Weekly Reflection

Presence

I pause for a moment
and think of the love and the grace
that God showers on me,
creating me in his image and likeness,
making me his temple....

Freedom

I try to let go of any prejudices and narrow mindedness
That may be clouding my vision at this present moment.
I hand them over to God’s merciful care,
So I can pray in freedom at this time.

Consciousness

In the presence of my loving Creator, I look honestly at my feelings over the last day, the highs, the lows and the level ground. Can I see where the Lord has been present?

The Word of God John 15:1-8

‘I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine-grower. He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.

Some thoughts on today's scripture

God cherishes his people – Israel - like a shepherd guards his flock. Or, to use another comparison, God is like a vinedresser lovingly tending Israel The True Vine; overseeing everything and standing by in crises: keeping the plant healthy even as persecution cuts off and prunes branches (these ones still fruitful).
Christians have also been called ‘members of Christ’s body’; we are in mystical union with him – part of ‘the whole Christ’ (according to the Jewish notion of ‘corporate personality’). As such – in authentic union with Christ – we today at the same time both represent him to the world and also give glory to the Father. No wonder then that we are awarded with the assurance: “You may ask what you will and you shall get it”.
The life of today’s saint, Bridget of Sweden (a Patron of Europe), is an example of deep union with Christ flowing into action in the world – in married life, in affairs of State, in practical charity : all rooted in commitment to Christ – which issued from mystical prayer.

Conversation

Dear Lord, help me each day
to seek your presence more and more.
Fill my heart with love for you.

Conclusion

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Pope's Prayer Intention for 2019

Pope Francis has a monthly prayer intention for each month, each with a short video.

This month's intention is:

JULY

Universal – Justice That those who administer justice may work with integrity and that the injustice which prevails in the world may not have the last word.

Please click on the link to view the monthly prayer intention: https://daily-prayers.org/popes-monthly-intentions/pope-francis-2019-monthly-intentions/