Ignatian Meditation is a way to enter into the biblical story of Jesus’ journey—through Lent to Good Friday and Easter. Each week there will be two Gospel readings—one on Wednesday and the other from the upcoming Sunday service.

This week, we begin our journey with Jesus in the Gospel of Luke, using our imagination to enter into these ancient stories.

How to Do This Meditation:

First, read the Bible story a couple of times and imagine the scene with as much detail as possible. This is Israel/Palestine 2,000 years ago—picture yourself in the setting, either as one of the characters or as an observer.

This meditation engages your physical senses:

  • What are you wearing?
  • What do you see, smell, taste, or hear?
  • Who else is there, and what are they doing?
  • What is the temperature, the weather?
  • How do you feel?

Let yourself move through the story and notice what arises for you. Writing in a journal can be a helpful way to reflect on your experience.

Wednesday, April 9 Reading:

Matthew 6:1–6
New Revised Standard Version

Concerning Almsgiving
1 “Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven. 2 “So whenever you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be praised by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. 3 But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your alms may be done in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. [a]

Concerning Prayer
5 “And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, so that they may be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. 6 But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. [b]

How do these stories impact you? Do they have meaning for your life now or for the world around you?

If a portion of the reading stays with you, you might consider meditating on just that part. Keeping a journal can be a helpful way to reflect on your journey through this time.

This form of meditation is a beautiful and rich way to accompany Jesus on his journey, bringing to life stories we have heard many times. If you find yourself challenged by these readings, you may want to reach out to a friend to talk. Members of the Worship Team are also available if you'd like to connect.

Reflection:

  • How do these stories impact you?
  • Do they hold meaning for your life today or for the world around you?
  • If a portion of the reading stays with you, consider meditating on just that part again.

Keeping a journal can help track your journey through this Lenten season. This form of meditation is a powerful way to accompany Jesus on his path and bring new depth to familiar stories.

If you find yourself challenged by these readings, consider reaching out to a friend for discussion. Members of the Worship Team are also available at worship@jamesbayunited.com if you would like to talk.

Sunday, April 6 Reading:

John 12:1–8

Wednesday, April 2 Reading:

John 5:19-24

Sunday, March 30 Reading:

Luke 15:1-7

Wednesday, March 26 Reading:

Matthew 5:17-20

Sunday, March 23 Reading:

Luke 13:6-9

Wednesday, March 19 Reading:

Luke 2:41-52

Sunday, March 16 Reading:

Luke 13:31–35 (New Revised Standard Version)

Wednesday, March 12 Reading:

Luke 21:37–38 (New Revised Standard Version)
Luke 22:1–6 (New Revised Standard Version)

May you receive all the blessings of this Lenten time.

— The Worship Team
Sarah Hovey

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