Meditation J 10,11-16

Ask for the Grace: I will beg God our Lord that all my intentions and actions may be directed purely to the praise and service of His Divine Majesty

Fixing a place, a picture for meditation: See Jesus together with his disciples sitting somewhere on the hill, on the green grass. Listen to Jesus’ story about the shepherd and the sheep. You can imagine this scene: a hired man who runs away seeing a wolf coming to the flock of sheep. The wolf easily catches the sheep and kidnaps. Then see how the good shepherd behaves: when he sees the coming wolf, he stands up for his sheep, and the wolf must go away without the prey. Where are you in this scene?

Ask for the fruit of meditation: that I would like to be a good shepherd for myself and for others, just as Jesus is for me

1. A good shepherd takes care of his sheep, just like Jesus does. He cares for them, for their safety, he wants them to be happy. Each of us is a shepherd for our friends, relatives. What kind of shepherd are you to them? How do you care about them? What are you feeding them (it’s not only about groceries :), but something that gives them strength and support: your time, a good word, etc.)?

2. Each of us has different problems, difficulties, weaknesses, maybe thoughts that slander us, others. Sometimes we also get into distress, worse moods. How do we behave towards ourselves: as a hired man or as a good shepherd? Do we escape, hoping that prayer will do everything? In a sense, yes, but that’s why God gave us reason, hands, feet, other people to use it. How do you take care of yourself in difficult moments?

3. Jesus is the Good Shepherd who cares for his sheep. He desires their unity and gives his life for them. In it manifests his radical love for man, for you. He also wants to be loved. Be with Jesus as you can, here and now.

Meditation: St Ignatius encourages in The Spiritual Exercises No. 2 … Because not so much knowledge, but internal feeling and the taste of things please and saturate the soul, that is, we stay where we feel interior movement … and nervously do not try to go on.

The final conversation: Spend a little time at the end, being with God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit….as you would with a good friend: sometimes talking, sometimes listening, sometimes being together in silence. Speak to God about your feelings. Remember that times when ‘nothing is happening’ can also be significant. When you’re ready, end your prayer by saying thank you or using words that are familiar,such as the Lord’s Prayer (Our Father)–whichever feels right and comfortable. (The Spiritual Exercises No.54)