the mission.

Mary Magdalene, Chuza and Susanna were named, but there were many others. These women were faithful disciples who are mentioned again at the crucifixion and burial of Jesus (Luke 23:49; 55). Lord, may we emulate these women who followed Jesus faithfully on his journey from Galilee to Jerusalem.

Conversation

What word or phrase has caught my attention from today’s Gospel? I ask the Lord what He wants to say to me through this word…

Conclusion

I thank God for these few moments we have spent alone together and for any insights I may have been given concerning the text.

Amen