Presence

I bring myself into Your presence, O God.
May I always take time to notice and enjoy
the beauty You have created
for my pleasure.

Freedom

Your death on the Cross has set me free.
I can live joyously and freely,
without fear of death.
Your mercy knows no bounds.

Consciousness

There is a time and place for everything, as the saying goes.
Lord, grant that I may always desire
to spend time in Your presence,
to hear Your call.

The Word of God

²³On that day you will ask nothing of me. Very truly, I tell you, if you ask anything of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. ²⁴Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete.

²⁵“I have said these things to you in figures of speech. The hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures but will tell you plainly of the Father. ²⁶On that day you will ask in my name. I do not say to you that I will ask the Father on your behalf, ²⁷for the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God.^{, 28}I came from the Father and have come into the world; again, I am leaving the world and am going to the Father.”

Inspiration

The Holy Spirit hands out various gifts to us all. This allows us to extend our attention towards others and, hopefully, make Jesus a larger reality both in their and our lives. In parish life, you can see this sharing of largesse bringing wealth to all who partake. Since COVID times, my parish has operated a Zoom scripture circle that meets each week to ponder the upcoming weekend's scripture. It’s been a treasure trove for many of us. We ask that we may continue to seek good gifts from you, Lord, that will further your Kingdom.

Conversation

I begin to talk to Jesus about the piece of scripture I have just read.
What part of it strikes a chord in me?
Perhaps the words of a friend, or some story I have heard recently, or some experience,
will slowly rise to the surface of my consciousness.
If so, does this memory throw light on what the scripture passage may be trying to say to me?

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