Mk 9,30-37

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: Jesus and his disciples in their way.

Ask for the fruit of meditation: that I find my identity and my value in God

1.  Messiah.

Probably Jesus does not want the inhabitants of the area (which he went with his disciples from Galilee to Capernaum) to know about him, because of the publicity and the messianic secret. Jesus is the expected Messiah – he works miracles, heals, casts out evil spirits. The Jews needed such a powerful Messiah and they were waiting for him. Jesus shows his disciples the other side of his how he gives much love to every human being, but at the same time he will show his weakness. So, he prepares disciples for his departure, for the scandal of the cross, although they do not yet understand it. Jews do not need such Messiah – a weak one who will allow himself to be killed. That is why Jesus does not want to reveal himself.What Messiah do you want? What is your relationship with him? What is your image of Jesus? Maybe today you will verify your expectations for the Messiah …

2. … they had argued with one another who was the greatest

Probably every disciple in this pericope is looking for recognition, confirmation that he is important, needed, accepted. It seems very human. Disciples lose awareness of what Jesus says to them by focusing on caring and fear for their own greatnessMaybe you have similar. See how it looks in your life. Meet Jesus and ask him: who am I to you, how much do I mean to you?

3.  Jesus shows the child.

You could probably say that Jesus performs a therapeutic exercise. A child is a symbol of helplessness, various difficulties, sleepless nights … Each of us has such an inner child inside us. To accept yourself means to accept this inner child, to hug the child. Meet your inner child as much as you can, also let the child meet Jesus.

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)