Luke 24

Luke 24:

In this reading people were doubting Jesus. We need to remember that God is always with us even when we cannot see him. He may not be physically present but he is always there. When we are struggling we need to remember that things will get better. Life has all sorts of ups and downs so we need to try to start positive even in hard situations. We can always lean on God for support in our times of need because he will always be there. 

I am thankful for the school year almost being over.

Intention: people in a time of need 

Luke 19-21

Luke 20: 20-26

In this reading the scribes and Pharisees tried to trick Jesus by asking if they should pay takes or not. In response Jesus says the famous line "Give to Caesar what is Caesars and give to God what it's Gods." They are so amazed and impressed with his answers that they are speechless. We can use this lesson in our daily lives by dedicating what God asks of us to him. We can do this by going to church on Sunday and praying daily or as often as we can to him. We have to remember what is really important is God and not let material goods get in the way of our relationship with him.

I am thankful for second chances.

Prayer intention: people who want to be forgiven.

Luke 9-11

Luke 9: 37-43

Jesus healed a boy with an unclean spirit. He purged evil from his soul and forgave him for his sins. The boy's parents asked Jesus to heal his child. Jesus was able to perform an exorcism on the boy even though his disciples could not do it. In our daily lives we can use this to help ourselves by comparing ourselves to the boy. We can exorcise our own demons by knowing our faults and trying to be better people, 

I am thankful for good food, friends, and family. 

Intention: people suffering from natural disasters.

Luke 4:14-6:49

Luke 4: 38-44

Jesus heals Mary and many other people and loved ones. Each time he would lay his hands on them and heal them. Sometimes demons would come out and shout "YOU ARE THE SON OF GOD!" But he would rebuke them because they knew this. At this time he was still trying to keep the messianic secret and didn't want to reveal his identity. The people did not want him to leave, but he did because it was is duty to spread the word of God, so he preached all around Judea. In our lives we must be like Jesus. Even though we can't exorcise spirits we can still do good.

I am thankful for the many adults who try to make the world a better place by working with kids.

Prayer intention: Everyone preparing for the end of the school year.

Mark 13-16

Selected Lectio reading:
Mark 14: 12-16

In this reading Jesus is preparing for Passover. He is getting ready for the dinner. He is ready for crucifixion and death. He is ready for resurrection. He is getting ready to forgive us for our sins. Jesus died for our sins.

I am thankful for short weeks.

Intention: Anyone who has no place to go.

Mark 9-12

Selected Lectio reading:
Mark 9: 2-8

In this reading Jesus brings his disciples to a mountain so they could pray. He transfigured his cloths and they became very white and pure. This is a part representation of Jesus bring the Messiah. He is showing that he is with God and God is with him. He did this to help his disciples to grow in their faith. This also connects to the Old Testament when Moses went to the mountain with the elders. Both Moses and Jesus become radiant looking.

I am thankful for diversity day at school.

Intention: Everyone who is hungry

Mark: 5-8

Selected Lectio reading:
Mark 5: 6-14

This reading shows one of Jesus's many miracles. In this miracle he exercised a demon from a man. Jesus preformes many miracles. Some of them involve nature, raising people from the dead, curing the sick, and banishing demons like in this reading. Jesus sometimes asked for people to spread the word but sometimes he didn't.

I am thankful for delayed starts at school

Intention: Everyone who is stressed out.

Mark 1-4

Mark 4:30-34

Reflection: in this reading Jesus used a metaphor and a hyperbole to express his point. The terms that Jesus used that stand out to me is "the kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed... When it has grown it is the greatest of the shrubs and becomes a tree." It is important to recognize these points because it means more than literal seeds. It represents our faith and growing in faith. The point that Jesus is trying to make in this parable us that if we have faith in God we can do great things. Even if we only have a little bit if faith we can do amazing things. Many miracles can happen if we have faith in God and his plan for us.

I am thankful for everyone who supports me, in my times of need and just in daily life.

Prayer intention: everyone writing a paper.

Matthew 26-28

Selected Lectio reading:
Matthew 26: 1-5

Reflection: when I read this reading I felt inspired. Jesus knew he was going to die but he still tried to do good anyway. Jesus knew he was going to be betrayed but he still loved anyway. Jesus always tries to do good and help people even when he is being wronged. This inspired me to try to be like Jesus. Maybe if we all strive to be a bit more like Jesus everyday, the world could be a happier and kinder place.


I am thankful for generous parents and all the wonderful things that God does for us.

Prayer intention: anyone who doesn't get enough sleep

Matthew 21-25

Selected Lectio reading:
Matthew 21: 1-9

This reading taught me that we need to trust in Gods plan. God has a plan for us and when things are meaningless we need to trust in him. He is there in our best days and darkest hours. We can also look towards our friends during hard times. They will be there to support you. It is important to remember that we are never alone and we have friends and family who care about us and will help is in our times of need.

I am thankful for my friends.

Intention: Everyone who is sick and everyone so they do not get sick

Matthew 17-20

Selected Lectio reading:
Matthew 20: 1-8

This reading was about working hard. We can achieve our goals if we work hard like the labourers of the vineyard. We can work hard and achieve our dreams. We were born to make history! We can become champions.

I am thankful for when I have lunch.

Intention: Laura

Matthew 10-16

Selected Lectio reading:
Matthew 13: 14-17

Reflection:
This passage gave me hope. We can all learn to see. Truly see one another, through their flaws, and without prejudice. We can learn to listen and not just hear. We can truly know what we each want. We can help one another.

I am thankful for days I don't have to go to class.

Prayer intention: people writing essays

Matthew 5-9

Selected Lectio reading:
Matthew 5: 3-12

Reflection:
If you are humble you will be with go to heaven. If you mourn you will be comforted because there is no shame in being sad. If you are kind you can do anything, your potential is limitless. If you stand up for your beliefs you will be satisfied. If you are merciful you will have mercy in return. If you are pure you will be will be with God. If you are a peacemaker you are a child of God and carry on his words. Even if you die standing up for what is right God has not abandoned you and you shall live on in heaven. Even in hard times and even if you are persecuted God is with you. Be happy because if you are good in life you will earn heaven.

I am thankful for the entertainment industry.

Prayer intention: my friend Ana

Matthew 1-4

Selected Lectio reading:
Matthew 1: 18-22

Reflection:
Mary was so devoted to God that when he came to her and asked her to bear Jesus she said yes. She faced rejection from her soon to be husband, her family, and society as a whole but she did not care. She held that much trust in God and his plan. When Mary became pregnant as a virgin through the Holy Spirit Joseph was loyal. He trusted in the angel who came to him. He believed in God's plan for himself, Mary, and the child in her womb.

This story shows that faith goes a long way. God always has a plan for all of us. We may have to face hardships but God will be with us during our time of need. He tests our faith so we can see him in all things. We are never alone. God will not abandon us. He is love and the source of true happiness.

I am thankful for all the gifts God has bestowed upon me.

Prayer intention: everyone at the start of this new semester.

John 13

Selected reading:
John 13: 1-11

Reflection:
When Jesus was with his disciples he knew he would be betrayed. Even so he loved them. He did not fear or try to stop Judas. Instead he accepted and gave them a final teaching. He washed their feet, a sign of humility even though he is the son of God. He still loved Peter even though he knew he would deny him three times. He was patient and humble.

This reading showed me to love others even if you know they have or will wrong you. Jesus showed me to love with no limits. He forgives even when not asked for forgiveness. Jesus showed that if he can forgive the greatest sin that I can forgive all sins. It is not necessary to hold grudges, I can be happier if I live in love and forgiveness.

I am thankful for loving friends and family

Intention: anyone who is sick