A PRE-MEDITATED CRIME is one in which every detail of the scene is scrupulously thought out beforehand: all possibilities are anticipated, all the potential problems resolved in the imagination. And so to meditate is simply to fix my mind on the gospel scene - perhaps to take up a role in the sacred drama and to let it unfold in my mind, even in the details: the touch of Jesus, the words of Jesus, the look of Jesus.
How often we lament, "I'm having such hard time these days." And then we tell the sad tale: the injuries suffered, the disappointing failure, the unwanted responsibilities, the money or health woes, the over-burdening requests, the self-doubting, the beckoning of the past.
There is really only one thing for the Christian to do: get beneath the cross with Jesus and carry at least a little piece of the wood with him. Or if that won't do, at least walk alongside Jesus in my mind as he does the work for me. After awhile, I'll see how much stronger I am beside Jesus - stronger than I ever imagined!
There is really only one thing for the Christian to do: get beneath the cross with Jesus and carry at least a little piece of the wood with him. Or if that won't do, at least walk alongside Jesus in my mind as he does the work for me. After awhile, I'll see how much stronger I am beside Jesus - stronger than I ever imagined!
"Do not let your hearts be troubled," Jesus said to the apostles before they left for the Garden of Gethsemane, (John 14:1)
Silence
Our Father Who Art in Heaven...
Hail Mary full of grace...
Glory be to the Father...
