Wednesday of the 2nd Week of Advent – An Advent Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart
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. Matthew 11:28-30
Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all you who labour and are overburdened, and I will give you rest. Shoulder my yoke and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Yes, my yoke is easy and my burden light.’
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, ‘Come to me, all you who labour and are overburdened, and I will give you rest. Shoulder my yoke and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Yes, my yoke is easy and my burden light.’
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, ‘Come to me, all you who labour and are overburdened, and I will give you rest. Shoulder my yoke and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Yes, my yoke is easy and my burden light.’
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?
We thank you, Lord Jesus for this time with you.
Keep us alert, we pray, O Lord our God,
as we await the advent of Christ your Son,
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever
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.
Exploring the Christian Dimensions in Tolkien’s World – A Lord of the Rings Spiritual Retreat w/ Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast
In this episode, host Kris McGregor engages in a profound dialogue with Father Timothy Gallagher about the Christian underpinnings in J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings.” Father Gallagher delves into the non-allegorical but deeply Christian and Catholic elements of Tolkien’s masterpiece. He clarifies that while “The Lord of the Rings” is set in a pre-Christian era and does not explicitly reference Christianity, its truth and values are significantly shaped by Tolkien’s Christian worldview.
The conversation highlights the intentional absence of allegory in Tolkien’s writing, his preference for history (real or feigned), and the varied applicability of his stories to the reader’s experience. Father Gallagher emphasizes the deep impact of the narrative’s characters, their struggles, and the underlying thread of providence, drawing parallels to real-life challenges and choices. Kris and Father Gallagher explore the compelling nature of Tolkien’s writing and the profound way it speaks to the human heart, offering insights for those embarking on the spiritual journey through Middle-earth. This episode offers a unique perspective on how Tolkien’s faith subtly yet powerfully influenced one of the most beloved stories in literature.
He paused, and then said slowly in a deep voice: ‘This is the Master-ring, the One Ring to rule them all. This is the One Ring that he lost many ages ago, to the great weakening of his power. He greatly desires it – but he must not get it.’
Frodo sat silent and motionless. Fear seemed to stretch out a vast hand, like a dark cloud rising in the East and looming up to engulf him. ‘This ring!’ he stammered. ‘How, how on earth did it come to me?’
Tolkien, J.R.R.. The Fellowship of the Ring: Being the First Part of The Lord of the Rings (pp. 50-51). Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Kindle Edition.
‘There was more than one power at work, Frodo. The Ring was trying to get back to its master. It had slipped from Isildur’s hand and betrayed him; then when a chance came it caught poor Déagol, and he was murdered; and after that Gollum, and it had devoured him. It could make no further use of him: he was too small and mean; and as long as it stayed with him he would never leave his deep pool again. So now, when its master was awake once more and sending out his dark thought from Mirkwood, it abandoned Gollum. Only to be picked up by the most unlikely person imaginable: Bilbo from the Shire!
‘Behind that there was something else at work, beyond any design of the Ring-maker. I can put it no plainer than by saying that Bilbo was meant to find the Ring, and not by its maker. In which case you also were meant to have it. And that may be an encouraging thought.’ ‘
It is not,’ said Frodo. ‘Though I am not sure that I understand you. But how have you learned all this about the Ring, and about Gollum? Do you really know it all, or are you just guessing still?’
Tolkien, J.R.R.. The Fellowship of the Ring: Being the First Part of The Lord of the Rings (pp. 55-56). Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Kindle Edition.
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
00:00 – 01:05: Introduction by Kris McGregor about the collaboration with the Oblates of the Virgin Mary for a “Lord of the Rings” spiritual retreat featuring Father Timothy Gallagher.
01:05 – 02:17: Father Gallagher expresses his pleasure in joining the podcast and starts discussing the Christian aspects of “The Lord of the Rings,” including J.R.R. Tolkien’s intentions and background.
02:17 – 03:21: Detailed exploration of Tolkien’s views on allegory and literature, emphasizing his preference for storytelling that engages and moves readers without direct allegorical intent.
03:21 – 04:17: Further discussion on allegory in literature, with examples from other authors and a distinction between allegory and Tolkien’s approach.
04:17 – 05:14: Examination of Tolkien’s dislike for allegory and his preference for history and varied applicability in storytelling.
05:14 – 06:37: Insight into Tolkien’s intention for “The Lord of the Rings,” focusing on its rich applicability rather than allegorical interpretation.
06:37 – 07:02: Kris McGregor highlights Tolkien’s skill in creating full, relatable characters, with Father Gallagher agreeing and elaborating on Tolkien’s writing process.
07:02 – 07:29: Discussion on the depth and believability of Tolkien’s storytelling and its alignment with Christian faith.
07:29 – 08:31: Father Gallagher delves into Tolkien’s concept of sub-creation and the creation of a believable literary world.
08:31 – 10:06: Discussion on the realistic and richly detailed world of Middle-earth, created by Tolkien, and its impact on readers.
10:06 – 11:05: Kris McGregor reflects on the intimidating but ultimately engaging and immersive nature of Tolkien’s writing.
11:05 – 12:06: Father Gallagher speaks on Tolkien’s deep love for language and how it led to the creation of the Elvish languages and subsequently Middle-earth.
12:06 – 13:09: Exploration of the dense linguistic and historical aspects of Tolkien’s world, contributing to its immersive quality.
13:09 – 14:07: Father Gallagher discusses the comprehensive and detailed nature of Middle-earth’s creation and Tolkien’s meticulous writing process.
16:40 – 17:37: Further discussion on the significance of words in Tolkien’s narrative and the compelling nature of his characters.
17:37 – 18:50: Analysis of the relatability and truthfulness of Tolkien’s characters in relation to real-life experiences.
18:50 – 19:46: Father Gallagher touches on the challenges and responsibilities faced by characters in the story and their relevance to real life.
19:46 – 21:01: Discussion on the perceived length of “The Lord of the Rings” and its engrossing nature, with Tolkien’s own reflections.
21:01 – 21:30: Kris McGregor brings up the character of Frodo and asks Father Gallagher to elaborate on his significance.
21:30 – 22:51: Father Gallagher examines Frodo’s journey, his initial reluctance, and the realization of his pivotal role in the story.
22:51 – 24:04: A detailed look at the moment Frodo becomes aware of the Ring’s significance and its impact on his life.
24:04 – 25:40: Exploration of the theme of providence in Tolkien’s story and its parallels to Biblical and real-life experiences.
25:40 – 26:36: Further insights into the theme of providence and its manifestation in the narrative, with examples of seemingly chance encounters.
26:36 – 27:42: Discussion on the history of the One Ring and its journey to Frodo, highlighting the role of providence.
27:42 – 28:51: Analysis of the role of providence in Tolkien’s world, particularly in the development of the story’s critical events.
28:51 – 29:59: Father Gallagher discusses the invisible yet powerful presence of providence throughout “The Lord of the Rings.”
29:59 – 31:02: Examination of various ‘chance’ encounters in the story that significantly shape the narrative, illustrating providence at work.
31:02 – 32:15: More examples of providence in the story, with a focus
Episodio 2 – El despertar espiritual y la conversión de San Ignacio – El discernimiento de los espíritus: Liberar a los cautivos
En esta conversación con la presentadora Kris McGregor, el Padre Timothy Gallagher habla sobre la formación y el significado de “El Discernimiento de Espíritus”. Explica cómo esta enseñanza tiene sus raíces en los ejercicios espirituales de San Ignacio de Loyola y su aplicación práctica en diversos ámbitos, desde retiros formales a la vida cotidiana.
En el Episodio 2 del podcast “Discernimiento de Espíritus” con el P. Timothy Gallagher, nos centramos en la comprensión de los ejercicios espirituales de San Ignacio de Loyola. El P. Gallagher, español del siglo XVI, destaca las importantes contribuciones de Ignacio a la espiritualidad católica. Este episodio profundiza en la transformación personal de Ignacio desde una vida alejada de Dios a una existencia santa, semejante a la dramática conversión de San Agustín.
El Padre Gallagher narra el momento crítico en la vida de Ignacio a los 30 años, cuando una herida de bala de cañón le llevó a un profundo despertar espiritual. Mientras Ignacio se recuperaba, su lectura de las vidas de Cristo y de los santos inició un cambio en sus aspiraciones: pasó de las ambiciones mundanas a emular el heroísmo de los santos. Esta transformación marcó el comienzo de su camino hacia la santidad.
Este episodio subraya cómo el discernimiento espiritual de Ignacio, derivado de su experiencia personal, constituyó la base de sus influyentes ejercicios espirituales. El P. Gallagher ilustra cómo las ideas de Ignacio pueden aplicarse a nuestras vidas, animando a los oyentes a reconocer y responder a las experiencias espirituales. Este proceso de discernimiento implica tomar conciencia de los movimientos espirituales internos, comprender sus implicaciones y tomar las medidas adecuadas: aceptar lo que es de Dios y rechazar lo que no lo es.
Se invita a los oyentes a reflexionar sobre sus propios itinerarios espirituales, reconociendo que los momentos de gracia, similares a los de Ignacio, son accesibles a todos. El episodio anima a tomar conciencia de la batalla espiritual en curso y de la importancia del discernimiento para navegar en ella. Las ideas del P. Gallagher proporcionan una comprensión más profunda de las enseñanzas de Ignacio y su relevancia en la vida espiritual contemporánea.
El Padre Timothy M. Gallagher, O.M.V., fue ordenado en 1979 como miembro de los Oblatos de la Virgen María, una comunidad religiosa dedicada a los retiros y a la formación espiritual según los Ejercicios Espirituales de San Ignacio. El P. Gallagher aparece en la serie de EWTN “Living the Discerning Life: Las enseñanzas espirituales de San Ignacio de Loyola”.
Para más información sobre cómo obtener copias de los diversos libros y audios del P. Gallaghers que están disponibles para su compra, por favor visite su website: www.frtimothygallagher.org
God’s temple in heaven was opened,
and the ark of his covenant could be seen in the temple.
A great sign appeared in the sky, a woman clothed with the sun,
with the moon under her feet,
and on her head a crown of twelve stars.
She was with child and wailed aloud in pain as she labored to give birth.
Then another sign appeared in the sky;
it was a huge red dragon, with seven heads and ten horns,
and on its heads were seven diadems.
Its tail swept away a third of the stars in the sky
and hurled them down to the earth.
Then the dragon stood before the woman about to give birth,
to devour her child when she gave birth.
She gave birth to a son, a male child,
destined to rule all the nations with an iron rod.
Her child was caught up to God and his throne.
The woman herself fled into the desert
where she had a place prepared by God.
Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say:
“Now have salvation and power come,
and the Kingdom of our God
and the authority of his Anointed.”
From the Office of Readings:
From a report by Don Antonio Valeriano, a Native American author of the sixteenth century
(Nicon Mopohua, 12th ed., 3-9, 21)
The Voice of the Turtledove has been heard in our land
At daybreak one Saturday morning in 1531, on the very first days of the month of December, an Indian named Juan Diego was going from the village where he lived to Tlatelolco in order to take part in divine worship and listen to God’s commandments. When he came near the hill called Tepeyac, dawn had already come, and Juan Diego heard someone calling him from the very top of the hill: “Juanito, Juan Dieguito.”
He went up the hill and caught sight of a lady of unearthly grandeur whose clothing was as radiant as the sun. She said to him in words both gentle and courteous: “Juanito, the humblest of my children, know and understand that I am the ever virgin Mary, Mother of the true God through whom all things live. It is my ardent desire that a church be erected here so that in it I can show and bestow my love, compassion, help, and protection to all who inhabit this land and to those others who love me, that they might call upon and confide in me. Go to the Bishop of Mexico to make known to him what I greatly desire. Go and put all your efforts into this.”
When Juan Diego arrived in the presence of the Bishop, Fray Juan de Zumarraga, a Franciscan, the latter did not seem to believe Juan Diego and answered: “Come another time, and I will listen at leisure.”
Juan Diego returned to the hilltop where the Heavenly Lady was waiting, and he said to her: “My Lady, my maiden, I presented your message to the Bishop, but it seemed that he did not think it was the truth. For this reason I beg you to entrust your message to someone more illustrious who might convey it in order that they may believe it, for I am only an insignificant man.”
She answered him: “Humblest of my sons, I ask that tomorrow you again go to see the Bishop and tell him that I, the ever virgin holy Mary, Mother of God, am the one who personally sent you.”
But on the following day, Sunday, the Bishop again did not believe Juan Diego and told him that some sign was necessary so that he could believe that it was the Heavenly Lady herself who sent him. And then he dismissed Juan Diego.
On Monday Juan Diego did not return. His uncle, Juan Bernardino, became very ill, and at night asked Juan to go to Tlatelolco at daybreak to call a priest to hear his confession.
Juan Diego set out on Tuesday, but he went around the hill and passed on the other side, toward the east, so as to arrive quickly in Mexico City and to avoid being detained by the Heavenly Lady. But she came out to meet him on that side of the hill and said to him: “Listen and understand, my humblest son. There is nothing to frighten and distress you. Do not let your heart be troubled, and let nothing upset you. Is it not I, your Mother, who is here? Are you not under my protection? Are you not, fortunately, in my care? Do not let your uncle’s illness distress you. It is certain that he has already been cured. Go up to the hilltop, my son, where you will find flowers of various kinds. Cut them, and bring them into my presence.”
When Juan Diego reached the peak, he was astonished that so many Castilian roses had burst forth at a time when the frost was severe. He carried the roses in the folds of his tilma (mantle) to the Heavenly Lady. She said to him: “My son, this is the proof and the sign which you will bring to the Bishop so that he will see my will in it. You are my ambassador, very worthy of trust.”
Juan Diego set out on his way, now content and sure of succeeding. On arriving in the Bishop’s presence, he told him: “My lord, I did what you asked. The Heavenly Lady complied with your request and fulfilled it. She sent me to the hilltop to cut some Castilian roses and told me to bring them to you in person. And this I am doing, so that you can see in them the sign you seek in order to carry out her will. Here they are; receive them.”
He immediately opened up his white mantle, and as all the different Castilian roses scattered to the ground, there was drawn on the cloak and suddenly appeared the precious image of the ever virgin Mary, Mother of God, in the same manner as it is today and is kept in her shrine of Tepeyac.
The whole city was stirred and came to see and admire her venerable image and to offer prayers to her; and following the command which the same Heavenly Lady gave to Juan Bernardino when she restored him to health, they called her by the name that she herself had used: “the ever virgin holy Mary of Guadalupe.”
Tuesday of the 2nd Week of Advent – An Advent Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart
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. Matthew 18:12-14
Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Tell me. Suppose a man has a hundred sheep and one of them strays; will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hillside and go in search of the stray? I tell you solemnly, if he finds it, it gives him more joy than do the ninety-nine that did not stray at all. Similarly, it is never the will of your Father in heaven that one of these little ones should be lost.’
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: ‘Tell me. Suppose a man has a hundred sheep and one of them strays; will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hillside and go in search of the stray? I tell you solemnly, if he finds it, it gives him more joy than do the ninety-nine that did not stray at all. Similarly, it is never the will of your Father in heaven that one of these little ones should be lost.’
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: ‘Tell me. Suppose a man has a hundred sheep and one of them strays; will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hillside and go in search of the stray? I tell you solemnly, if he finds it, it gives him more joy than do the ninety-nine that did not stray at all. Similarly, it is never the will of your Father in heaven that one of these little ones should be lost.’
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?
We thank you, Lord Jesus for this time with you.
Keep us alert, we pray, O Lord our God,
as we await the advent of Christ your Son,
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever
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.
The Eucharistic Heart of Tolkien – A “Lord of the Rings” Spiritual Retreat with Fr. Timothy Gallagher
Fr. Timothy Gallagher and Kris McGregor look into the profound connection between J.R.R. Tolkien’s literary masterpiece, “The Lord of the Rings,” and his deep Catholic faith. Fr. Gallagher’s insightful exploration of J.R.R. Tolkien’s faith and its reflection in “The Lord of the Rings” unveils the depth and richness of this literary masterpiece.
At the turn of the century, “The Lord of the Rings” emerged as the people’s choice for the book of the century in multiple polls. Tolkien’s primary motivation, as expressed in the book’s forward, was to craft a tale that would captivate, amuse, delight, and deeply move its readers. Father Gallagher emphasizes that, first and foremost, the allure of the book lies in its literary excellence.
What sets “The Lord of the Rings” apart is Tolkien’s deep Catholic faith, rooted in the courageous conversion of his mother, Mabel. A convert who faced rejection and poverty, Mabel’s steadfast commitment to Catholicism profoundly influenced his worldview. Fr. Gallagher also highlights the sacrificial nature of Mabel’s faith, a theme that echoes in the trials of characters within the epic. Tolkien sees his mother’s sufferings as a testament to her martyrdom for the faith.
Fr. Gallagher also shares Tolkien’s acknowledgment of the silent appeal of the tabernacle, a call that continually drew him back to the Blessed Sacrament throughout his life. Tolkien’s daily communion and his reflection on Christ’s words to Peter, “Feed My Sheep,” further emphasize the Eucharistic center of his faith.
“I think I know exactly what you mean by the order of Grace; and of course by your references to Our Lady, upon which all my own small perception of beauty both in majesty and simplicity is founded. The Lord of the Rings is of course a fundamentally religious and Catholic work; unconsciously so at first, but consciously in the revision. That is why I have not put in, or have cut out, practically all references to anything like ‘religion’, to cults or practices, in the imaginary world. For the religious element is absorbed into the story and the symbolism.”
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
00:00 – 02:12: Introduction and Greeting
Father Gallagher and Chris exchange greetings and introduce the topic of discussing J.R.R. Tolkien’s work.
02:12 – 06:12: Importance of “The Lord of the Rings”
Father Gallagher discusses the popularity of “The Lord of the Rings” and its recognition as a book of the century in various polls. Tolkien’s primary motive for writing the book is explored.
06:12 – 09:55: Tolkien’s Catholic Faith
The discussion focuses on Tolkien’s profound Catholic faith, influenced by his mother’s conversion and the sacrifices she made for her faith.
09:55 – 18:22: Letters Revealing Tolkien’s Faith
Father Gallagher shares excerpts from Tolkien’s letters, highlighting the significance of the Blessed Sacrament in his life and the influence of his mother and a priest, Father Francis Morgan.
18:22 – 25:35: The Eucharistic Heart of Tolkien
Tolkien’s commitment to daily communion and reflections on Christ’s words to Peter are discussed. The impact of the Blessed Sacrament and its role in Tolkien’s life are emphasized.
25:35 – 33:48: The Mother, the Priest, and the Blessed Sacrament
The podcast explores Tolkien’s love for his mother and the supportive role of Father Francis Morgan. Tolkien’s personal connection to the Blessed Sacrament is highlighted.
33:48 – 42:20: The Lord of the Rings: A Catholic Work
Father Gallagher discusses how “The Lord of the Rings” is fundamentally religious and Catholic, despite lacking explicit Christian elements. The central conflict in the story related to divine honor is explained.
42:20 – 43:52: Conclusion
The discussion wraps up, emphasizing the richness of Tolkien’s work and inviting listeners to embark on their own exploration of “The Lord of the Rings.”
From a treatise on The Ascent of Mount Carmel, by St John of the Cross, priest (Lib.2 cap. 22)
In Christ, God has spoken to us
Under the ancient law prophets and priests sought from God revelations and visions which indeed they needed, for faith had as yet no firm foundation and the gospel law had not yet been established. Their seeking and God’s responses were necessary. He spoke to them at one time through words and visions and revelations, at another in signs and symbols. But however he responded and what he said and revealed were mysteries of our holy faith, either partial glimpses of the whole or sure movements toward it.
But now that faith is rooted in Christ, and the law of the gospel has been proclaimed in this time of grace, there is no need to seek him in the former manner, nor for him so to respond. By giving us, as he did, his Son, his only Word, he has in that one Word said everything. There is no need for any further revelation.
This is the true meaning of Paul’s words to the Hebrews when he urged them to abandon their earlier ways of conversing with God, as laid down in the law of Moses, and set their eyes on Christ alone: In the past God spoke to our fathers through the prophets in various ways and manners; but now in our times, the last days, he has spoken to us in his Son. In effect, Paul is saying that God has spoken so completely through his own Word that he chooses to add nothing. Although he had spoken but partially through the prophets he has now said everything in Christ. He has given us everything, his own Son.
Therefore, anyone who wished to question God or to seek some new vision or revelation from him would commit an offense, for instead of focusing his eyes entirely on Christ he would be desiring something other than Christ, or beyond him.
God could then answer: This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased; hear him. In my Word I have already said everything. Fix your eyes on him alone for in him I have revealed all and in him you will find more than you could ever ask for or desire.
I, with my Holy Spirit, came down upon him on Mount Tabor and declared: This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased; hear him. You do not need new teachings or ways of learning from me, for when I spoke before it was of Christ who was to come, and when they sought anything of me they were but seeking and hoping for Christ in whom is every good, as the whole teaching of the evangelists and apostles clearly testifies.
Monday of the 2nd Week of Advent – An Advent Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart
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. Luke 5:17-26
Jesus was teaching one day, and among the audience there were Pharisees and doctors of the Law who had come from every village in Galilee, from Judaea and from Jerusalem. And the Power of the Lord was behind his works of healing. Then some men appeared, carrying on a bed a paralysed man whom they were trying to bring in and lay down in front of him. But as the crowd made it impossible to find a way of getting him in, they went up on to the flat roof and lowered him and his stretcher down through the tiles into the middle of the gathering, in front of Jesus. Seeing their faith he said, ‘My friend, your sins are forgiven you.’ The scribes and the Pharisees began to think this over. ‘Who is this man talking blasphemy? Who can forgive sins but God alone?’ But Jesus, aware of their thoughts, made them this reply, ‘What are these thoughts you have in your hearts? Which of these is easier: to say, “Your sins are forgiven you” or to say, “Get up and walk”? But to prove to you that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins,’ – he said to the paralysed man – ‘I order you: get up, and pick up your stretcher and go home.’ And immediately before their very eyes he got up, picked up what he had been lying on and went home praising God.
They were all astounded and praised God, and were filled with awe, saying, ‘We have seen strange things today.’
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 was teaching one day, and among the audience there were Pharisees and doctors of the Law who had come from every village in Galilee, from Judaea and from Jerusalem. And the Power of the Lord was behind his works of healing. Then some men appeared, carrying on a bed a paralysed man whom they were trying to bring in and lay down in front of him. But as the crowd made it impossible to find a way of getting him in, they went up on to the flat roof and lowered him and his stretcher down through the tiles into the middle of the gathering, in front of Jesus. Seeing their faith he said, ‘My friend, your sins are forgiven you.’ The scribes and the Pharisees began to think this over. ‘Who is this man talking blasphemy? Who can forgive sins but God alone?’ But Jesus, aware of their thoughts, made them this reply, ‘What are these thoughts you have in your hearts? Which of these is easier: to say, “Your sins are forgiven you” or to say, “Get up and walk”? But to prove to you that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins,’ – he said to the paralysed man – ‘I order you: get up, and pick up your stretcher and go home.’ And immediately before their very eyes he got up, picked up what he had been lying on and went home praising God.
They were all astounded and praised God, and were filled with awe, saying, ‘We have seen strange things today.’
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 was teaching one day, and among the audience there were Pharisees and doctors of the Law who had come from every village in Galilee, from Judaea and from Jerusalem. And the Power of the Lord was behind his works of healing. Then some men appeared, carrying on a bed a paralysed man whom they were trying to bring in and lay down in front of him. But as the crowd made it impossible to find a way of getting him in, they went up on to the flat roof and lowered him and his stretcher down through the tiles into the middle of the gathering, in front of Jesus. Seeing their faith he said, ‘My friend, your sins are forgiven you.’ The scribes and the Pharisees began to think this over. ‘Who is this man talking blasphemy? Who can forgive sins but God alone?’ But Jesus, aware of their thoughts, made them this reply, ‘What are these thoughts you have in your hearts? Which of these is easier: to say, “Your sins are forgiven you” or to say, “Get up and walk”? But to prove to you that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins,’ – he said to the paralysed man – ‘I order you: get up, and pick up your stretcher and go home.’ And immediately before their very eyes he got up, picked up what he had been lying on and went home praising God.
They were all astounded and praised God, and were filled with awe, saying, ‘We have seen strange things today.’
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?
We thank you, Lord Jesus for this time with you.
Keep us alert, we pray, O Lord our God,
as we await the advent of Christ your Son,
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever
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.
The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
As it is written in Isaiah, the prophet: Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you;
he will prepare your way.
A voice of one crying out in the desert:
“Prepare the way of the Lord,
make straight his paths.”
John the Baptist appeared in the desert
proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
People of the whole Judean countryside
and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem
were going out to him
and were being baptized by him in the Jordan River
as they acknowledged their sins.
John was clothed in camel’s hair,
with a leather belt around his waist.
He fed on locusts and wild honey.
And this is what he proclaimed:
“One mightier than I is coming after me.
I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of his sandals.
I have baptized you with water;
he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
Msgr. Esseff served as a retreat director and confessor to St. Teresa of Calcutta. He continues to offer direction and retreats for the Sisters of the Missionaries of Charity around the world. Msgr. Esseff encountered St. Padre Pio, who would become a spiritual father to him. He has lived in areas around the world, serving in the Pontifical missions, a Catholic organization established by Pope St. John Paul II, to bring the Good News to the world, especially to the poor. He serves as a retreat leader and director to bishops, priests, sisters, seminarians, and other religious leaders worldwide.
Day 6 – St. John of the Cross Contemplative Novena – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcast
St. John of the Cross you have said:
The soul, desiring to be possessed by this immense God, for love of Whom she feels that her heart is robbed and wounded, unable to endure her sickness any longer, deliberately asks Him … to show her His beauty, His divine essence, and to kill her with this revelation, and thereby free her from the flesh since she cannot see and enjoy Him as she wants. She makes this request by displaying before Him the sickness and yearning of her heart, in which she perseveres suffering for love of Him, unable to find a cure in anything less than this glorious vision of His divine essence.
Spiritual Canticle, I. 11:2; Kavanaugh & Rodriguez, 1973; pp. 448-449
Prayer for Peace from St. John of the Cross
O Blessed Jesus, grant me stillness of soul in You. Let Your mighty calmness reign in me. Rule me, O King of gentleness, King of peace. Give me control, control over my words, thoughts and actions. From all irritability, want of meekness, want of gentleness, O dear Lord, deliver me. By Your own deep patience give me patience, stillness of soul in You. Make me in this, and in all, more and more like You. Amen.
Lord God, you gave Saint John of the Cross
the grace of complete self-denial
and an ardent love for the cross of Christ.
Grant that by following always in his footsteps
we may come to the eternal vision of your glory.
And through his intercession, if it be in accord with your holy will,
Grant the petition we bring before you in this novena.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
In this episode, host Kris McGregor engages in a profound dialogue with Father Timothy Gallagher about the Christian underpinnings in J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings.” Father Gallagher delves into the non-allegorical but deeply Christian and Catholic elements of Tolkien’s masterpiece. He clarifies that while “The Lord of the Rings” is set in a pre-Christian era and does not explicitly reference Christianity, its truth and values are significantly shaped by Tolkien’s Christian worldview.
