Opening Prayer

Imagine how God looks upon you with great joy and gratitude for being here with him right now. Allow his long, loving gaze to bathe you in warmth and light, and notice how you feel as you rest in his presence.

Reflection

John of the Cross says our movement towards God and God’s movement towards us is both passive and active. We are active in responding to the draw of gravity by praying faithfully and openly, drawing from our energy and our emptiness. There are times when I find excuses for not prioritising prayer time, which helps me to become more loving, generous, faithful and forgiving. When our relationship with God isn’t deep enough, it is easy to find excuses, and it’s no wonder, because it can feel like a journey into the unknown. It is confusing; we cannot see where the road goes, but God wants to help us find his will in our day ahead. In today’s scripture, Jesus invites us to have that same attitude of heart which acknowledges our weaknesses before him and our need for the gospel that he brings.  He points to people whom we may be critical and condescending of, who have never heard of Jesus, unlike us, who are privileged to have heard the good news. The first son, after reflection, changed his mind and honoured his father’s wish. Can we honestly go to prayer searching for his will, even if it goes against ours? Can we trust in God’s love for us, to lead us down the right road?

Scripture

Matthew 21:28-32

 “What do you think? A man had two sons; he went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ He answered, ‘I will not,’ but later he changed his mind and went. The father went to the second and said the same, and he answered, ‘I go, sir,’ but he did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are going into the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him, and even after you saw it you did not change your minds and believe him.

Reflection Prayer

Lord, open my heart to your guidance as I listen in prayer.
When I resist or make excuses, draw me gently back to you.
Help me to be honest and willing to follow wherever you lead.
Teach me to trust your quiet voice.

Concluding Prayer   

In order to arrive at having pleasure in everything,
Desire to have pleasure in nothing.
In order to arrive at possessing everything,
Desire to possess nothing.

– John of the Cross