June 2010

WORDS FROM ST. JULIE: Let us go on day by day.  Our life will never be long enough to thank the good God because he is good and his mercy is eternal.  I leave you, putting you in the abyss of the goodness of the good God.  Namur, June 11, 1814

WHERE ARE WE ON THE JOURNEY? What meaning does the word ‘ordinary’ take on when viewed through the lens of Christianity?  June offers us an opportunity to ponder that question.  We move back into ‘ordinary’ time with the celebration of the Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ.  Part of the mystery we’re invited to explore is that for Christians the ‘ordinary’ is filled with God’s loving presence (within us and among us) constantly nourishing us and calling us to deeper union with God’s self and with one another.  Let the readings of the Sundays of June be a gateway to explore more deeply this mystery that shapes our Christian identity.                          

WHERE AM I ON THE JOURNEY? Read the passages again.  In prayer reflect on the following questions:

1.  I spend time with 1COR 11:23-26, asking God to show me what the Eucharist means to me. 

2.  I reflect on 1COR 11:23-26 again, remembering times in my life when sharing a meal has been an experience of God.  I thank God for the memories that surface. 

3.  I ask the Holy Spirit to guide me into prayer with LK 9:11-17.  I ask the Holy Spirit to let me feel what the followers of Jesus felt as they faced the needs of the crowd.  How do I want to ‘dismiss’ those in need?  What do I respond when Jesus tells me ‘Give them something yourself.’  How is Christ calling me to partner with him in serving those around me?  I talk to God about this prayer experience.

4.  I read GAL 2:19-21 paying attention to the phrases/words that touch my heart.  What is God speaking to me through this passage? 

5.  I pray LK 7:36-50, asking the Holy Spirit to guide me into the story.  What catches my attention?  Who do I talk to?  How do they respond?  I talk to God about what happens during this experience.

6.  I spend time with PS 63, listening to the words/phrases that touch my heart.  I talk to God about what I hear. 

7.  I pray GAL 3:26-29, asking God to help me see the implications these words have for me as I live my life in an increasingly pluralistic society.  What does God show me?

8.  I pray LK 9:18-24, asking the Holy Spirit to guide me into the story.  What do I experience?  How do I respond when Jesus asks me, ‘Who do you say that I am’?  I talk to God about what happens during this time of prayer. 

9.  I ask the Holy Spirit to guide my prayer with 1Kings 19:16, 19-21.  First I talk to Elijah:  what do I say to him, ask him?  How does he respond?  I talk to Elisha:  what do I say to him, ask him?  How does he respond?  I talk to God….  Finally, I give thanks for this prayer time. 

10.  I pray PS 16, being attentive to the words and phrases that speak to my heart.  I take time to talk to God about them.

11.  I reflect on LK 9:51-62.  What conditions do I put on following Jesus?

A PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY

Jesus, may all that is you flow into me. May your body and blood be my food and drink. May your passion and death be my strength and life. Jesus, with you by my side enough has been given. May the shelter I seek be the shadow of your cross. Let me not run from the love which you offer, but hold me safe from the forces of evil. On each of my dyings shed your light and your love. Keep calling to me until that day comes, when, with your saints, I may praise you forever. Amen.  (By David Fleming, SJ)