Self-Control
We often sell ourselves short as human beings. We fail to live from our greater dreams and hopes. Ignatius believed that this comes from our disordered relationships and desires. Much of our attention in this digital age is taken up with things that are superficial. We want things because we see them. Yet we pray readily and frequently that God’s Kingdom will come. If we take time to discern and prioritise the deepest desires that God has placed within us our lives will change. And the world will change. The Kingdom will come.
Today’s Prayer
Preparation: Begin by stilling; then dedicating the time of prayer to God and asking God that all you think, feel and imagine are for the glory of God.
Gift: Ask for what you desire. Suggestion: To know Jesus more clearly, love him more dearly, and follow him more nearly.
Setting: A Scripture reading to imagine. Lots of characters to choose from. Who do you most easily identify with? Imaginative Contemplation
Scripture
Matthew 26:47-56 NRSVACE
While Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, arrived; with him was a large crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the elders of the people.
Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, ‘The one I will kiss is the man; arrest him.’
At once he came up to Jesus and said, ‘Greetings, Rabbi!’ and kissed him.
Jesus said to him, ‘Friend, do what you are here to do.’
Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and arrested him.
Suddenly, one of those with Jesus put his hand on his sword, drew it,
and struck the slave of the high priest, cutting off his ear.
Then Jesus said to him, ‘Put your sword back into its place;
for all who take the sword will perish by the sword.
Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father,
and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels?
But how then would the scriptures be fulfilled, which say it must happen in this way?’
At that hour Jesus said to the crowds, ‘Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest me as though I were a bandit? Day after day I sat in the temple teaching, and you did not arrest me.
But all this has taken place, so that the scriptures of the prophets may be fulfilled.’
Then all the disciples deserted him and fled.
Conversation: Talk to Jesus in your own words as a friend
Final Prayer: End with a formal prayer such as the Lord’s Prayer/Our Father.
Today’s Music
Zacc Williams, Fear is a Liar