Thought for Tuesday April 29

The Lord is king; he is robed in majesty.
The LORD is king, in splendor robed;
robed is the LORD and girt about with strength.
The Lord is king; he is robed in majesty.

 

John 3: 7 – 15  Amen, amen, I say to you, we speak of what we know and we testify to what we have seen, but you people do not accept our testimony.

When I make choices that bear witness to Jesus, but are contrary to the prevailing culture, do people sometimes treat me like I am an outcast?  Do I ever get frustrated when people don’t accept my testimony?

Action:  Keep bearing witness even though people may treat you like a nut.

Thought for Monday April 28

Blessed are all who take refuge in the Lord.
Why do the nations rage
and the peoples utter folly?
The kings of the earth rise up,
and the princes conspire together
against the LORD and against his anointed:
"Let us break their fetters
and cast their bonds from us!"
Blessed are all who take refuge in the Lord.

John 3: 1 – 8 Nicodemus said to him, "How can a man once grown old be born again?

Have I ever wondered if I am too old to change?  Is it ever too late to begin bearing witness to Jesus?

Action:  Take the first step toward changing one of your oldest “bad habits” – something you do that really isn’t consistent with Jesus’ message.

Thought for Friday April 25

The stone rejected by the builders has become the cornerstone.
O LORD, grant salvation!
O LORD, grant prosperity!
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD;
we bless you from the house of the LORD.
The LORD is God, and he has given us light.
The stone rejected by the builders has become the cornerstone.

John 21: 1 – 14  Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing." They said to him, "We also will come with you."

Do I ever do something recreational when I am trying to sort through spiritual thoughts?  Do I value recreation?

Action:   Let God run the world this weekend while you take some time off to enjoy your life.

Thought for Thursday April 24

O Lord, our God, how wonderful your name in all the earth!
O LORD, our Lord,
how glorious is your name over all the earth!
What is man that you should be mindful of him,
or the son of man that you should care for him?
O Lord, our God, how wonderful your name in all the earth!

 

Luke 24: 35 – 48  Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.

Is my mind open?  What is the most important thing I understand from the Bible?

Action:  If you have closed your mind to anything in scripture (something you reject or avoid), try to open your mind and deal with it.

 

Thought for Wednesday April 23

Rejoice, O hearts that seek the Lord.
Give thanks to the LORD, invoke his name;
make known among the nations his deeds.
Sing to him, sing his praise,
proclaim all his wondrous deeds.
 Rejoice, O hearts that seek the Lord.

Luke 24: 13 – 35  Jesus the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people

Am I doing my part to carry on Jesus’ work as a prophet?  Do I ever go against the grain at home, school, church, work or around my friends?

Action:  If something has been bugging you, something you think isn’t really consistent with gospel values, do something to change the way you may contribute to the problem.

Thought for Tuesday April 22

The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.
Upright is the word of the LORD,
and all his works are trustworthy.
He loves justice and right;
of the kindness of the LORD the earth is full.
The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.

John 20: 11 – 18 Mary Magdalene stayed outside the tomb weeping.

Have I ever been afraid to allow myself to feel the real pain of loss?  Am I confident that I will always find consolation?

Action:  The next time you lose someone (or something) let yourself grieve confident that you will find consolation.

Thought for Monday April 21

Keep me safe, O God; you are my hope.
I bless the LORD who counsels me;
even in the night my heart exhorts me.
I set the LORD ever before me;
with him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed.
Keep me safe, O God; you are my hope.

Matthew 28: 8 – 15  They gave a large sum of money to the soldiers, telling them, "You are to say, His disciples came by night and stole him while we were asleep.'

Would I ever lie for money?  Does lying seem worse when I think of Jesus dying on the cross for me?

Action:  Think of Jesus’ sacrifice every time you are faced with a tough decision.

Thought for Good Friday April 18

Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.
Let your face shine upon your servant;
save me in your kindness.
Take courage and be stouthearted,
all you who hope in the LORD.
Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.

John 18: 1 – 19: 42  When Jesus had taken the wine, he said, "It is finished." And bowing his head, he handed over the spirit.

Does this sink in?  Can I really “be in the moment” of Jesus death?

Action:  Spend some time between noon and three today contemplating Jesus death.

Thought for Holy Thursday

Our blessing-cup is a communion with the Blood of Christ.
How shall I make a return to the LORD
for all the good he has done for me?
The cup of salvation I will take up,
and I will call upon the name of the LORD.
Our blessing-cup is a communion with the Blood of Christ.

 

John 13: 1 – 15  He [Jesus] said to them, "Do you realize what I have done for you?

 

Do I realize what Jesus has done for me?

 

Action:  Eat dinner today and try to appreciate the food (where it comes from, how it is prepared, who cooked it, etc.) and the company.   Try to picture Jesus eating the Passover with his friends.

Thought for Wednesday April 16

Lord, in your great love, answer me.
I will praise the name of God in song,
and I will glorify him with thanksgiving:
"See, you lowly ones, and be glad;
you who seek God, may your hearts revive!
For the LORD hears the poor,
and his own who are in bonds he spurns not."
Lord, in your great love, answer me.

 

Matthew 26: 14 – 25  On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the disciples approached Jesus and said, "Where do you want us to prepare for you to eat the Passover?"

What am I preparing for Jesus?  Do I have anything I want to do during Easter that I am still preparing for?

Action:  Plan something to celebrate Holy Week or Easter.

Thought for Tuesday April 15

I will sing of your salvation.
Be my rock of refuge,
a stronghold to give me safety,
for you are my rock and my fortress.
O my God, rescue me from the hand of the wicked.
I will sing of your salvation.

 

John 13: 21 – 38  Reclining at table with his disciples, Jesus was deeply troubled and testified, "Amen, amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me."

Have I ever been betrayed by a friend or family member?  Does a betrayal negate forever all of the good someone does?

Action:  If you have ever been betrayed and are still upset about it, make a list of all the good your betrayer has done and try to show them as much compassion as Jesus showed Judas.

Thought for Monday April 14

The Lord is my light and my salvation.
I believe that I shall see the bounty of the LORD
in the land of the living.
Wait for the LORD with courage;
be stouthearted, and wait for the LORD.
The Lord is my light and my salvation.

 

John 12: 1 – 11  He [Judas Iscariot] said this not because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief and held the money bag and used to steal the contributions.

Why would Jesus have such a low-life among his Apostles?  Doesn’t Jesus only call people who are good and holy to do his work?

Action:  Examine your conscience.  Is there anything you do that would make other people wonder why Jesus would want you around?  Work to change that and know that Jesus loves you anyway.

Thought for Friday April 11

In my distress I called upon the Lord, and he heard my voice.
My God, my rock of refuge,
my shield, the horn of my salvation, my stronghold!
Praised be the LORD, I exclaim,
and I am safe from my enemies.
In my distress I called upon the Lord, and he heard my voice.

 

John 10: 31 – 42  The Jews answered him, "We are not stoning you for a good work but for blasphemy.”

Do I place more value on works or words?  Is it easier to misunderstand works or words?

Action:  Try doing something good without talking about it and see if your work speaks for itself.

Thought for Thursday April 10

The Lord remembers his covenant for ever.
Look to the LORD in his strength;
seek to serve him constantly.
Recall the wondrous deeds that he has wrought,
his portents, and the judgments he has uttered.
The Lord remembers his covenant for ever.

John 8: 51 – 59  Jesus answered, "If I glorify myself, my glory is worth nothing; but it is my Father who glorifies me, of whom you say, 'He is our God.'

Is “child of God” a central part of my identity?  Do I use that phrase to describe other people?

Action:  Think of the 5 people that annoy you the most and for each one say, “____________ is a child of God.”  Repeat to yourself as often as necessary.  

Thought for Wednesday April 9

Glory and praise forever!
"Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of our fathers,
praiseworthy and exalted above all forever;
And blessed is your holy and glorious name,
praiseworthy and exalted above all for all ages."
Glory and praise forever!

 

John 8: 31 – 42  Jesus said, “If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

How does the truth set me free?  Have I ever been trapped in a lie?

Action:  Look at a bad situation and see if any Gospel truths are being ignored.  Try to bring truth into the situation.

Thought for Tuesday April 8

O Lord, hear my prayer, and let my cry come to you.
O LORD, hear my prayer,
and let my cry come to you.
Hide not your face from me
in the day of my distress.
Incline your ear to me;           
in the day when I call, answer me speedily.
O Lord, hear my prayer, and let my cry come to you.

John 8: 21 – 30  The one who sent me is with me.  He has not left me alone, because I always do what is pleasing to him.

Do I always do what is pleasing to God?  How often do I even think about it?

Action:  Do something pleasing to God today.

Thought for Monday April 7

Even though I walk in the dark valley I fear no evil; for you are at my side.
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
In verdant pastures he gives me repose;
Beside restful waters he leads me;
he refreshes my soul.
Even though I walk in the dark valley I fear no evil; for you are at my side.

John 8: 1 – 11  “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”  Again he bent down and wrote on the ground.  And in response, they went away one by one, beginning with the elders.

Do I have to be sinless to see the sins of others?  What can I do when I do recognize another’s sin?

Action:  The next time you notice someone else sinning, do something positive to counteract the effect of that sin.  

Thought for Friday April 4

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted;
and those who are crushed in spirit he saves.
Many are the troubles of the just man,
but out of them all the LORD delivers him.

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.

John 7: 1-2, 10, 25 - 30     Jesus moved about within Galilee; he did not wish to travel in Judea, because the Jews were trying to kill him.

If people were trying to kill me, would I avoid them?  What do I believe in enough to risk my life?

Action:  Avoid any person, habit or situation which “kills” your spirit; at least for a day or two.

Thought for Wednesday April 2

The Lord is gracious and merciful.
The LORD is just in all his ways
and holy in all his works.
The LORD is near to all who call upon him,
to all who call upon him in truth.
The Lord is gracious and merciful.

John 5: 17 – 30  “I cannot do anything on my own; I judge as I hear, and my judgment is just, because I do not seek my own will but the will of the one who sent me.”

What can I do on my own?  Whose will do I seek?

Action:  Try to do something good that you have not done before because you thought you just weren’t up to it. 

Thought for Tuesday April 1

The Lord of hosts is with us; our stronghold is the God of Jacob.
God is our refuge and our strength,
an ever-present help in distress.
Therefore we fear not, though the earth be shaken
and mountains plunge into the depths of the sea.
The Lord of hosts is with us; our stronghold is the God of Jacob.

John 5: 1 – 16  When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had been ill for a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be well?”

What illnesses do I have?  Do I want to be well or am I comfortable with my infirmities? 

Action:  Do something that is good for you (mind, body or soul) every day.

Thought for Monday March 31

I will praise you, Lord, for you have rescued me.
Sing praise to the LORD, you his faithful ones,
and give thanks to his holy name.
For his anger lasts but a moment;
a lifetime, his good will.
At nightfall, weeping enters in,
but with the dawn, rejoicing.
I will praise you, Lord, for you have rescued me.

John 4: 43 – 54  Jesus said to him, “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will not believe.”

What about Jesus would make us believe in him other than signs and wonders?  Has a sign helped my belief?

Action:  Pay attention to the signs you see and ask yourself what value they communicate.  If  you notice any that communicate false values, make sure they don’t influence you.

Thought for Friday March 28

I am the Lord your God: hear my voice.
"Unseen, I answered you in thunder;
I tested you at the waters of Meribah.
Hear, my people, and I will admonish you;
O Israel, will you not hear me?"
 I am the Lord your God: hear my voice.

Mark 12: 28 – 34  And no one dared to ask him [Jesus] any more questions.

Have I ever been afraid to ask Jesus a question?  Are there answers I don’t want to hear?

Action:  Take 5 minutes and ask Jesus a question about a passage you find difficult and quietly listen for an answer.

Thought for Thursday March 27

If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.
Come, let us bow down in worship;
let us kneel before the LORD who made us.
For he is our God,
and we are the people he shepherds, the flock he guides.
If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

 

Luke 11: 14 – 23  Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.

 

What does it mean to be with Jesus?  Am I with Jesus all of the time? 

 

Action:  Pick reminders to help you remember to be with Jesus.  For example, every time your cell phone rings, or anytime you smell bread baking, or whenever you put on socks, remind yourself to be with Jesus in whatever you are doing or are about to do.

Thought for Wednesday March 26

Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.
Glorify the LORD, O Jerusalem;
praise your God, O Zion.
For he has strengthened the bars of your gates;
he has blessed your children within you.
Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.

Matthew 5: 17 – 19  I have come not to abolish [the law] but to fulfill.

Have I ever thought of the law as something to be fulfilled?  What is/ should be the purpose of law?

Action:  Pick a law, any law (biblical, criminal, institutional) and ask what its real purpose is and what values it upholds and think about how you uphold those same values in everything you do.

Thought for Tuesday March 25

Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.
"In the written scroll it is prescribed for me,
To do your will, O my God, is my delight,
and your law is within my heart!"
Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.

Luke 1: 26 – 38  And coming to her, he said, "Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you." But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.

Would this kind of greeting make me nervous?   Would I be worried or excited about what was coming next?

Action: The next time you are called upon to perform some “special” task, respond with as much trust in the Lord as Mary showed.

Thought for Monday March 24

Athirst is my soul for the living God.
When shall I go and behold the face of God?
As the hind longs for the running waters,
so my soul longs for you, O God.
Athirst is my soul for the living God.
When shall I go and behold the face of God?

 

Luke 4: 24 – 30  Indeed, I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah when the sky was closed for three and a half years and a severe famine spread over the entire land. It was to none of these that Elijah was sent, but only to a widow in Zarephath in the land of Sidon.

Do I ever feel overwhelmed seeing how many people need help?  Who do I feel I have been sent to help and can help?

Action:  Focus some effort on one person you know you can help, even if it is with something small.

Thought for Friday March 21

Remember the marvels the Lord has done.
When the LORD called down a famine on the land
and ruined the crop that sustained them,
He sent a man before them,
Joseph, sold as a slave.
Remember the marvels the Lord has done.

Matthew 21: 33 – 46  Hear another parable. There was a landowner who planted a vineyard, put a hedge around it, dug a wine press in it, and built a tower. Then he leased it to tenants and went on a journey. When vintage time drew near, he sent his servants to the tenants to obtain his produce.

What gifts has God given me?  What am I producing with them?

Action: Use one of your God given talents today to help somebody.

Thought for Thursday March 20

Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.
He is like a tree
planted near running water,
That yields its fruit in due season,
and whose leaves never fade.
Whatever he does, prospers.
Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.

Luke 16: 19 – 31  Jesus said to the Pharisees: “There was a rich man who dressed in purple garments and fine linen and dined sumptuously each day. And lying at his door was a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who would gladly have eaten his fill of the scraps that fell from the rich man’s table.”

Could I dine sumptuously if I knew there was a poor man lying at my door?  Do I ever ignore the plight of others?

 
Action:  Donate to a Food Bank or a group that feeds the hungry.

Thought for Wednesday March 19

The son of David will live for ever.
The promises of the Lord I will sing forever;
through all generations my mouth shall proclaim your faithfulness,
For you have said, "My kindness is established forever";
in heaven you have confirmed your faithfulness.
The son of David will live for ever.

Matthew 1: 16 – 24  Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly.

Have I ever been inclined to just quietly slip out of a bad situation?  What does it take for me to get past my fears and do the most loving thing I can?

Action:  Fix something around your home today in honor of St. Joseph.

Thought for Tuesday March 18

To the upright I will show the saving power of God.
"Why do you recite my statutes,
and profess my covenant with your mouth,
Though you hate discipline
and cast my words behind you?"
To the upright I will show the saving power of God.

Matthew 23: 1 – 12  For they preach but they do not practice.

Do I always practice what I preach?  Are there things I believe I should do, but just can’t?

Action:  Think of one thing you think everyone should do and make a point of doing it today.

Thought for Monday March 17

Lord, do not deal with us according to our sins.
Help us, O God our savior,
because of the glory of your name;
Deliver us and pardon our sins
for your name's sake.
Lord, do not deal with us according to our sins.

Luke 6: 36 – 38  Stop judging and you will not be judged.  Stop condemning and you will not be condemned.  Forgive and you will be forgiven.

Is this a message that really needs to be heard in my society?  Is this a message I really need to take to heart?

Action:  The next time you encounter someone being unjustly judged or condemned, speak up.

Thought for Friday March 14

If you, O Lord, mark iniquities, who can stand?
I trust in the LORD;
my soul trusts in his word.
My soul waits for the LORD
more than sentinels wait for the dawn.
Let Israel wait for the LORD.
If you, O Lord, mark iniquities, who can stand?

 

Matthew 5: 20 – 26  You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment.  But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment,

Is Jesus’ standard too high for me?  Would I prefer a simpler Old Testament set of rules?

Action:  Outnumber Hunger! Text HUNGER to 80153 through March 24 and General Mills will donate more than 5 meals directly to your local Food Bank!

Thought for Wednesday March 12

A heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn.
A clean heart create for me, O God,
and a steadfast spirit renew within me.
Cast me not out from your presence,
and your Holy Spirit take not from me.
A heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn.

 

Luke 11: 29 – 32  At the judgment the men of Nineveh will arise with this generation and condemn it, because at the preaching of Jonah they repented, and there is something greater than Jonah here.”

So what does it take to get me to repent?  What is my greatest “turn away from sin” accomplishment?

Action:  Spend some time thinking about what your life would be like now if you hadn’t turned away from some of your sins.  Imagine what it could be like in a few years if you turned away from some others.

Thought for Tuesday March 11

From all their distress God rescues the just.
Look to him that you may be radiant with joy,
and your faces may not blush with shame.
When the poor one called out, the LORD heard,
and from all his distress he saved him.
From all their distress God rescues the just.

Matthew 6: 7 – 13  Our Father who art in heaven,

Who do I include in “our”?  Who does Jesus include?

Action:  Pray the Our Father slowly and think about the meaning of every word from Jesus’ point of view.  What did he mean by Father, Heaven, Kingdom, Bread, Temptation, etc.?

Thought for Monday March 10

Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.
The law of the LORD is perfect,
refreshing the soul.
The decree of the LORD is trustworthy,
giving wisdom to the simple.
Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.

 

Matthew 25: 21 – 46  For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.

Are these the things that define my practice of the faith?  How often do I do these?

Action:  Adopt someone or something and find ways to care for it.  [Not necessarily a legal adoption.  It could be a child or a new pet, or the birds in your yard, the homeless man you pass on the way to work,  a lonely co-worker, a bored child, a nursing home patient, a prisoner …]

Thought for Friday March 7

A heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn.
Have mercy on me, O God, in your goodness;
in the greatness of your compassion wipe out my offense.
Thoroughly wash me from my guilt
and of my sin cleanse me.
A heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn.

Matthew 9: 14 – 15  The disciples of John approached Jesus and said, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast much, but your disciples do not fast?”

What do I think about when I am fasting and my stomach growls?  Is fasting something I do for me or for God?

Action:  Try fasting a couple of extra times during Lent.

Thought for Thursday March 6

Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.
He is like a tree
planted near running water,
That yields its fruit in due season,
and whose leaves never fade.
Whatever he does, prospers.
 Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.

 

Luke 9: 22 – 25  Jesus said to his disciples: "The Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised."

What insight about Jesus do I get from hearing that he knew he had to suffer?  Can I relate to his decision to persevere?

Action:  Do something for someone you know who is suffering.

Thought for Ash Wednesday March 5

Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.
Give me back the joy of your salvation,
and a willing spirit sustain in me.
O Lord, open my lips,
and my mouth shall proclaim your praise.
Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.

2 Corinthians  5: 20 – 6:2  Brothers and sisters: We are ambassadors for Christ, as if God were appealing through us.

Do I accept my role as an ambassador for Christ?  Is there someone else for whom I would rather be an ambassador?

Action:  Answer like an ambassador if someone asks you about the ashes on your head today.

Thought for Tuesday March 4

The Lord has made known his salvation.
All the ends of the earth have seen
the salvation by our God.
Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands;
break into song; sing praise.
The Lord has made known his salvation.

Mark 10: 28 – 31  Peter began to say to Jesus, “We have given up everything and followed you.”

What have I given up?  What do I refuse to give up?

Action:  Give up something real (not just symbolic) for Lent this year.

Thought for Monday March 3

The Lord will remember his covenant forever.
I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart
in the company and assembly of the just.
Great are the works of the LORD,
exquisite in all their delights.
The Lord will remember his covenant forever.

Mark 10: 17 – 27  So Jesus again said to them in reply,  “Children, how hard it is to enter the Kingdom of God!  It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of God.”

Is Jesus saying it is easy for poor people to enter the Kingdom of God or that being wealthy doesn’t really help?  Do I think anything I have or can do will get me into the Kingdom of God?

Action:   Do one thing today that only a “saved” person would do.