Author: jcgosj

STUCK WITH A MODEST GOD (Mk 16:15-20):  Ascension Sunday (24 May 2009)

Today’s Readings

Dear Lord Jesus,

Today we remember your Ascension.  I guess many things can be said about it, but for me, it’ll always be the day you went away.

Yes, I know:  You didn’t just pack up and leave.  You didn’t just go without explaining why you had to return to the Father.  You didn’t just disappear without making sure your disciples could continue your work.  Most of all, you didn’t leave without first promising to send us your Holy Spirit and to be with us till the end of time.  

THE CROWDS WITHIN (Mark 14:1-15:47):  05 April 2009 (Passion or Palm Sunday)

Today’s Readings

Dear Lord Jesus,

Today there are two prescribed Gospel readings:  The first, right after the blessing of the branches, recounts your triumphant entry to Jerusalem.  The second Gospel reading is the familiar account of your Passion, starting with your interrogation by Pilate until the laying of your body in the tomb.

Prayer for Self-Dying (John 12:20-33):  29 March 2009 (Fifth Sunday of Lent)

Today’s Readings

Dear Lord,

Today you speak once again about the grain of wheat that needs to die before it can bear fruit.  It’s a neat metaphor, but what it means–what it requires–is far from neat.  As is often the case, you are referring to yourself as well and the example you have lived, as we shall soon commemorate this coming Holy Week.  You are that grain of wheat that had to die to bear the fruits in us.

LIVING AMONG SERPENTS (John 3:14-21):  22 March 2009 (Fourth Sunday of Lent)

Today’s Readings

Dearest Lord,

In today’s Gospel, you compared yourself to the bronze serpent that Moses lifted in the desert:  The Israelites had found themselves in a desert teeming with serpents and were dying from their venomous bites.  But whoever looked upon the bronze serpent that you asked Moses to raise on a pole were miraculously healed.

ENTER MY HEART (John 2:13-25):  15 March 2009 (Third Sunday of Lent)

Today’s Readings

Dear Jesus,

Is my heart a temple or a marketplace?

This morning I read about the Cleansing of the Temple, and I can’t help but feel disturbed. Did you really have to get that upset about what you saw in the temple?  It’s a little bit frightening to see you like this–driving out people, whip in hand.  This expression of anger is a far cry from your usual gentle and patient self, an image we all prefer for obvious reasons.