A Discerning Heart Prepared: 9 Days of Spiritual Preparation for Lent
Opening Prayer (Pray each day before the daily reflection)
Heavenly Father, as I prepare to enter the holy season of Lent, I open my heart to You. Let this be a time of renewal, where I grow in love, sacrifice, and prayer. Help me remove distractions and embrace this season with purpose. Through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and all the saints, may my soul be ready to walk with Christ.
Amen.
Day 3 – Removing Obstacles
Scripture:“Make straight the way of the Lord.” (John 1:23)
Reflection:
Before we move forward in Lent, it would be good to remove what is holding us back. What distractions, sins, or habits keep you from drawing closer to Christ?
Practical Step:
Take time today to identify what needs to go. Reflect on habits, distractions, or attachments that keep you from deeper prayer. Write them down in your journal, and ask for the grace to surrender them.
If possible, simplify your environment. Clear clutter from your prayer space, put away distractions, and create an atmosphere that helps you focus on God.
Closing Prayer:
Jesus, help me remove what keeps me from You. Give me the strength to let go and walk freely in Your grace.
Amen.
Take a moment now to sit in stillness. Let today’s prayer and reflection settle in your heart.
When Lent begins this Ash Wednesday, we’ll invite you to continue your journey with our series A Lenten Spiritual Journey with Discerning Hearts: From Ashes to Glory, exclusively on Discerning Hearts.
May this season be one of deep grace and renewal and a deeper encounter with Christ.
St. Gregory of Narek – The Doctors of the Church: The Charism of Wisdom with Dr. Matthew Bunson
Born: 951 Rshtunik, Vaspurakan, Bagratid Armenia
Died: 1003 Narekavank, Vaspurakan, Armenia
Feast Day: 13 October (Holy Translators day); 27 February (Roman Catholic Church)
Dr. Matthew Bunson and Kris McGregor discuss the significance of St. Gregory of Narek being declared the 36th Doctor of the Church by Pope Francis in 2015. St. Gregory’s profound contributions to Christian spirituality, particularly his “Book of Lamentations,” is a collection of 95 poetic prayers that deeply resonate with themes of humility, suffering, and the longing for union with God. A mystic, theologian, and poet of the Armenian Church, is recognized for his ability to express the depths of human brokenness and the hope found in divine mercy. His writings are compared to those of St. Augustine and St. John of the Cross, emphasizing their ability to guide the faithful toward a personal encounter with God through lament and prayer.
St. Gregory’s life, shaped by early suffering and monastic formation, deeply influenced his spiritual insight. His work remains central to Armenian Christianity, with prayers from the “Book of Lamentations” integrated into the Armenian liturgy. The podcast considers how Gregory’s appointment as a Doctor of the Church invites the broader Catholic Church to engage more deeply with Eastern Christian traditions and spirituality.
Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions
How does the Church’s recognition of St. Gregory of Narek as a Doctor deepen our understanding of the spiritual treasures within Eastern Christianity?
In what ways can Gregory’s “Book of Lamentations” teach us to transform our suffering into a path toward deeper union with God?
How does Gregory’s emphasis on humility challenge our approach to prayer and our relationship with God?
What does Gregory’s mystical theology reveal about the call to holiness and the pursuit of intimate communion with God for all believers?
How can the integration of Gregory’s prayers into the Armenian liturgy inspire a deeper appreciation for the role of sacred tradition in personal prayer?
How does Gregory’s work invite Latin Rite Catholics to explore the richness of Eastern Christian theology and worship?
What can the faithfulness of the Armenian Church, especially through suffering, teach us about perseverance in our own spiritual journey?
How can engaging with the writings of lesser-known Doctors, like Gregory, expand our understanding of Catholic spirituality and deepen our faith?
”An Armenian saint has been declared a Doctor of the Church. In last Saturday’s audience with the cardinal Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, Pope Francis approved the proposal put forward by the Plenary Session of the Congregation, agreeing for the title of Doctor of the Universal Church to be conferred upon Gregory of Narek.
St. Gregory, a priest and monk, was born circa 950 AD in Andzevatsik (formerly Armenia, present-day Turkey) to a family of writers. He died circa 1005 in Narek (formerly Armenia, present-day Turkey). His father, Khosrov, was an archbishop. Having lost his mother at a young age, Gregory was brought up by his cousin, Anania of Narek, founder of the local school and village. The saint lived most of his life in the monasteries of Narek (in what was once called Great Armenia), where he taught at the monastic school. He is considered one of Armenian literature’s greatest poets.
The cult of St. Gregory of Narek will be marked on 27 February in the Roman Martyrology. He will be defined as “monk, doctor of the Armenians, distinguished for his writings and mystic science”.
The papal decision comes just weeks before Francis is due to commemorate the centenary of the Armenian massacre on 12 April in St. Peter’s Basilica. The Medz Yeghern as the Armenian massacre is called, took place in 1915.”
Dr. Matthew E. Bunson is a Register senior editor and a senior contributor to EWTN News. For the past 20 years, he has been active in the area of Catholic social communications and education, including writing, editing, and teaching on a variety of topics related to Church history, the papacy, the saints, and Catholic culture. He is faculty chair at Catholic Distance University, a senior fellow of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology, and the author or co-author of over 50 books including The Encyclopedia of Catholic History, The Pope Encyclopedia, We Have a Pope! Benedict XVI, The Saints Encyclopedia and best-selling biographies of St. Damien of Molokai and St. Kateri Tekakwitha.
Thursday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast
As you begin, take a deep breath and exhale slowly. For at least the next few moments, surrender all the cares and concerns of this day to the Lord.
Say slowly from your heart “Jesus, I Trust In You…You Take Over”
Become aware that He is with you, looking upon you with love, wanting to be heard deep within in your heart…
From the Holy Gospel of Mark 9:41-50
Jesus said to his disciples:
‘If anyone gives you a cup of water to drink just because you belong to Christ, then I tell you solemnly, he will most certainly not lose his reward.
‘But anyone who is an obstacle to bring down one of these little ones who have faith, would be better thrown into the sea with a great millstone round his neck. And if your hand should cause you to sin, cut it off; it is better for you to enter into life crippled, than to have two hands and go to hell, into the fire that cannot be put out. And if your foot should cause you to sin, cut it off; it is better for you to enter into life lame, than to have two feet and be thrown into hell. And if your eye should cause you to sin, tear it out; it is better for you to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell where their worm does not die nor their fire go out. For everyone will be salted with fire. Salt is a good thing, but if salt has become insipid, how can you season it again? Have salt in yourselves and be at peace with one another.’
What word made this passage come alive for you?
What did you sense the Lord saying to you?
Once more give the Lord an opportunity to speak to you:
Jesus said to his disciples:
‘If anyone gives you a cup of water to drink just because you belong to Christ, then I tell you solemnly, he will most certainly not lose his reward.
‘But anyone who is an obstacle to bring down one of these little ones who have faith, would be better thrown into the sea with a great millstone round his neck. And if your hand should cause you to sin, cut it off; it is better for you to enter into life crippled, than to have two hands and go to hell, into the fire that cannot be put out. And if your foot should cause you to sin, cut it off; it is better for you to enter into life lame, than to have two feet and be thrown into hell. And if your eye should cause you to sin, tear it out; it is better for you to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell where their worm does not die nor their fire go out. For everyone will be salted with fire. Salt is a good thing, but if salt has become insipid, how can you season it again? Have salt in yourselves and be at peace with one another.’
What did your heart feel as you listened?
What did you sense the Lord saying to you?
Once more, through Him, with Him and in Him listen to the Word:
Jesus said to his disciples:
‘If anyone gives you a cup of water to drink just because you belong to Christ, then I tell you solemnly, he will most certainly not lose his reward.
‘But anyone who is an obstacle to bring down one of these little ones who have faith, would be better thrown into the sea with a great millstone round his neck. And if your hand should cause you to sin, cut it off; it is better for you to enter into life crippled, than to have two hands and go to hell, into the fire that cannot be put out. And if your foot should cause you to sin, cut it off; it is better for you to enter into life lame, than to have two feet and be thrown into hell. And if your eye should cause you to sin, tear it out; it is better for you to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell where their worm does not die nor their fire go out. For everyone will be salted with fire. Salt is a good thing, but if salt has become insipid, how can you season it again? Have salt in yourselves and be at peace with one another.’
What touched your heart in this time of prayer?
What did your heart feel as you prayed?
What do you hope to carry with you from this time with the Lord?
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us,
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
Amen
Excerpt from THE JERUSALEM BIBLE, copyright (c) 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd, Ltd. and Doubleday, a division of Penguin Random House, Inc. Reprinted by Permission.
A Discerning Heart Prepared: 9 Days of Spiritual Preparation for Lent
Opening Prayer (Pray each day before the daily reflection)
Heavenly Father, as I prepare to enter the holy season of Lent, I open my heart to You. Let this be a time of renewal, where I grow in love, sacrifice, and prayer. Help me remove distractions and embrace this season with purpose. Through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and all the saints, may my soul be ready to walk with Christ.
Amen.
Day 2 – Expectant Waiting
Scripture:“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness.” (Matthew 5:6)
Reflection:
Lent is not just about what we give up; it is about what we take on for love of God. True transformation begins with expectation—a heart that longs to be filled by Him.
Today, take a moment to reflect: How do I want to grow this Lent? Where do I thirst for God’s grace in my life?
Practical Step:
Start your first Lenten journal entry. Write down what you hope for this season—how you want to grow spiritually, where you need God’s grace, and the prayers you want to bring before Him. Think of this as a gentle warm-up, allowing journaling to become second nature by the time Lent begins.
Ponder a simple daily prayer commitment. It could be reading a short passage of Scripture, praying the Rosary daily—alone or with family—or sitting in quiet with the Lord for five minutes each day. You don’t have to decide today, but begin discerning what might be best for you as Lent approaches.
Closing Prayer:
Lord, deepen my hunger for You. Awaken in me a longing that only You can satisfy.
Amen.
Take a moment now to sit in stillness. Let today’s prayer and reflection settle in your heart.
When Lent begins this Ash Wednesday, we’ll invite you to continue your journey with our series A Lenten Spiritual Journey with Discerning Hearts: From Ashes to Glory, exclusively on Discerning Hearts.
May this season be one of deep grace and renewal and a deeper encounter with Christ.
The Death of St. Thérèse – St. Thérèse and Marie: The Story of Two Cousins with Fr. Timothy Gallagher
St. Thérèse of Lisieux
Fr. Timothy Gallagher and Kris McGregor discuss the final moments of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, drawing from the detailed account written by her sister Pauline, also known as Mother Agnes of Jesus. As Thérèse approached death at the age of 24, she endured immense physical suffering from tuberculosis, compounded by deep spiritual desolation. Despite this, she remained centered on love and trust in God, uttering her final words, “My God, I love you,” while gazing at her crucifix. Her last moments were marked by a profound surrender to God’s will, even in the face of excruciating pain. The sisters in her Carmelite community observed a radiant transformation in her countenance after death, interpreting it as a sign of her immediate entry into eternal joy.
Fr. Gallagher also touches on the impact of Thérèse’s passing on her cousin Marie and other family members. Marie, who struggled with scrupulosity, experienced a deepening of her spiritual life, reflecting the grace Thérèse had promised to shower upon souls from heaven. Shortly after, Marie’s mother, Céline, also passed away, reinforcing the family’s growing sense of heavenly intercession. Their letters reveal a profound love for family, which did not diminish in the cloister but grew stronger through their sanctity.
Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions
St. Thérèse’s final words reflect complete trust in God—how do I respond when faced with suffering and uncertainty?
Despite immense physical and spiritual agony, Thérèse continued to express love—how can I cultivate love even in my own trials?
Thérèse and her family remained deeply united in faith—how does my love for my family reflect my journey toward holiness?
Thérèse saw her suffering as a way to bring souls to God—how can I intentionally offer my struggles for the salvation of others?
Her family found comfort knowing their loved ones were interceding from heaven—how often do I turn to the saints for help and guidance?
Thérèse’s love for her family grew through her union with Christ—how does my relationship with God shape the way I love others?
Thérèse embraced death as a gateway to heaven—how am I preparing my heart each day for the moment I will meet God?
Marie Guérin
About this Series
Fr. Timothy Gallagher reflects upon the enduring legacy of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, exploring how her life and spirituality were deeply influenced by her family and how it offers profound insights into everyday holiness. He examines the role of family and spiritual friendships in nurturing faith, the importance of compassionate care for others, and how Thérèse’s example can inspire listeners to seek sanctity in their daily lives. He also brings forth more details of the spiritual bond between the Martin and Guérin families, offering a model for fostering deeper connections within one’s own family and community.
Father Timothy M. Gallagher, O.M.V., was ordained in 1979 as a member of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary, a religious community dedicated to retreats and spiritual formation according to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. Fr. Gallagher is featured on the EWTN series “Living the Discerning Life: The Spiritual Teachings of St. Ignatius of Loyola.” For more information on how to obtain copies of Fr. Gallaghers’s various books and audio, which are available for purchase, please visit his website: frtimothygallagher.org
Did you know that Fr. Timothy Gallagher has 14 different podcast series on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts?
Visit here to discover more!
Wednesday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast
As you begin, take a deep breath and exhale slowly. For at least the next few moments, surrender all the cares and concerns of this day to the Lord.
Say slowly from your heart “Jesus, I Trust In You…You Take Over”
Become aware that He is with you, looking upon you with love, wanting to be heard deep within in your heart…
From the Holy Gospel of Mark 9:38-40
John said to Jesus, ‘Master, we saw a man who is not one of us casting out devils in your name; and because he was not one of us we tried to stop him.’ But Jesus said, ‘You must not stop him: no one who works a miracle in my name is likely to speak evil of me. Anyone who is not against us is for us.’
What word made this passage come alive for you?
What did you sense the Lord saying to you?
Once more give the Lord an opportunity to speak to you:
John said to Jesus, ‘Master, we saw a man who is not one of us casting out devils in your name; and because he was not one of us we tried to stop him.’ But Jesus said, ‘You must not stop him: no one who works a miracle in my name is likely to speak evil of me. Anyone who is not against us is for us.’
What did your heart feel as you listened?
What did you sense the Lord saying to you?
Once more, through Him, with Him and in Him listen to the Word:
John said to Jesus, ‘Master, we saw a man who is not one of us casting out devils in your name; and because he was not one of us we tried to stop him.’ But Jesus said, ‘You must not stop him: no one who works a miracle in my name is likely to speak evil of me. Anyone who is not against us is for us.’
What touched your heart in this time of prayer?
What did your heart feel as you prayed?
What do you hope to carry with you from this time with the Lord?
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us,
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
Amen
Excerpt from THE JERUSALEM BIBLE, copyright (c) 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd, Ltd. and Doubleday, a division of Penguin Random House, Inc. Reprinted by Permission.
A Discerning Heart Prepared: 9 Days of Spiritual Preparation for Lent
Opening Prayer (Pray each day before the daily reflection)
Heavenly Father, as I prepare to enter the holy season of Lent, I open my heart to You. Let this be a time of renewal, where I grow in love, sacrifice, and prayer. Help me remove distractions and embrace this season with purpose. Through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and all the saints, may my soul be ready to walk with Christ.
Amen.
Day 1 – A Heart That Desires Renewal
Scripture:“Behold, I am doing something new! Now it springs forth—do you not perceive it?” (Isaiah 43:19)
Reflection:
God is always at work, bringing renewal to our hearts, but sometimes we fail to perceive it. As Lent approaches, we must ask: Am I open to what God wants to do within me?
Pause for a moment and bring this question to God: Lord, what new work do You desire to begin in me this Lent?
Practical Steps:
Today’s step is simple but important:
Choose a Bible to accompany you throughout Lent—maybe your well-loved favorite or a new one to mark this season of beginning again.
Find a journal for your reflections. It doesn’t have to be elaborate—just a simple space to write your thoughts, prayers, and insights each day.
Keep these items somewhere visible as a daily reminder to engage with God’s Word and reflect on your journey.
Closing Prayer:
Lord, I desire to be renewed. Give me the grace to see Your work unfolding in my life. Prepare my heart for the journey ahead.
Amen.
Take a moment now to sit in stillness. Let today’s prayer and reflection settle in your heart.
When Lent begins this Ash Wednesday, we’ll invite you to continue your journey with our series A Lenten Spiritual Journey with Discerning Hearts: From Ashes to Glory, exclusively on Discerning Hearts.
May this season be one of deep grace and renewal and a deeper encounter with Christ.
Graces from Contemplation – St. John of the Cross: Master of Contemplation with Fr. Donald Haggerty
Fr. Donald Haggerty discusses the transition from meditative to contemplative prayer in the spiritual life, drawing from St. John of the Cross. Many struggle when they feel an inclination toward silent prayer, fearing they are abandoning traditional meditative practices. Haggerty explains that this inclination is a grace, where the soul is drawn to rest in God’s presence rather than actively engaging the intellect. Forcing oneself back into meditation when contemplative grace is being offered can hinder spiritual growth. However, this shift does not negate structured prayers like the Rosary or the Liturgy of the Hours, which remain valuable. Contemplative grace is often intermittent and does not fill an entire period of prayer but can be recognized and embraced when it arises.
A deepening relationship with God affects daily life. As the soul becomes more attuned to God’s presence, moments of contemplation may arise unexpectedly, even outside formal prayer. This transformation fosters greater love for God and others, leading to a more self-giving life. We must set aside silent time for prayer, particularly in the presence of the Eucharist, as a means of nurturing this deeper union with God.
Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions
How do you respond when you feel drawn to quiet prayer rather than structured meditation, and do you see this as a possible grace from God?
In moments of dryness or uncertainty, how can you resist the urge to force a particular method of prayer and instead surrender to God’s leading?
What are some unexpected moments in your day when you have sensed God’s presence, and how can you become more attuned to them?
How do you maintain a healthy balance between meditative, vocal, and contemplative prayer without neglecting any aspect of your spiritual life?
In what ways can you nurture a deeper desire for God in both prayer and daily actions, allowing His love to transform your heart?
An excerpt from St. John of the Cross: Master of Contemplation
“The more a soul in responding to contemplative grace becomes “habituated” to the calm that is drawing it from within, the more likely that a “general, loving knowledge of God” rises up from within the recesses of the soul. In time, it can be expected that this loving knowledge will pervade the soul’s awareness more distinctly and more appealingly. Nonetheless, it would seem clear that this last sign is in a certain way the most difficult to discern. The previous four signs exhibit strong negative reactions. This last sign is subtle always in its beginnings and delicate in its attraction, and to answer to it means to respond to a grace that may not seem so assured. In many cases, it may be that a soul gives itself to this inclination quite unknowingly. It is led by God and surrenders to the calm and loving knowledge without thinking much about what it is doing. This may certainly be true in the lives of simple souls who are not so analytical and intellectual.
As Saint John of the Cross comments: “It is noteworthy that this general knowledge is at times so recondite and delicate (especially when purer, simpler, and more perfect), spiritual and interior that the soul does not perceive or feel it even though the soul is employed with it” (AMC 2.14.8). The last phrase seems to make clear that souls often initially enter into the graces of contemplation without realizing that they are doing so. The general loving knowledge that descends on the soul is accompanied by a deep interior calm and draws the soul like the fragrance of newly baked bread for a hungry man. The man in hunger simply moves in the direction of that bread, not thinking so much what he is doing. And this is precisely what can happen in prayer. The more a soul finds itself following the deeper inclination to enter this inward calm and quiet peace, the more likely it is that the soul begins to be attracted to the simple desire to love that it is receiving in grace. The movement forward to contemplation is a response to this grace: “The more habituated persons become to this calm, the more their experience of this general loving knowledge of God will increase. This knowledge is more enjoyable than all other things because without the soul’s labor it affords peace, rest, savor, and delight” (AMC 2.13.7).
Haggerty, Donald. Saint John of the Cross: Master of Contemplation (p. 175). Ignatius Press. Kindle Edition.
Tuesday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast
As you begin, take a deep breath and exhale slowly. For at least the next few moments, surrender all the cares and concerns of this day to the Lord.
Say slowly from your heart “Jesus, I Trust In You…You Take Over”
Become aware that He is with you, looking upon you with love, wanting to be heard deep within in your heart…
From the Holy Gospel of St. Mark 9:30-37
Jesus and his disciples made their way through Galilee; and he did not want anyone to know, because he was instructing his disciples; he was telling them, ‘The Son of Man will be delivered into the hands of men; they will put him to death; and three days after he has been put to death he will rise again.’ But they did not understand what he said and were afraid to ask him.
They came to Capernaum, and when he was in the house he asked them, ‘What were you arguing about on the road?’ They said nothing because they had been arguing which of them was the greatest. So he sat down, called the Twelve to him and said, ‘If anyone wants to be first, he must make himself last of all and servant of all.’ He then took a little child, set him in front of them, put his arms round him, and said to them, ‘Anyone who welcomes one of these little children in my name, welcomes me; and anyone who welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me.’
What word made this passage come alive for you?
What did you sense the Lord saying to you?
Once more give the Lord an opportunity to speak to you:
Jesus and his disciples made their way through Galilee; and he did not want anyone to know, because he was instructing his disciples; he was telling them, ‘The Son of Man will be delivered into the hands of men; they will put him to death; and three days after he has been put to death he will rise again.’ But they did not understand what he said and were afraid to ask him.
They came to Capernaum, and when he was in the house he asked them, ‘What were you arguing about on the road?’ They said nothing because they had been arguing which of them was the greatest. So he sat down, called the Twelve to him and said, ‘If anyone wants to be first, he must make himself last of all and servant of all.’ He then took a little child, set him in front of them, put his arms round him, and said to them, ‘Anyone who welcomes one of these little children in my name, welcomes me; and anyone who welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me.’
What did your heart feel as you listened?
What did you sense the Lord saying to you?
Once more, through Him, with Him and in Him listen to the Word:
Jesus and his disciples made their way through Galilee; and he did not want anyone to know, because he was instructing his disciples; he was telling them, ‘The Son of Man will be delivered into the hands of men; they will put him to death; and three days after he has been put to death he will rise again.’ But they did not understand what he said and were afraid to ask him.
They came to Capernaum, and when he was in the house he asked them, ‘What were you arguing about on the road?’ They said nothing because they had been arguing which of them was the greatest. So he sat down, called the Twelve to him and said, ‘If anyone wants to be first, he must make himself last of all and servant of all.’ He then took a little child, set him in front of them, put his arms round him, and said to them, ‘Anyone who welcomes one of these little children in my name, welcomes me; and anyone who welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me.’
What touched your heart in this time of prayer?
What did your heart feel as you prayed?
What do you hope to carry with you from this time with the Lord?
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us,
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
Amen
Excerpt from THE JERUSALEM BIBLE, copyright (c) 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd, Ltd. and Doubleday, a division of Penguin Random House, Inc. Reprinted by Permission.
Monday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast
As you begin, take a deep breath and exhale slowly. For at least the next few moments, surrender all the cares and concerns of this day to the Lord.
Say slowly from your heart “Jesus, I Trust In You…You Take Over”
Become aware that He is with you, looking upon you with love, wanting to be heard deep within in your heart…
From the Holy Gospel of St. Mark 9:14-29
When Jesus, with Peter, James and John came down from the mountain and rejoined the disciples, they saw a large crowd round them and some scribes arguing with them. The moment they saw him the whole crowd were struck with amazement and ran to greet him. ‘What are you arguing about with them?’ he asked. A man answered him from the crowd, ‘Master, I have brought my son to you; there is a spirit of dumbness in him, and when it takes hold of him it throws him to the ground, and he foams at the mouth and grinds his teeth and goes rigid. And I asked your disciples to cast it out and they were unable to.’ ‘You faithless generation’ he said to them in reply. ‘How much longer must I be with you? How much longer must I put up with you? Bring him to me.’ They brought the boy to him, and as soon as the spirit saw Jesus it threw the boy into convulsions, and he fell to the ground and lay writhing there, foaming at the mouth. Jesus asked the father, ‘How long has this been happening to him?’ ‘From childhood,’ he replied ‘and it has often thrown him into the fire and into the water, in order to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have pity on us and help us.’ ‘If you can?’ retorted Jesus. ‘Everything is possible for anyone who has faith.’ Immediately the father of the boy cried out, ‘I do have faith. Help the little faith I have!’ And when Jesus saw how many people were pressing round him, he rebuked the unclean spirit. ‘Deaf and dumb spirit,’ he said ‘I command you: come out of him and never enter him again.’ Then throwing the boy into violent convulsions it came out shouting, and the boy lay there so like a corpse that most of them said, ‘He is dead.’ But Jesus took him by the hand and helped him up, and he was able to stand. When he had gone indoors his disciples asked him privately, ‘Why were we unable to cast it out?’ ‘This is the kind’ he answered ‘that can only be driven out by prayer.’
What word made this passage come alive for you?
What did you sense the Lord saying to you?
Once more give the Lord an opportunity to speak to you:
When Jesus, with Peter, James and John came down from the mountain and rejoined the disciples, they saw a large crowd round them and some scribes arguing with them. The moment they saw him the whole crowd were struck with amazement and ran to greet him. ‘What are you arguing about with them?’ he asked. A man answered him from the crowd, ‘Master, I have brought my son to you; there is a spirit of dumbness in him, and when it takes hold of him it throws him to the ground, and he foams at the mouth and grinds his teeth and goes rigid. And I asked your disciples to cast it out and they were unable to.’ ‘You faithless generation’ he said to them in reply. ‘How much longer must I be with you? How much longer must I put up with you? Bring him to me.’ They brought the boy to him, and as soon as the spirit saw Jesus it threw the boy into convulsions, and he fell to the ground and lay writhing there, foaming at the mouth. Jesus asked the father, ‘How long has this been happening to him?’ ‘From childhood,’ he replied ‘and it has often thrown him into the fire and into the water, in order to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have pity on us and help us.’ ‘If you can?’ retorted Jesus. ‘Everything is possible for anyone who has faith.’ Immediately the father of the boy cried out, ‘I do have faith. Help the little faith I have!’ And when Jesus saw how many people were pressing round him, he rebuked the unclean spirit. ‘Deaf and dumb spirit,’ he said ‘I command you: come out of him and never enter him again.’ Then throwing the boy into violent convulsions it came out shouting, and the boy lay there so like a corpse that most of them said, ‘He is dead.’ But Jesus took him by the hand and helped him up, and he was able to stand. When he had gone indoors his disciples asked him privately, ‘Why were we unable to cast it out?’ ‘This is the kind’ he answered ‘that can only be driven out by prayer.’
What did your heart feel as you listened?
What did you sense the Lord saying to you?
Once more, through Him, with Him and in Him listen to the Word:
When Jesus, with Peter, James and John came down from the mountain and rejoined the disciples, they saw a large crowd round them and some scribes arguing with them. The moment they saw him the whole crowd were struck with amazement and ran to greet him. ‘What are you arguing about with them?’ he asked. A man answered him from the crowd, ‘Master, I have brought my son to you; there is a spirit of dumbness in him, and when it takes hold of him it throws him to the ground, and he foams at the mouth and grinds his teeth and goes rigid. And I asked your disciples to cast it out and they were unable to.’ ‘You faithless generation’ he said to them in reply. ‘How much longer must I be with you? How much longer must I put up with you? Bring him to me.’ They brought the boy to him, and as soon as the spirit saw Jesus it threw the boy into convulsions, and he fell to the ground and lay writhing there, foaming at the mouth. Jesus asked the father, ‘How long has this been happening to him?’ ‘From childhood,’ he replied ‘and it has often thrown him into the fire and into the water, in order to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have pity on us and help us.’ ‘If you can?’ retorted Jesus. ‘Everything is possible for anyone who has faith.’ Immediately the father of the boy cried out, ‘I do have faith. Help the little faith I have!’ And when Jesus saw how many people were pressing round him, he rebuked the unclean spirit. ‘Deaf and dumb spirit,’ he said ‘I command you: come out of him and never enter him again.’ Then throwing the boy into violent convulsions it came out shouting, and the boy lay there so like a corpse that most of them said, ‘He is dead.’ But Jesus took him by the hand and helped him up, and he was able to stand. When he had gone indoors his disciples asked him privately, ‘Why were we unable to cast it out?’ ‘This is the kind’ he answered ‘that can only be driven out by prayer.’
What touched your heart in this time of prayer?
What did your heart feel as you prayed?
What do you hope to carry with you from this time with the Lord?
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us,
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
Amen
Excerpt from THE JERUSALEM BIBLE, copyright (c) 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd, Ltd. and Doubleday, a division of Penguin Random House, Inc. Reprinted by Permission.
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