Meditation J 20, 24-29
Stand in God’s presence. God is present here and now, looking upon you with love.
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: The disciples are in the upper room. They tell Thomas about the appearance of Jesus. Thomas does not want to believe in their report, he needs a sign. At some moment Jesus enters the upper room, although the doors were locked. He lets Thomas touch his wounds. Thomas recognizes his Lord and God in Jesus. And where are you in this scene?
Ask for the fruit of meditation: for deep trust in Christ
1. Jesus came, although the doors were locked …
Sometimes it may seem to us that we are experiencing the absence of God. Especially in situations where there are many difficulties, when we feel emptiness, when we look at human poverty. But Jesus is present. He comes despite closed doors to our hearts. He gives his presence – a precious gift. Can you give something more to the other person than yourself? What results for you from the presence of Jesus next to you? What does the presence cause in you? What is your presence for your relatives, for God?
2. Jesus allows Thomas to touch his wounds. You also receive the gift of intimacy with a wounded God. It is an expression of Jesus’ great trust. See how difficult it is to show you your wounds to the other person, how much more difficult is to let them to touch the wounds. Jesus lets you touch his wounds. What does this mean to you? How does it affect your relationship with him, the perception of yourself, others?
3. Look to Jesus, and if you would like you can speak as Thomas: my Lord and my God. Be in the presence of Jesus as you can.
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)
