Presence

Every moment is alive with the glorious presence of God. As I give myself more and more to intimate communion with the One who created me, I find that I simply have no time to worry.

Freedom

Lord, like Saint Ignatius, I offer you my memory, understanding,
my entire will. All I ask for in return is Your love and Your grace – that’s enough for me.

Consciousness

Life is busy, Lord.
Often my best intentions are left undone,
but I know that You are with me in all I say and do,
and in everyone I meet with daily.

The Word of God

²²At that time the Festival of the Dedication took place in Jerusalem. It was winter, ²³and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the portico of Solomon. ²⁴So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.” ²⁵Jesus answered, “I have told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father’s name testify to me, ²⁶but you do not believe because you do not belong to my sheep. ²⁷My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. ²⁸I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. ²⁹My Father, in regard to what he has given me, is greater than all, and no one can snatch them out of the Father’s hand. ³⁰The Father and I are one.”

Inspiration

When the Jews question Jesus about his actions and teaching, it is clearly in the context of their own ideas of the Messiah. They ask him to tell them plainly if he is the Messiah. But when he tells them that he and the Father are one and backs this up by his miracles they refuse to believe in him. What of our own faith in his words? We can acknowledge he is God with our heads, but this has to make the long journey to our hearts, for it is out of our hearts that we live.

Conversation

What feelings are rising in me as I pray and reflect on God’s Word?
I imagine Jesus Himself sitting or standing near me and I open my heart to Him.

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