Meditation: On the Road to Emmaus

by Karen Griefzu

 

based on the readings from LUKE 24:13-35

Tonight we are going to reflect on the story of two disciples who began a journey in sorrow and ended it in jubilation.  Let’s prepare for own journey by taking a few deep, relaxing breaths. In and out, in and out.  Feel the cares and stress of your day fading away with each breath.  As you breathe in, lift your shoulders and lower them as you exhale.  Feel your shoulders relaxing.  Let them be more relaxed and lower with each breath.  Now become aware of your neck as you inhale and feel it relax as you exhale.  Now close your eyes or focus them on the Blessed Sacrament.  Inhale again and as you exhale, whisper Jesus.  Jesus.  Now, let us travel back in time and take a walk along the Emmaus Way.

You leave Jerusalem, and walk westward along the seven mile winding road to Emmaus.  The sun is bright and warm against your face.  A slight breeze is blowing through the trees and the green grass on the roadside is soft and fragrant.  Your eyes are lowered.  The soles of your sandals wearily trod along the road as the dust from the trail covers your feet and settles between your toes.  Your cloak brushes against your legs as you walk.  Your face is sad because your heart is broken and all your hopes are dead and buried.  Your friend accompanies you on this sad journey.  The two of you were followers of Jesus.  You listened to His teachings and witnessed His many miracles.  You felt His great love and rested in His peace. But now everything has changed.  Jesus has been crucified.  As you discuss the events of the last few days, a man coming along another footpath draws near.  His voice greets you, and His dark compassionate eyes notice your grief.  Your pathways merge, and as he walks alongside you he asks, “Why are you so dejected?”  You are surprised that another pilgrim does not know what has just happened in Jerusalem.  As he listens, you pour out your heat.  Finally, with poignant and bewildered regret, you utter the words, “We were so sure that He was the one sent by God to rescue Israel.”

Then the man begins to talk.  His words touch your heart and awaken your understanding.  Your inner darkness turns into light.  Your heart burns within you as He speaks and explains the Scriptures to you.  You feel renewed and as you enter the village, your feet are much lighter and the expression on your face has changed from sadness to peace. 

The sun has set now and the air is colder.  In the darkness, the man continues along the road.  You walk after him, put your hand on his shoulder and urge him to stop with you.  He smiles and nods in agreement and when He takes His place at the table, it is He who picks up the bread, and it is His hands that raise the bread in blessing.  You stare at His hands.  They look so familiar.  Surely you have seen those hands before.  Then you remember! Not long ago, hands just like these raised bread to bless it in just this same way before feeding all those people on the hillsides.  His hands now break the bread, and as they open, separating, pulling the bread apart and offering it to you, you see the holes where nails punctured those precious hands.  Before your astonished eyes can blink, He is gone.

You turn to your friend, speechless with joy.  You both jump up and race out the door.  As your sandals fly across the dark and dusty road, your cloak flaps briskly against your legs and your eyes light up the darkness.  HE HAS RISEN!!

Surely the grass along the road is singing, and the trees are clapping.  The very earth you walk on is rejoicing, for HE HAS RISEN!

It seems like no time before you see Jerusalem again.  You rush into the gathering place of the eleven and those with them.  They, too, are rejoicing and tell you how the Lord has appeared to Simon.  You, in turn, recount all that happened on the road, and how you recognized Him in the breaking of the bread.

Let’s stand and pray together.

Dearest Risen Lord,

Please walk with me as I journey through my life.

When my heart is broken, 

When my hopes seem dead and buried

Be there at my side

Touch my heart and awaken my understanding.

En-kindle my spirit with love for you.

Then send me forth rejoicing

To tell all those I meet

That You are Lord, You have risen from the dead, and You are Lord!

Lenten Meditation: Encountering the woman at the well

adapted by Karen Griefzu
(based on guided meditations for Adult Catechumens, By SYDNEY ANN MERRITT)

Scripture: John 4:5-15, 19-30

Palestine is 120 mi from north to south. Galilee is at the extreme north, Judaea is at the extreme south, and Samaria is in between. When Jesus decided to leave Judaea and travel to Galilee. he chose the shortest route which would take 3 days. But, this meant going through Samaria. Most Jews avoided Samaria and took the long way which involved crossing the Jordan, going up the eastern side of the river, recrossing the Jordan north of Samaria and then entering Galilee. Why would they go so far out of their way to avoid Samaria?

It is summertime. The sky is blue and the sun is hot. The warm rays of light nearly blind you. You have been walking for a long time and your throat and mouth are very dry. Your lips are blistered and peeling. You are so very thirsty. Where is the village well? You must have water. All you can think about is a cool refreshing drink of water.

Quickly you make your way down the winding path to the well. A man is sitting there at the side of the well. He is all alone. As you approach, you see it is Jesus. He looks up with a nod and says, “There is no dipper for the water. Come and wait with me, someone will come along soon and give us a drink. Your eyes meet briefly. A cloud of dust billows about his sandaled feet. The sun is so hot and your mouth feels like it is full of cotton balls. Jesus looks at you and says, "Someone is coming this way.”

A woman from the neighboring village appears by the side of the well. She is startled by the presence of Jesus next to you. Jesus speaks to the woman, “Would you be so kind as to give us a drink from the well?”

The young woman with long black curls stands with her mouth open in shock. "You are a Jew. Why do you ask me, a Samaritan woman, for a drink?”

Jesus startles her by answering, “If you knew who I am you would ask me to give you living water so that you would never thirst again.”

"Living water?” she mutters. Shaking her head, she lowers the bucket into the well.

Jesus stands, adjusting his rope belt. “Anyone who drinks from this well will be thirsty again. If you only knew what a wonderful gift God has for you, and who I am, you would ask me for living water.”

The woman’s dark eyes widen, “But you don’t have a rope or a bucket. Where do you expect to get this living water?”

Jesus smiles and says, "The water I offer will become a constant spring within, watering you, refreshing you forever with eternal life, so you will never thirst again.”

The woman slowly fills a cup from her bucket. Carefully studying Jesus, she asks, “Who are you? Are you a prophet?”

A summer wind sends twisting coil of sandy earth twirling across the courtyard. Jesus shakes his head slightly, brushing his hair aside. He sips the cool water from the cup, and then hands it to you. He gestures for you and the woman to sit down with him. You lean against the wall and finally drink the cool refreshing water. Jesus tells the woman, “Go and get your husband.”

The woman responds quickly, "I am not married."

Jesus gazes at her then his eyes look deep within her being. “All too true! You have had five husbands and you are not even married to the man you are living with now.”

The woman gasps, placing a hand over her mouth. “You are a prophet! What is your name?"

Jesus speaks to the woman of many things about her past but never condemns her. You feel embarrassed at hearing more that you wanted to but Jesus places his hand on your shoulder. Now he looks intently into your eyes. “The message I bring to this woman is also for your ears and for your heart. Always speak to God with an honest heart. Ponder on the word of God. Learn to know me, your Lord, for I have come to save what was lost. Review your life before me and humbly acknowledge your sins."

Now he takes your hands in his and in his low gentle voice, speaks to you, “My Father loves you. His love is the wellspring of life. Rest in this grace, my child. Rest in his love." Jesus wipes a small tear from your eyes then wraps a loving arm around your shoulders. "Reach within your sleeping soul and ask the Holy spirit to awaken your sense of God.”

Jesus slowly rises, his warm hand still resting on your shoulder, “I am the Messiah. If the living waters work through you, you will grow to understand that within these waters there is hope for everyone. Take aside moments of your day and invest them in worshipping God. Thank Him for His blessings. Think about this moment and know that you can return to this well whenever you thirst for my living water."

Now the sun slides beneath the rooftops, long fingers of darkness cross the courtyard. Jesus stands, “It is time for both of you to return home.”

The woman gathers her water jug. Jesus places his gentle arms around her, then sends her on her way saying, "She will lead many others to believe in me.”

Jesus stretches his arms and then returns to your resting place. He blesses your forehead, always long with all of your heart for the living waters that bring eternal life. Jesus places his arms around your shoulders and speaks your name, “Will you lead others to believe in me through the example of your life?”

Take a moment and answer Jesus. Tell Jesus good-bye now. Walk away slowly. Turn and look at Jesus one more time. Open your eyes and return to this time and this place.

Let us pray:

Dearest Jesus, I will speak to you with an honest heart. I will review my life before you and humbly acknowledge my sins. I will ponder on the word of God so that I may learn to know you, my Lord. I will reach within my sleeping soul and ask the Holy Spirit to awaken my sense of God. I will try to lead others to you through the example of my life. Amen

Lenten Meditation based on Mark 1:12-13

by Karen Griefzu   

 (based on GUIDED MEDITATIONS FOR  ADULT CATECHUMENS by Sydney Ann Merritt)

Make yourself comfortable.  Let yourself relax.  Feel the tension in your neck and exhale it out.  Roll your shoulders and let them relax as you deeply inhale and then exhale.  Now breathe in deeply again and whisper Jesus as you exhale.   Release your imagination now as we journey into the desert with Jesus.


The desert sands sweep across the arid land, forming funnels of earth that rise into the red sky. Jesus walks ahead, unaware of your presence. Hunger grips your stomach. The sun’s rays create a haze over the endless miles of sand. Heat waves rise on the crest of the distant hills. Jesus suddenly stops short, falling onto the hot sand. Carrying a small flask of water, you run to his side. He doesn’t seem to see you; he sits motionless. His lips are cracked and bleeding from the sun. Wet a small handkerchief with drops of precious life-giving water…. Press it against Jesus’ lips. He looks at you and for an instant he holds your hand to his lips…. But then the sky darkens. Ill winds blow. An image stands before you. Not a man, not a beast. His lips curved in a knowing smile. Jesus rises, pushing himself between you and this vision of temptation. You are an observer, nothing else. You are powerless to move or to make a decision. 

A taunting voice of evil speaks, “If you truly are the son of God, tell these stones to become bread”.

Jesus wipes the particles of sand from his parched lips and replies, “Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God”.

Angered by this Satan wraps his arm around Jesus, whisking him away from harsh reality…..He takes Jesus to the highest point in the holy city, the Temple….You follow in the evil hurricane of promised destruction.

 Satan leans close to the ear of Jesus, “If you are the Son of God,” he says, “throw yourself down”. With a hand on Jesus’ back, pushing, nudging toward the edge of the building, Satan continues, “For it is written: God will command his angels in all that concerns you, and they will lift you up in their hands so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.  Jump, fool, jump!

Jesus, growing tired of this assault, answers, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.”

Angered by this rebuttal, Satan once again carries Jesus to the top of the highest mountain….Jesus stands near the crumbling edge of boulders eaten away by the sea and by time….Satan orders, “Look below.  See all the kingdoms of the world and all of their splendor?  All this I will give to you…..If you will bow down and worship me”….

Jesus peers far into the valley below and shakes his head, “Away from me, Satan!  For it is written, Worship the Lord your God and serve him only”….

In failure and anger, Satan folds into the night sky.

Jesus crumples to his knees in prayer and exhaustion. Angelic beings now appear and embrace him in their outspread wings. You watch and wait until  Jesus  notices you crouched in the mountain grasses.

He smiles, rises and walks toward you,  “Come my dear child, it is time to leave this place.” Feel his arm around your shoulders as he leads you down the mountainside, coming to rest near a small creek.

Watch the waters tumble to the valley below. Dip your hand into the cool waters. Feel the sudden spray that leaves droplets on your face.

Jesus presses hip lips into the bubbling creek. ” My friend, I too, am not without temptation.  These things that you have seen today are no different than the temptation s the world offers you.  I know that it is often hard to separate the world’s pleasures from the goodness of life.”

Jesus settles back, resting against the grassy slope.  “The world teaches, ‘If it feels good, do it.”  But the world offers only temporary joy while my Father offers life everlasting.”

 “Know that I too have felt the cold sweat of fear and the pressure of decision.  Turn to my Father for protection and guidance.  Turn your face toward God, my child.”  

Jesus stretches forward, taking your hands in his.  Quietly hold his hands and look into his eyes.  “What are those things that tempt your soul and body, my child, he asks.  How can I help you?"

Look into your heart now.  Then tell Jesus what temptations you find hardest to resist.  Lay bare your innermost heart and soul.  Continue holding his hands and tell him what you are going through.    Let Jesus strengthen you.  As you inhale, feel his strength filling your inmost being.  Feel his peace coursing throughout your body.  Rest now in the presence of your savior. 

When you are ready, return to this time and place.


Let us pray:

Jesus, thank you for strengthening my spirit.  Guide me through these 40 days of Lent. Help me to fast to pray, and to help those in need. Let this be a time of repentance and spiritual renewal that will bring me ever closer to your Sacred Heart.  Amen

Forming a Core Team

We are forming a team of dedicated Adoration substitutes that would agree to be contacted during certain times of the day in case a scheduled adorer is unable to attend. This does not obligate you in any way to fulfill an hour at a moment's notice. It only gives us a list of contacts that agree to potentially fill an hour, if available, as per their willingness at that particular time.

We have had much trouble in the past maintaining a reliable list of substitutes. So this is a proposed solution to form a group of devoted people committed to seeing that the Lord is never left alone. If you think you are up to the task of this Core Team, please email Linda or call 602-628-3062. We would love to have you! Go Team!

A personal invitation

Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration is our response to Jesus' love for us.

We become a part of Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration when we agree to spend a quiet holy hour of prayer in His  Presence once a week on the same day at the same time every week so that all of us, united together, adore our Lord perpetually seven days as week, twenty-four hours a day.

Please prayerfully consider signing up for an hour of personal Adoration. A gift that the infant child Jesus would find most pleasing...

"In a world where there is so much noise, so much bewilderment, there is a need for silent adoration of Jesus concealed in the Host. Be assiduous in prayer of adoration and teach it to the faithful. It is a source of comfort and light, particularly to those who are suffering."     

Pope Benedict XV 

 

Just a little note of thanks

Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ

Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ, 

Thank you so much  for your love, prayers and cards for my brother Jack. Thank you, he loved and used the shawl everyday. He went home peacefully to be with Jesus. Your cards meant a lot to him. You all are in my daily prayers. God bless you for all you do. 

Lovingly,
Mary