Meditations / M 2016 / M 2017 / M 2018 / M 2020 / M 2021
St. Joseph – Port Aransas, TX
December 29, 2019 – January 4, 2020: Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, & Joseph
“Jesus, give me the humility to ask for forgiveness and the mercy to grant it” (Advent 2019, p. 50).
“Father, thank you for blessing me through mature believers” (p. 51).
“Jesus, be my source of hope in the coming year” (p. 52).
“Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for me to become more like you” (January 2020, p. 22).
“Lord, thank you for gracing me with your love” (p. 23).
Father, I want to know you more. Teach me to recognize your voice as I go through my day (p. 24).
“Thank you, Lord, for inviting me to come and see you” (p. 25).
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St. Joseph – Port Aransas, TX
December 22 – 28, 2019: 4th Sunday of Advent
“Jesus, thank you for every sign that you will give me today” (Advent 2019, p. 43).
Jesus, fill me with eager expectation as I await your coming on Christmas Day. I believe that you can still amaze me (p. 44).
“Lord, help me to bless and encourage the people around me” (p. 45).
“Jesus, newborn child yet Lord of all, open my eyes to see your humble, peaceful glory” (p. 46).
“Lord Jesus, receive my spirit today and every day” (p. 47).
“Lord, open my eyes to the ways your love enfolds every event of my life, and show me how to share it” (p. 48).
Jesus, I want to help turn back the darkness. Come, Lord, and shine through me with the brightness of your love (p. 49).
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St. Joseph – Port Aransas, TX
December 15 – 21, 2019: 3rd Sunday of Advent / Gaudete Sunday
“Lord, I believe you are the Son of God” (Advent 2019, p. 36).
“Jesus, let my actions reflect your loving authority in my life” (p. 37).
“Lord, thank you for bringing me into the family of God” (p. 38).
Father, I know that your plan is always good. Give me the grace to trust you even when I do not understand it (p. 39).
St. John the Baptist, you led many people to Christ through your call to repentance. Pray for me that I can take steps toward peace and reconciliation as well (p. 40).
“Holy Spirit, help me to hold on tightly to the things you have been saying this Advent” (p. 41).
“Mary, in these days leading up to Christmas, pray that I can become as generous and unselfish as you are” (p. 42).
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Our Lady of Sorrows – McAllen, TX
December 8 – 14, 2019: 2nd Sunday of Advent
Heavenly Father, thank you for your faithfulness to your promises. Thank you for making me a part of your family (Advent 2019, p. 29).
Jesus, thank you for your blessed Mother. By your Spirit, help me to imitate her virtues and call upon her in times of need (p. 30).
“Father, thank you for pursuing me and my loved ones” (p. 31).
Lord, you alone can renew my spirit. Help me to say yes to the rest you came to give me (p. 32).
“Lord, though I may be afraid I will trust in you” (p. 33).
Father, help me to know your ways and teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me (p. 34).
“Jesus, you are awesome in your deeds and loving in your heart” (p. 35).
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Our Lady of Perpetual Help – Corpus Christi, TX
December 1 – 7, 2019: 1st Sunday of Advent
Jesus, I long for your coming. Help me to get ready (Advent 2019, p. 22).
Jesus, thank you for inviting me into your kingdom. Show me how I can extend your invitation to everyone around me (p. 23)
“Lord, help me slow down during this special season” (p. 24).
Thank you, Lord, for giving yourself to me. Help me share your grace with people around me (p. 25).
“Thank you, Lord, for your many blessings in my life” (p. 26).
Lord, open the eyes of my heart. I want to see you (p. 27).
“Lord Jesus, help me to see your kingdom in my life this Advent” (p. 28).
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St. Joseph – Port Aransas, TX
November 24 – 30, 2019: Christ the King / 34th week in Ordinary Time
“Lord, thy kingdom come, thy will be done…” (November 2019, p. 45).
“Jesus, bless all widowed men and women with a sign of your special love and, please, care for them” (p. 46).
Jesus, I trust in your love and your wisdom. Help me to surrender this difficult situation to you (p. 47).
Lord, help me to stay strong in my faith. Give me courage and wisdom to follow you no matter what (p. 48).
“Lord, help me to boldly follow you and be a witness to the world around me” (p. 49).
Jesus, I believe that you have authority over all things. Help me not to take my eyes off you (p. 50).
Lord, I will follow you today. Help me to remain faithful (p. 51).
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Our Lady of Sorrows – McAllen, TX
November 17 – 23, 2019: 33rd week in Ordinary Time
“Jesus, help me to imitate you in all that I do” (November 2019, p. 38).
Jesus, hear the cries of your people. Convert the hearts of those who are persecuting them (p. 39).
Lord, show me your love and your mercy. Come, Jesus, and teach me to be just as extravagant as you are (p. 40).
Jesus, I want to follow you whatever the cost. Help me to live today as a citizen of your coming kingdom (p. 41).
Thank you, Lord, for loving [state names] even more than I do. Draw them closer to you today (p. 42).
“Lord, thank you for coming to dwell with me” (p. 43).
“Lord, help me to connect with people who are different from me” (p. 44).
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St. Joseph – Port Aransas, TX
November 10 – 16, 2019: 32nd week in Ordinary Time
When we strive to live our faith, not even death can separate us from God. […] Jesus, thank you for destroying death so that I can live forever (November 2019, p. 31).
Forgiveness is only part of the equation, especially when it comes to serious offenses. Jesus doesn’t want us persisting in abusive relationships, for instance, if there is no attempt at true change. It’s not healthy just to pardon someone and let the offenses keep coming. […] Thank you, Jesus, for the faith you have given me. Lord, increase my faith. Help me to choose to forgive (p. 32).
We don’t know what life after death will be like, but we do know that we have a loving God who is eternally committed to us. […] Lord, thank you for holding me and my loved ones firmly in your grasp. My trust and hope are in you (p. 33).
God has given us many gifts: friends, family, a unique set of talents and abilities, his Church, and various signs of his love and presence in our lives. […] Lord, I thank you for all you have done in my life” (p. 34).
At all times we can give thanks to our King who is always at work in the world around us. […] Lord, I believe that your kingdom is here, now. And still I pray, “Let your kingdom come” (p. 35).
Instead of fretting about the future, focus on the present reality: God is already here. […] Lord, help me to rest in your presence today. I want to let go of fear and doubt (p. 36).
Set aside concerns and distractions. Ask the Lord to give you the grace to hear everything he is saying to you. […] Father, help me to keep in mind just how great and wonderful you are (p. 37).
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St. Joseph – Port Aransas, TX
November 3 – 9, 2019: 31st week in Ordinary Time
“Jesus, help me to follow you with childlike trust” (November 2019, p. 24).
Jesus, you call everyone to yourself, even those who don’t yet know you. Open their hearts to your grace. Give me the boldness and courage to share with them all that you have done in my life (p. 25).
Lord, teach me how to treat people with honor today. Open my eyes and my heart to the goodness in them (p. 26).
“Father, I need your grace to love people patiently, kindly, and selflessly” (p. 27).
“Lord, help me to take that one step forward to reach out to someone today” (p. 28).
“Jesus, help me to see your face in every person I will encounter at Mass” (p. 29).
“Jesus, thank you for your care for us, your church” (p. 30).
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St. Joseph – Port Aransas, TX
October 27 – November 2, 2019: 30th week in Ordinary Time
“Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner” (October 2019, p. 48).
“Sts. Simon and Jude, help me to be an instrument of reconciliation” (p. 49).
Father, I know that your love is sustaining me right now. Help me to hope in you and trust that you hold my future in your loving hands (p. 50).
“Lord, thank you for always having my good in mind” (p. 51).
Jesus, thank you for being for me, not against me. Help me to experience the freedom you have won for me (p. 52).
“Jesus, I want to cooperate with your grace so that I can experience your glory” (November 2019, p. 22).
“Lord, may all who hope in you come to see you face to face” (p. 23).
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St. Benedict – San Benito, TX
October 20 – 26, 2019: 29th week in Ordinary Time
Today’s theme: To pray. But for what? God wants us to love him freely, not to feel coerced to do so. All that matters is for us to be with him. Toward the end of life, only our relationship with God matters, especially as we go to meet the Lord. This week let’s ask ourselves: What is our prayer life like? (Fr. Luis Tinajero at 10 A.M. Mass).
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“Thank you, Lord, for the gift of friendships in the body of Christ” (October 2019, p. 41).
“Lord, help me to be rich in compassion and mercy” (p. 42).
Father, you are all good, and your goodness is greater than my sin. Thank you for your grace in my life today (p. 43).
“Lord, I want to be ready to welcome you in whatever way you come into my life today” (p. 44).
“Lord, show me how to use my freedom to serve you” (p. 45).
“Thanks be to God!” (p. 46).
“Lord Jesus, thank you for everything!” (p. 47).
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St. Joseph – Port Aransas, TX
October 13 – 19, 2019: 28th week in Ordinary Time
“Jesus, thank you for everyone who helps me to grow in my faith” (October 2019, p. 34).
“Lord, help me to strengthen the foundation of my faith” (p. 35).
“Jesus, teach us to live in peace under the protection of your mercy” (p. 36).
“Lord, teach me how to love” (p. 37).
“Holy Spirit, guide me today and every day as I pray with God’s word” (p. 38).
“Father, thank you for allowing me to be a part of the story of God’s kingdom breaking into the world” (p. 39).
“Holy Spirit, thank you for your constant help” (p. 40).
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St. Joseph – Port Aransas, TX
October 6 – 12, 2019: 27th week in Ordinary Time
Lord Jesus, I believe in your love and mercy. Come and teach me how to wait in faith (October 2019, p. 27).
Father, thank you for your far-reaching love. Broaden my vision and help me extend your mercy to everyone I meet (p. 28).
Father, I confess that I have sinned. Forgive me and help me to walk in your love once again (p. 29)
Jesus, thank you for showing me how to pray. Thank you for sharing your Father with me (p. 30).
Father, thank you for your faithful love. Help me to respond with trust and obedience (p. 31).
“Lord, pour out your Spirit as we cry to you for help” (p. 32).
Lord, help me to be more like your mother. Guide me in responding to your word in my life (p. 33).
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St. Joseph – Port Aransas, TX
September 29 – October 5, 2019: 26th week in Ordinary Time
“Many people in the world are dying for a piece of bread, but many more are dying for a little love” (St. Teresa of Calcutta, edited). […] Jesus, show me the Lazarus… who needs my help (September 2019, p. 52).
Only God knows the deepest intentions of a person’s heart. […] Jesus, searcher of my heart, make me more like you (p. 53).
Jesus is sending you out ahead of his coming. Your assignment is to help prepare the people around you for his reception. […] Lord, please use my small acts of love to prepare your way (October 2019, p. 22).
Our guardian angel stands ready to hear us when we call and to help us act in kindness. […] Father, help me to be more mindful of the presence of my guardian angel (p. 23).
As he did for the Israelites, God wants to give us a new beginning; he wants to wipe the slate clean so that we can start again. […] Father, your never-ending love and mercy fill me with joy (p. 24).
Who hasn’t had the humbling experience of admitting we have done something truly wrong? […] Lord, I come to you for healing and forgiveness. Help me to live free from shame (p. 25).
Jesus cares for all of us… and loves us much more than what we do for him. […] Lord, I am happy to be your child. Thank you for your love (p. 26).
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St. Benedict – San Benito, TX
September 22 – 28, 2019: 25th week in Ordinary Time
Jesus is looking for true mercy— extravagant mercy that forgives with no strings attached. […] Lord, teach me to forgive and to do it extravagantly (September 2019, p. 43).
When we share the gifts God gives us, God gives us more. […] Jesus, you have given me so much! Whatever you ask me to do today, I’ll do (p. 44).
God has fulfilled his promises to us. Our exile is over. God has made his home in our heart. […] Lord, I will rejoice to go to your house (p. 45).
God is always waiting for us with open arms. […] Thank you, Father, for your never-ending mercy (p. 46).
Let God speak. Let him silence all the other voices. Holy Spirit, I believe you want to speak words of truth to me today— the truth that can set me free. Help me to bear your voice more clearly (p. 47).
Jesus asks, “Who do you say that I am?” […] Jesus, you are the Christ! Help me to find my true self in your love (p. 48).
The chancel lamp is the sign in church that God is accompanying us on our journey. […] Thank you, Jesus, for your perpetual presence. Thank you for enlightening my heart (p. 49).
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St. Joseph – Port Aransas, TX
September 15 – 21, 2019: 24th week in Ordinary Time
It’s a mercy that doesn’t hold a grudge. It’s a mercy that waits patiently for us to begin our return. It’s a mercy that eagerly welcomes us home. […] Thank you, Father, for your extravagant mercy. Thank you for running out to meet each of us who comes back to you (September 2019, p. 36).
Lift up your hands to God— as empty as you can make them— and watch as God fills them with every good and perfect gift. Father, I believe you want to give me good things. Help me to let go of whatever I’m holding on to that keeps me from you (p. 37).
Let Jesus show you he is with you. Stop and listen. What is he saying? […] Jesus, thank you for reaching into my busy day and touching me. Help me to stop and pay attention. I want to receive all you have for me (p. 38).
Despite historical and political changes, wars and persecution, and the rise and fall of countless nations, the basic core of our faith has remained the same. […] Thank you, Lord, for your faithfulness to all generations (p. 39).
Jesus wants to lift our burdens. He wants to remove anything that keeps us from knowing his love. […] Jesus, thank you for your infinite mercy. Help me to see and confess any sin that keeps me from you (p. 40).
[Jesus] wants all of us to set our hearts on things above, not on earthly matters. […] Lord, help me to overcome the attachments that keep me from you. Jesus, I want to find the contentment of knowing you (p. 41).
We have the same potential [as Matthew] to let God’s mercy change us so that we become saints. […] St. Matthew, pray for me as I walk the path toward sainthood (p. 42).
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St. Joseph – Port Aransas, TX
September 8 – 14, 2019: 23rd week in Ordinary Time
Jesus is calling us further down the road of discipleship. […] Take this insight with you… and ask Jesus to write it on your heart. Jesus, I want to follow you even more deeply” (September 2019, p. 29).
As we learn how to be relaxed, peaceful, and at ease in God’s presence, we are filled with his strength and endurance. […] Jesus, help me to rest in you so that I can work in the strength that comes from your power in me (p. 30).
Sincerity and kindness build trust. And trust builds bridges between people. […] Jesus, teach me to treat people who don’t yet know you with the same love that you have for them (p. 31).
Paul… reminds us that we have cast off our “old self.” […] Lord, give me the grace and the strength to leave behind everything that stands between me and you (p. 32).
Whatever we are feeling at the moment, there is a psalm that expresses it. […] Jesus, may your word dwell in me richly (p. 33).
As you spend time thanking God for his grace, your vision of his work in you will become even sharper and clearer. […] Jesus, thank you for your abundant grace in my life. Lord, help me to open myself even more to your grace (p. 34).
Opening your heart to Jesus and letting his love flow into you will help you love other people as he loves you. […] Jesus, by your holy cross, you have redeemed the world (p. 35).
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St. Joseph – Port Aransas, TX
September 1 – 7, 2019: 22nd week in Ordinary Time
All Jesus is asking is our willingness to give without expecting anything in return. […] Lord, help me to reach beyond my circle of comfort to touch the lonely and needy around me (September 2019, p. 22).
Every day that we spend with God prepares us a little more for his gift of eternal life. […] Jesus, thank you for every moment I’m able to spend with you (p. 23).
Whatever we do for others encourages us as well. […] Lord, thank you for the people in my life who have encouraged me (p. 24).
When we start praying for a situation by giving thanks for all the good that God is already doing, our hope is built up. […] Lord, you know the situations that weigh heavily on me. Open my eyes to the ways you are already at work and help me be thankful (p. 25).
Does it ever feel as if there are obstacles that make it hard for you to accept Jesus’s call to follow him? […] Just bring it along. […] Thank you, Jesus, for inviting me to follow you (p. 26).
Suffering threatens to drain us of hope. […] Jesus, you are the firstborn of all creation. I place all my hope in you (p. 27).
Isn’t it incredible that God calls us his friends even when we have turned away from him? […] Lord, thank you for reconciling me and making me your friend (p. 28).
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St. Joseph – Port Aransas, TX
August 25 – 31, 2019: 21st week in Ordinary Time
Everyone is equally deserving of God’s love. […] Lord, help me to welcome anyone who comes to you in faith (July/August 2019, p. 76).
Where do you see faith, love, and hope in another person? […] Lord, open my eyes to see you at work in the people around me. And open my mouth to encourage them (p. 77).
Whenever you realize that your attitude has wandered out of line, stop right away and ask the Lord for forgiveness. […] Father, give me a heart like Jesus, filled with love and mercy (p. 78).
It’s through our actions that we show people what it means to live the good news. […] Jesus, help me to become your living word (p. 79).
Many are on a faith journey with us. […] St. John the Baptist, pray for me to remain faithful to the end (p. 80).
Every act of love and service, every prayer, every act of trust and faith is like a drop of precious oil in your lamp. […] Lord, help me to keep my lamp burning brightly as I wait for your return (p. 81).
Lord, help me to be an instrument of your love. […] Jesus, teach me to love (p. 82).
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St. Joseph – Port Aransas, TX
August 18 – 24, 2019: 20th week in Ordinary Time
“Lord, make me an instrument of your peace” (July/August 2019, p. 69).
Lord, open my eyes! Help me to become more like you (p. 70).
“Lord Jesus, you are my peace!” (p. 71).
“Jesus, show me how to participate in your plan” (p. 72).
“Father, help me follow you with all my heart” (p. 73).
“Jesus, teach me how to love!” (p. 74).
“Jesus, open my mind and my heart to heaven today” (p. 75).
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St. Joseph – Port Aransas, TX
August 11 – 17, 2019: 19th week in Ordinary Time
Lord, I believe you are good and faithful to your promises. Help me to be ready for you (July/August 2019, p. 62).
“Lord Jesus, I trust you, even when I don’t understand you” (p. 63).
Spirit of the living God, I believe you are alive in me. Open my heart to the reality of your presence here and now (p. 64).
“Lord, make me an instrument of your peace and reconciliation” (p. 65).
“Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for me” (p. 66).
“Lord, thank you for your enduring mercy in my life” (p. 67).
“Jesus, thank you for guiding me all the way to heaven” (p. 68).
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St. Joseph – Port Aransas, TX
August 4 – 10, 2019: 18th week in Ordinary Time
“Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ, for conquering death and for opening heaven” (July/August 2019, p. 55).
Lord, help me remember the ways you have been faithful to me. Help me to trust that you are loving and generous (p. 56).
“Father, help me to see all the ways you are reaching out to me” (p. 57).
“Lord, please draw my children close to you” (p. 58).
“Lord, speak your words of life to me and to those around me today” (p. 59).
“Jesus, help me to let go of anything in my life that leads me away from you” (p. 60).
“St. Lawrence, pray for me to be joyful and to share my joy with others” (p. 61).
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Holy Ghost – Hammond, LA
July 28 – August 3, 2019: 17th week in Ordinary Time
Father, I want to know you. Help me to grow more confident in your love (July/August 2019, p. 48).
“Jesus, thank you for giving me the freedom to be completely honest with you (p. 49).
“Heavenly Father, thank you for making me your good seed” (p. 50).
“Lord, thank you for your graces and for shining through me” (p. 51).
“Lord, show me your glory” (p. 52).
“Lord, by your grace, help me to reach out to you” (p. 53).
“Father, I trust in you” (p. 54).
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St. Joseph – Port Aransas, TX
July 21 – 27, 2019: 16th week in Ordinary Time
“Lord, you are all I need” (July/August 2019, p. 41).
Jesus, I want to follow you wherever you go. Help me to live for you (p. 42).
“Thank you, Lord, for the miraculous waters of Baptism” (p. 43).
Lord Jesus, who are we that you should come to us in such a humble way? Praise to you, Lord, for your gift of divine life (p. 44).
“Lord, may your whole Church be strengthened by St. James’s willingness to drink from your chalice” (p. 45).
“Lord, thank you for the grace to hear and understand your word” (p. 46).
Father, I am awed by your love for me. May I never take your covenant for granted (p. 47).
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Our Lady of Sorrows – McAllen, TX
July 14 – 20, 2019: 15th week in Ordinary Time
“Jesus, teach me how to love my neighbor as you love me” (July/August 2019, p. 34).
“Jesus, help me to love you and follow you before all others” (p. 35).
“Lord, I am choosing to trust you because I know you are working out your good purposes in my life” (p. 36).
“Lord, thank you for your abiding presence” (p. 37).
Jesus, I want to learn your gentleness and humility as I walk with you. Teach me to move in step with your and your Spirit (p. 38).
“Lord, thank you for the gift of sabbath rest” (p. 39).
Father, thank you for keeping vigil over me. I trust that I will experience your grace in your own good time (p. 40).
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St. Joseph – Port Aransas, TX
July 7 – 13, 2019: 14th week in Ordinary Time
“Jesus, reduce me to love” (July/August 2019, p. 27).
“Lord, thank you for accepting my invitation to come into my home each day” (p. 28).
I believe you love me, Lord. Help me to keep wrestling for the answers I need (p. 29).
“Jesus, thank you for placing your confidence in me” (p. 30).
Jesus, help me to let go of my hurts. I choose to forgive (p. 31).
Father, I will trust in you. I will not be afraid (p. 32).
Jesus, help me to hold on to my faith when I am afraid. Lord, I trust in your unending love (p. 33).
SJC photos: 7.7.19 & 7.7.13, respectively
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St. Joseph – Port Aransas, TX
June 30 – July 6, 2019: 13th week in Ordinary Time
Yes, Lord, I will follow you wherever you lead. I trust that your grace will be enough for me (June 2019, p. 50).
“Lord, I want to hear you speak in the scriptures” (July/August 2019, p. 21).
“Jesus, I trust that you will help me find you wherever I feel shaken” (p. 22).
“Jesus, thank you for bringing me into your household of faith” (p. 23).
Lord, thank you for seeing my faith. Help me to trust you more (p. 24).
Jesus, just as you invited Matthew to follow you, you are also inviting me. I renew my yes to you (p. 25).
“Lord, thank you for all of your blessings, especially the gift of your friendship” (p. 26).
SJC photos: 6.30.19 & 6.30.13, respectively
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St. Joseph – Port Aransas, TX
June 23 – 29, 2019: Corpus Christi / 12th week in Ordinary Time
O Sacrament most holy, O Sacrament divine! All praise and all thanksgiving be every moment thine (June 2019, p. 43).
“Father, thank you for your grace and favor” (p. 44).
Come, Holy Spirit! Help me to stay on the path that leads to life (p. 45).
“Father, help me persevere in faith and hope for the reward you are preparing for me” (p. 46).
Lord, I want to know you and to be known by you. Draw me to yourself (p. 47).
Jesus, help me embrace your shepherd’s heart today. I want to be found by you (p. 48).
St. Peter and St. Paul, pray for us! We want to be just as faithful as you were (p. 49).
SJC photos: 6.22.19 & 6.26.11, respectively
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St. Joseph – Port Aransas, TX
June 16 – 22, 2019: Most Holy Trinity / 11th week in Ordinary Time
God, I believe that you are Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Help me to know you in a more personal way (June 2019, p. 36).
“Jesus, thank you for your constant mercy and grace (p. 37).
Lord Jesus, thank you for your immense generosity. Help me accept all the riches you have offered me (p. 38).
Father, thank you for all you’ve given me. Please show me how to share it (p. 39).
“Jesus, give me the grace and love I need to forgive as you have forgiven me” (p. 40).
Jesus, I want to share your good news. Teach me how to be as shrewd as a serpent and as gentle as a dove (Mt. 10:16; p. 41).
“Lord, help me to hear your voice today” (p. 42).
SJC photos: 6.16.19 & 6.19.11, respectively
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St. Joseph – Port Aransas, TX
June 9 – 15, 2019: Pentecost / 10th week in Ordinary Time
“Father, thank you for the wonderful gift of your Holy Spirit” (June 2019, p. 29).
“Thank you, Mary, for your constant love and care” (p. 30).
“Lord, thank you for opening our eyes to see what you are doing” (p. 31).
Thank you, Lord, for your blessings today. And, even more, thank you for the promises of everything that is to come (p. 32).
Have mercy on me, O Lord. Help me to turn to you whenever anger rears its head (p. 33).
“Holy Spirit, help me to be holy as you are holy” (p. 34).
Lord, thank you for making me new. Help me look ahead to what you have in store for me (p. 35).
SJC photos: 6.9.19 & 6.12.11, respectively
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St. Joseph – Port Aransas, TX
June 2 – 8, 2019: Ascension / 7th week of Easter
“All praise to you, Jesus, for opening heaven for me” (June 2019, p. 22).
“Holy Spirit, help me to draw closer to people and share my story with them” (p. 23).
“Jesus, thank you for praying for my protection” (p. 24).
“Jesus, increase my trust in you” (p. 25).
“Lord, make us one” (p. 26).
Jesus, help me to return to you and repent as often as I need to. Lord, I place my confidence in you and your great love (p. 27).
Thank you, Jesus, for all the ways you provide for me. Help me to keep my eyes on you (p. 28).
SJC photos: 6.2.19 & 6.2.13, respectively
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St. Joseph – Port Aransas, TX
May 26 – June 1, 2019: 6th week of Easter
“Jesus, thank you for the gift of your peace” (Easter 2019, p. 56).
Jesus, I want to open my life more fully to you. Come stay with me, Lord (p. 57).
“Jesus, thank you for making my life better” (p. 58).
“Lord, thank you for the gift of friendship” (p. 59).
Come, Holy Spirit! Open the eyes of my heart (p. 60).
Lord, thank you for the example of our blessed mother, Mary. Help me become a more effective bearer of your life (p. 61).
“Jesus, teach me how to give— and receive— feedback in a spirit of humility and gentleness” (June 2019, p. 20).
SJC photos: 5.25.19 & 4.21.12, respectively
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St. Joseph – Port Aransas, TX
May 19 – 25, 2019: 5th week of Easter
“Today, Jesus, teach me to love as you love” (Easter 2019, p. 49).
Holy Spirit, be my reminder. Help me to remember all that Jesus has done for me (p. 50).
Jesus, help me cling to you in my hardships. Lord, I trust that you will not abandon me (p. 51).
“Jesus, thank you for loving me enough to live in me forever” (p. 52).
Jesus, help me walk through this day with the key of obedience in my hand so I can open the doors of holiness and intimacy with you (p. 53).
“Holy Spirit, help every family grow closer together and closer to you” (p. 54).
Jesus, thank you for how you made me. Use all of me to build your kingdom (p. 55).
SJC photos: 5.18.19 & 5.15.11, respectively
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Holy Name – Ketchikan, AK
May 12 – 18, 2019: 4th week of Easter
“Jesus, help me to count my blessings and to bless everyone around me” (Easter 2019, p. 42).
“Thank you, Lord, for giving me abundant life” (p. 43).
Father, thank you for the full life you want all your children to experience. Is there a gap you want me to help fill in? (p. 44).
“Holy Spirit, help me to hear you speaking to me any way that you choose” (p. 45).
“Lord, help me focus not on my weaknesses, but on your goodness” (p. 46).
“Jesus, thank you for the place you have fashioned for me here on earth— and for the place you are preparing for me in heaven” (p. 47).
“Father, may I reflect your presence within me today” (p. 48).
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St. Joseph – Sunnyside, WA
May 5 – 11, 2019: 3rd week of Easter
“Jesus, we praise you for the victory of your resurrection” (Easter 2019, p. 35).
“Lord, I entrust my heart to you” (p. 36).
“Jesus, true bread from heaven, I am reaching out to you” (p. 37).
“Heavenly Father, help me share the good news of Christ’s love to [at least] one person today” (p. 38).
Holy Spirit, I am listening to you. Use me to spread the gospel (p. 39).
Jesus, thank you for giving yourself to me in the Eucharist. I give my life to you (p. 40).
“Lord Jesus, deepen my love for you today and every day” (p. 41).
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St. Joseph – Port Aransas, TX
April 28 – May 4, 2019: Divine Mercy / 2nd week of Easter
“Jesus, let the good news of your mercy fill the whole world today” (Easter 2019, p. 28).
Lord, thank you for the gift of boldness. Help me to remain confident in you today (p. 29).
“Holy Spirit, show me how I can be an instrument of unity in the lives of those around me” (p. 30).
“Father, thank you for loving me and for sending your only son, Jesus, so that I might share in your life forever” (p. 31).
“Lord, thank you for pouring out your life and your Spirit on me” (p. 32).
“Lord, I want to know you more each day” (p. 33).
Holy Spirit, touch the hearts of those who don’t yet know Jesus. Help them experience the joy of salvation (p. 34).
SJC photos: 4.28.19 & 4.20.13, respectively
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St. Joseph – Port Aransas, TX
April 21 – 27, 2019: Resurrection of the Lord / 1st week of Easter
Lord, I believe you have risen. Thank you for calling me to your side (Easter 2019, p. 21).
“Come, Lord Jesus, and give us your freedom” (p. 22).
“Jesus, open my eyes so I can say with Mary that ‘I have seen the Lord'” (p. 23).
“Lord, help me to see you more clearly in the breaking of the bread” (p. 24).
Jesus, thank you for giving me a body that reveals your glory. I trust you with my physical needs today and always (p. 25).
“Come, Holy Spirit, and fill me with your love and power” (p. 26).
“Jesus, help me to see past my unbelief to the power of your resurrection” (p. 27).
SJC photos: 4.21.19 & 4.24.11, respectively
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St. Joseph – Port Aransas, TX
April 14 – 20, 2019: Palm Sunday / Holy Week
“Lord, help me to be like you” (Lent 2019, p. 64).
“Thank you, Jesus, for rescuing me” (p. 65).
“Jesus, give me the grace to forgive those who have hurt me” (p. 66).
“Lord, I trust that you will keep me in perfect peace as I meditate on all that you have done for me” (p. 67).
“Lord, I want to do for the people around me as you have done for me” (p. 68).
“Jesus, let your love reduce me to silence today” (p. 69).
Lord, your plan of salvation is like a surging river. Thank you for making me part of this flowing history (p. 70).
SJC photos: 4.14.19 & 4.17.11, respectively
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St. Joseph – Port Aransas, TX
April 7 – 13, 2019: 5th week of Lent
“Jesus, thank you for your unending mercy” (Lent 2019, p. 57).
“Father, may I always remember that I am your beloved child” (p. 58).
“Thank you, Lord, for loving me enough to be lifted up on the cross” (p. 59).
“Lord, I praise you for your saving power!” (p. 60).
Jesus, I believe that you are the way to heaven. Help me to turn from any paths that do not lead to you (p. 61).
“Lord, help me to keep your love in the forefront of my mind” (p. 62).
Holy Spirit, I welcome you into my heart. Restore me, Lord! (p. 63).
SJC photos: 4.7.19 & 4.10.11, respectively
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St. Joseph – Port Aransas, TX
March 31 – April 6, 2019: 4th week of Lent
“Thank you, Father, for welcoming me home” (Lent 2019, p. 50).
“Father, help me to recognize your ongoing, creative work in me (p. 51).
“Yes, Lord, I want to be made well” (p. 52).
“Jesus, be my comfort today” (p. 53).
Holy Spirit, quiet my heart and help me to read scripture with new ears. Let your revelation guide me to become more like Jesus (p. 54).
Lord God, I trust in you. Open my eyes. Let me see your hand in all things (p. 55).
Holy Spirit, let the words of Jesus pierce my heart. Don’t let anything stand in the way of my hearing him and following him (p. 56).
SJC photos: 3.31.19 & 3.27.11, respectively
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St. Joseph – Port Aransas, TX
March 24 – 30, 2019: 3rd week of Lent
“Lord, have mercy; Christ have mercy” (Lent 2019, p. 43).
“Jesus, give me a constant awareness of your life in me” (p. 44).
“Father in heaven, give me my daily bread today; and forgive me as I strive to forgive the people indebted to me” (p. 45).
“Lord, thank you for blessing me with your word” (p. 46).
Jesus, I want to walk toward you today. Help me to reach my goal of union with you (p. 47).
“Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner” (p. 48).
Jesus, thank you for your words of mercy, which pierce my heart. I lift my spirit to you (p. 49).
SJC photos: 3.23.19 & 3.21.10, respectively
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St. Benedict – San Benito, TX
March 17 – 23, 2019: 2nd week of Lent
As we go through Lent we need to fast, give alms, and pray. Thomas Merton was asked, “What can I do to improve my prayer life?” Just take time to pray. Make it part of your daily routine. Like Peter, John, and James who went to the mountain to pray, spend time in a room where you can converse with God and experience him as a friend. Every relationship shapes us, influences us, transforms us. Prayer is the urgency through which God sets us on a mission to help transform the world (Fr. Luis Tinajero at 5:30 A.M. Mass).
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“Jesus, help me to keep my eyes fixed on you today” (Lent 2019, p. 36).
“Father, show me your mercy today that I might show it to everyone around me” (p. 37).
“Thank you, Father, for St. Joseph, a righteous man and a holy model of faith” (p. 38).
“Jesus, teach me to serve your people with your love” (p. 39).
“Come, Holy Spirit, and refresh my heart” (p. 40).
“Father, lord over history, I entrust my life to you” (p. 41).
“Heavenly Father, thank you for running to me with open arms whenever I turn back to you” (p. 42).
Eternal rest grant unto Fr. Nacho, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
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St. Joseph – Port Aransas, TX
March 10 – 16, 2019: 1st week of Lent
Jesus, I believe that you are the Savior of the world. Let this faith continue to sanctify my heart (Lent 2019, p. 29).
“Lord, help me to grow in holiness and love this Lent” (p. 30).
Father, thank you for revealing yourself to me. Open my eyes to your wonders as I turn to you in prayer today (p. 31).
“Holy Spirit, give me the confidence to share your good news today” (p. 32).
Father, hear the cry of my heart today. Above all that I want and need, help me grow more in love with you (p. 33).
“Lord, help me live in the freedom of your Spirit and to renounce all anger and bitterness” (p. 34).
Jesus, thank you for this day. Open my eyes to the grace you have for me, grace that is perfect for today (p. 35).
SJC photos: 3.9.19 & 3.9.11, respectively
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St. Joseph – Port Aransas, TX
March 3 – 9, 2019: 8th week in Ordinary Time / Ash Wednesday
“Lord, help me to reflect your grace and love to the people around me” (February 1 – March 6, 2019, p. 50).
Yes, Lord, I will follow you. Thank you for the way you love me (p. 51).
“Jesus, thank you for your generous mercy” (p. 52).
Jesus, help me embrace the everyday ordinary practices of Lent so I can grow closer to you (Lent 2019, p. 25).
“Lord, help me to deny myself anything that is keeping me from following you” (p. 26).
“Jesus, show me how I can serve you in the poor and needy this Lent” (p. 27).
“Lord, help me to honor the Sabbath this Lent by resting with you” (p. 28).
SJC photos: 3.3.19, 3.6.11, & 3.6.12, respectively
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St. Joseph – Port Aransas, TX
February 24 – March 2, 2019: 7th week in Ordinary Time
“Lord, help me to be merciful as you are merciful” (February 1 – March 5, 2019, p. 43).
“Father, thank you for teaching me the way of wisdom” (p. 44).
Lord, give me patience whenever I find myself in a “crucible of faith.” Help me stay close to you, so you can continue to purify me (p. 45).
“Jesus, may your name be ever on my heart and lips” (p. 46).
“Father, show me how I can serve your people today” (p. 47).
Jesus, show me how faithfully you love me. Make me a faithful friend
(p. 48).
“Jesus, help me draw near to you like a child” (p. 49).
SJC photos: 2.23.19 & 2.27.11, respectively
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St. Luke – Temple, TX
February 17 – 23, 2019: 6th week in Ordinary Time
Luke’s beatitudes are different from Matthew’s; he lists only four woes (ouches). A second grader, Joshua, wrote me a note recently.
Dear Fr. John, thank you for being a priest and for being funny.
P. S. Drink chocolate milk so you won’t need a stool.
Ouch!
In the Old Testament God is perceived as mean, but no— he’s loving. When we sin, we hurt him. Ouch! In the New Testament the Risen Jesus asks, “Why are you persecuting me?” Ouch!
Let’s think about that. How do we cause him pain? Every time we sin, God feels disrespected. Ouch! Underneath the anger there’s hurt and frustration, yet God’s a loving father who longs to gather his children. God longs for our return. He wants to heal our wounds.
Rejoice, for your reward will be in heaven. No ouches there (Fr. John Guzaldo at 5 P.M. Mass).
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Jesus, fill my heart with your vision of life. Teach me to be content with riches or poverty, with good times and bad. Lord, give me only your love (February 1 – March 5, 2019, p. 36).
“Lord, help me look to you for divine strength in the face of every temptation” (p. 37).
Jesus, help me to understand. Help me believe that you can satisfy my deepest desires. O Lord, I trust in you (p. 38).
Jesus, you are always here for me. Give me the grace to trust you more and more (p. 39).
Jesus, I believe that you are the Messiah. Thank you for offering your life for me (p. 40).
Lord, I want to be your disciple. Keep teaching me and forming me so that I can be the saint this world needs (p. 41).
Lord, I will keep praying, especially for those good things that I do not yet see fulfilled. May these trusting prayers strengthen my faith (p. 42).
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St. Joseph – Port Aransas, TX
February 10 – 16, 2019: 5th week in Ordinary Time
“Jesus, teach me to open my heart to your grace” (February 1 – March 5, 2019, p. 29).
Mighty Lord Jesus, you can do the impossible. Hear my prayer (p. 30).
“Lord, help me to treasure my family relationships” (p. 31).
“Lord, renew and recreate in me whatever feels tired and used up” (p. 32).
“Lord, help me to reach out in love to one lonely person today” (p. 33).
“Lord, give me the courage to share about how much you’ve done for me” (p. 34).
“Father, keep drawing me back to you so that I can be safe by your side” (p. 35).
SJC photos: 2.9.19 & 2.7.10, respectively
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St. Joseph – Port Aransas, TX
February 3 – 9, 2019: 4th week in Ordinary Time
“Lord, teach me to love more deeply each day” (February 1 – March 5, 2019, p. 22).
“Lord, thank you for offering me a place in your Hall of Faith” (p. 23).
“Jesus, help me remember the holy men and women who surround me and testify to your presence” (p. 24).
Lord, I want to be strong enough to resist sin. Show me today how I can grow stronger (p. 25).
“Jesus, help me step out with trust and confidence in you” (p. 26).
“Jesus, help me to love as you have loved— completely and generously” (p. 27).
Thank you, Jesus, for calling me to your side. Here I am, Lord. Come and fill me up (p. 28).
SJC photos: 2.3.19 & 2.5.11, respectively
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Our Lady of Sorrows – McAllen, TX
January 27 – February 2, 2019: 3rd week in Ordinary Time
The same who praised Jesus were filled with fury. Opinions and moods can change. Opinions are like belly buttons; everyone has one. Because of the sin of pride conflicts inevitably arise. Parts of the body can’t be one. A husband and a wife are one body psychologically, spiritually. Yet some need to be divorced. Fifty years later the couple won’t look the same. Things fall or droop. Living proof. [Laughter] The soul never grows old and is never boring. A couple learns to resolve conflicts. Public enemy number one is the silent treatment. Two strangers! Spouses are forgotten or taken for granted. I quickly learned “be quiet,” “don’t interrupt,” “I serve your father first.” Marriage should be taught at home. Only spouses can heal what needs healing. Forgiveness. Jesus gives us the power to live his bond, his family (Msgr. Gus Barrera at 4 P.M. Mass).
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Here I am, Lord. You have anointed me, and I want to serve (January 2019, p. 47).
“Thank you, Jesus, for teaching me how to live in your grace” (p. 48).
“Lord, help me to surrender to you today so that I can live for your glory” (p. 49).
Jesus, make me a generous sower of your word. Fill me with zeal and courage to spread your seeds all over the world (p. 50).
“Lord, thank you for all the times a brother or sister has roused me to love, prayer, and good works” (p. 51).
“Lord, help me to keep looking back so that I can move closer to you” (February 1 – March 5, 2019, p. 20).
“Jesus, I trust in you!” (p. 21).
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St. Pius X – Corpus Christi, TX
January 20 – 26, 2019: 2nd week in Ordinary Time
Thank you, Jesus, for renewing me. Lord, help me to see your glory so that I can believe in you more deeply (January 2019, p. 40).
“Jesus, help me become more flexible, just as you are” (p. 41).
Jesus, thank you for wanting us to grow to mature Christian love. Help me learn to live according to your law of love (p. 42).
Jesus, take the callous places in my heart and soften them. Fill me with your compassion (p. 43).
“Jesus, I want to know you more” (p. 44).
“Lord, open my eyes so that I see all believers as my brothers and sisters” (p. 45).
Thank you, Father, for the example of Sts. Timothy and Titus. Raise up men and women like them who love you and who are willing to serve your Church at any cost (p. 46).
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St. Joseph – Port Aransas, TX
January 13 – 19, 2019: Baptism of the Lord / Christmas / 1st week in Ordinary Time
“Praise to you, Jesus, for taking all my sins” (January 2019, p. 33).
“Jesus, thank you for embracing the cross so that I could enter into a new, eternal covenant with you” (p. 34).
“Jesus, teach me how to stand firm and resist all the temptations of the evil one” (p. 35).
Jesus, you know what it is like to struggle with the demands of life. Help me, Lord (p. 36).
Lord, bring to my mind all the ways you have been with me through the years. I believe you are in my midst (p. 37).
Jesus, we bring our divisions and disagreements to you. Lord, heal us and unite us as your one, holy, catholic, apostolic Church (p. 38).
“Thank you, Jesus, for joining me at my table” (p. 39).
SJC photos: 1.12.19 & 1.10.10, respectively
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St. Joseph – Port Aransas, TX
January 6 – 12, 2019: Epiphany of the Lord / Christmas
Lord, I ask you for an epiphany today. Jesus, help me see you anew (January 2019, p. 26).
“Lord, pour out your grace on all young people” (p. 27).
“Jesus, thank you for spending time with me…” (p. 28).
“Lord Jesus, thank you for being with me and helping me to face my fears” (p. 29).
Lord, let your love fill me today. Help me to love as fully as you love (p. 30).
Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief (p. 31).
Lord, help me to listen for your voice of truth. I want to rejoice that you are leading me to your kingdom (p. 32).
SJC photos: 1.6.19 & 1.8.12, respectively
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WP pages… Meditations / M 2016 / M 2017 / M 2018 / M 2020 / M 2021
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