Meditations of the Heart

Carolyn writes for her weekly parish newsletter. She is the author of "Meditations of the Heart." This book is available at Amazon.com. She has traveled on many religious pilgrimages including the Holy Land and Medjugorje. She has a strong devotion to Our Lady Queen of Peace, Medjugorje. "Meditations of the Heart" are published weekly on Medjugorje USA. We keep each meditation up for a few months. Meditations of the Heart are used by permission.

Weekly Meditation, May 12

This weekend we celebrate Mother’s Day. Whether our mothers are living or deceased, we will remember them with love and will pray for them. On this day, we should also remember Our Blessed Mother. At the Annunciation, Mary’s faith did not waiver for one instant when the angel Gabriel announced she had been chosen to be the mother of Jesus. Our Blessed Mother loves us with the same motherly love she gave to her Son. If we only ask for her guidance, she will bring us closer to Jesus. She teaches us to listen to God in the quiet stillness of our hearts and souls and to obey His will.

The Blessed Mother stood at the foot of the cross as her Son, the innocent Lamb, was crucified. She suffered untold agony as she watched Him suffer for three hours - her Son who was the absolute meaning of purity and who had never sinned. Mary now shares eternal life with her Son and our brother, Jesus, in heaven. Her desire is for us, her children, to one day share the same joy and love. Open your heart to God as did Our Blessed Mother and let His Will be made manifest in your life. You will grow holy with His love, and remember, His love for you is immeasurable.

Weekly Meditation, May 5

“Love one another.” These words are repeated by Jesus over and over throughout the gospels. Yet, do we truly comprehend their meaning? Do we do as Jesus asks? You may have heard about the derogatory remarks made against a professional hockey player for scoring a winning playoff goal. Because of a few people, the rest of us were made to look bad by those who wrote negative and hurtful remarks. I cannot understand - and never will - why people have to “judge” others in such a destructive manner. None of us are perfect. Only God is perfect.

When will we ever put prejudices aside and treat one another with love and respect as God asks of us? He created us all in His own image and likeness. Jesus died on the cross for each and every one of us. Instead of moving forward, our society seems to be slipping backward. Jesus does not tell us to “judge one another. He tells us to “love one another” yet we do not seem to listen. Let us pray for peace in our heart, our family and throughout our world.

Weekly Meditation, April 28

Why do you attend Sunday mass? Although it is an obligation of the Church, I attend mass not because I “have” to. I attend mass on Saturday/Sunday because I “want” to. Many Catholics feel as though they fulfill the necessary “obligations” of the church and stop there. They marry in the church, have their children baptized, make their First Communion, Confirmation and attend mass on Christmas and Easter. Yet, there is so much more.

Unfortunately, people do not take the time to stop and look deeper into their faith. The Catholic Church is the house of God where Jesus dwells day and night in the Tabernacle, waiting for us to visit Him. Over the years, it has become rich with the faith and wisdom of people both young and old, rich and poor. Men and women like you and me - ordinary people - have become saints simply by leading the life God asks of them - lives of peace, love and faith. On Saturday and Sunday, masses are celebrated at many different times which enable each of us to attend. If you can find the time on the weekend to go to a movie or out to eat, you can find the time to attend mass.

Weekly Meditation, April 21

In today’s gospel of Saint Luke, Jesus appeared to His disciples and said, “Thus it is written that the Christ would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day and that repentance, for the forgiveness of sins, would be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things." The Apostles and disciples of Jesus were indeed witnesses of many incredible miracles and teachings. They witnessed His transfiguration, His miracles and His resurrection. Today, we are “witnesses” as well. We see the beauty of spring as nature changes before our eyes. We see the new life of a baby as he/she enters the world and becomes part of our family. We are witnesses to so many incredible gifts around us, if we just take the time to stop and realize how richly God has blessed us.

Weekly Meditation, April 14

In today’s gospel of Saint John we read that “the doors were locked” where the disciples were gathered after Jesus’ crucifixion. Yet despite that fact, He came to the disciples, showed them the terrible wounds in His hands and side and again repeated, “Peace be with you.”

When this event occurred, imagine the amazement on the faces of the disciples and those gathered with them. Jesus knew they would be incredulous to see Him, so He immediately extended His peace to them. How happy they felt when they realized it was truly the Lord. Jesus wishes to unlock the doors of our hearts. Yet, we have them firmly closed and are not willing to allow anyone to enter in, let alone Jesus. However, once we open the door just a little, we will feel the warmth of Jesus’ love. His peace will flood our hearts with the same serenity as that which He bestowed upon the disciples.

Weekly Meditation, April 7

Today as we gather together with family to celebrate Easter Sunday, we will enjoy a delicious meal, along with a variety of candy. More importantly, however, we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. He died on Good Friday and three days later, rose from the dead in order that we may one day spend eternity with God - Father, Son and Holy Spirit - in Heaven. Only God can fill us with the peace we so earnestly need and desire in our everyday lives. We seek solace and comfort in ways which are often harmful to our body and soul. Yet, if we turn to God, in sincerity and love, He will calm our fears and fill us with His peace, which is beyond human understanding. However, we need to approach Him with faith and tell Him our sorrows and our worries.

Over 2000 years ago, when Peter and John approached Jesus’ tomb, they saw that the huge stone covering the entrance had been rolled away. Let Jesus remove the stones from your heart and let His peace enter in.

Weekly Meditation, Mar 31

IPod, IPad, Kindle, Cell phone, Lap Top. Last week, I took the train into Boston with a friend. From where we sat I could see four different people concentrating intently on one of these items during the trip into Boston. It was amazing because the last time I took the train people would look out the window at the scenery, read the newspaper or a book.

It is incredible how far we have come with technology in one generation. Granted, all these conveniences help us in many daily tasks and keep us in touch with one another. They prove to be extremely beneficial at certain times. However, our focus now seems to be centered on an inanimate object; we miss out on the tangible and real connection we need in our lives - the human connection. We also miss out completely on the spiritual connection we need with God. We do not need a digital device to talk with Him. At any time and in any situation, we can stop and talk with God. Talk with Him as you would to a best friend, for that is what He is - your best friend - and so much more

Weekly Meditation, Mar 24

“Nobody sees a flower really; it is so small. We haven't time, and to see takes time - like to have a friend takes time.” (Georgia O’Keefe) To “see” means to perceive or comprehend. Unfortunately, not many of us take time to “see” or comprehend those things in life that truly matter. We do not take time for ourselves, our families or our friends. We are too busy rushing from one thing to another.

More importantly, we don’t take time for God. We spend an hour at mass on Sunday, but quickly we are out the door and onto the next event of the day. Where do we go in such a rush? What can possibly be more important than our spiritual lives? With all our modern “conveniences” why can’t we take time to “see” a flower, to visit a friend or to talk with our God? We need to slow down and take time to comprehend - to know and follow - our God.

Weekly Meditation, Mar 17

Earlier this month, terrible tornados ripped through some of the southern and Midwestern states of our country. Winds of 175 mph leveled homes and businesses. We saw pictures of men, women and children on television; we never knew these people until the disaster hit them. Suddenly, they became part of our lives and we cared about each one of them along with their families.

When speaking about two of the commandments, Jesus said, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these." When we hear sad or devastating news, whether it may be in our own town or on the other side of the world, we become concerned for our “neighbor” and pray for their well-being as Jesus asks of us. However, let us pray for one another on a daily basis and not only at times of another’s misfortune or distress.

Weekly Meditation, Mar 10

Jesus said to His disciples during one of His teachings, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me.” Faith is a precious gift from God to each one of us and is not to be taken lightly. In order for it to grow stronger, faith must be nourished with the reception of the Holy Eucharist. Through the Eucharist, our faith develops and we build a more mature and fulfilling relationship with God. This happens if we fully understand and contemplate the fact that it is Jesus who we are receiving at Holy Communion. It is Jesus, the Son of God, who comes to you at this time and fills you with His life and love. Saint John Chrysostom wrote of the Eucharist, “It is not man that causes the things offered to become the Body and Blood of Christ, but He who was crucified for us, Christ himself. The priest, in the role of Christ, pronounces these words, but their power and grace are God’s.”

Weekly Meditation, Mar 03

In the gospel reading for this weekend, we hear of the Transfiguration of Jesus. Four years ago, I visited this holy site with a group of pilgrims. What an incredible experience we all witnessed that day on the top of Mount Tabor. Our bus brought us halfway up the mountain and we then took small buses along the winding road to the top. What a breathtaking view we beheld of the valleys and lakes below. Inside the church, we saw the rock believed to be the one on which Jesus stood at the moment of His Transfiguration. Mass was celebrated and as the priest lifted the host and chalice, the bells of the church rang and rang and rang. They seemed to echo God’s words from today’s gospel when He said, “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.” These words remain true for all of us today. Jesus appears to us in His body, blood, soul and divinity in the Eucharist. Listen to Him.

Weekly Meditation, Feb 25

There are numerous issues facing us as individuals, as a society and, more importantly, issues affecting our religious beliefs. All we need to do is turn on the television, computer or radio and we can hear all sides of these matters. We cannot be blind to what is happening in the world around us. We cannot afford to fail as individuals or as a nation; we cannot afford for others to influence our religious beliefs. Together, we must focus on the truths in which we believe.

One way to do this is through prayer. Saint John Vianney said, “Prayer is to our soul what rain is to the soil. The soil…will remain barren unless fed by frequent rains.” So to, our soul will remain a barren wasteland unless we feed it with daily prayer. In this way, we will be able to discern God’s Will in our lives and we will better understand the truths of our faith.

Weekly Meditation, Feb 18

In today’s gospel, we read about Jesus healing of the paralytic man. There was a throng of people in and around the home where Jesus preached. Saint Mark tells us “…there was no longer room for them, not even around the door…” The friends of the man found it necessary to open up the roof and lower him through it to the feet of Jesus in order for him to be healed.

Every Sunday, the doors of our churches are open for all of us to share our faith. Everyone has a busy schedule, but certainly we can spare one hour a week to attend mass. We find the time to spend an hour or more on Sunday at the grocery store, at the mall as well as taking part in a variety of other things. Saint John Vianney (1786 - 1859) said, “…if we had the eyes of angels with which to see Our Lord Jesus Christ, who is here present on this altar, and who is looking at us, how we should love Him! We should never more wish to part from Him…it would be a foretaste of Heaven…We are poor blind people; we have a mist before our eyes. Faith alone can dispel this mist…ask Him then to open the eyes of your heart…He has His hands full of graces…My children, we are most unhappy that we do not understand these things! We shall understand them well one day; but it will then be too late!”

Weekly Meditation, Feb 11

In today’s gospel, we read about a leper who knelt before Jesus and begged to be made clean. Jesus was “moved with pity.” He “stretched out his hand, touched him, and said…I do will it. Be made clean.” Jesus looks at us today and is “moved with pity” with what He sees. Many people do not kneel before God. Instead, they kneel before the false gods of materialism, greed and selfishness. On January 31 of this year, the Blessed Mother told one of the visionaries from Medjugorje that we are not in an economic recession. She said that we are in a spiritual recession. How true are her words.

The leper in today’s gospel believed that Jesus could cure him of the terrible and ugly sores covering his body. We have terrible and ugly sores covering our souls. Yet, we turn to God only in times of need. We must turn to Him daily and nurture our souls with prayer, thereby enabling the Holy Spirit to open us to God’s eternal love and healing graces.

Weekly Meditation, Feb 4

For three years, Jesus lived in the home of Saint Peter in the village of Capernaum. From there, He walked from village to village teaching and healing everyone He met. As we read in today’s gospel, Jesus cured Peter’s mother-in-law. Later that evening, “the whole town was gathered at the door” of their home. Everyone knew Jesus; they wanted - and like us, they needed - to hear His words of love and encouragement. They brought their sick to Him for healing. Jesus, in turn, touched them, healed them and filled each with His love. As Jesus stated in Mark’s gospel of today, “For this purpose have I come.” Today, Jesus asks us to do the same. He asks us to reach out to others and to share our faith with everyone we meet.

Weekly Meditation, Jan 28

In today’s gospel reading, Saint Mark tells us “…even the unclean spirits…” obeyed Jesus. They knew He was the Son of God and feared Him. We have all been afraid many times in our life. Fear is panic and trepidation in a given situation; it is a lack of “knowing” what is about to happen. Is there an element of fear in your relationship with God? Why? You need not have this feeling within you when all He desires is your love.

We cannot physically see God. We cannot see His love, but can feel it’s presence in many ways such as a beautiful sunset or the birth of a baby. Close your eyes and picture Jesus standing before you. Look into His eyes. Why fear Him? He is kind, loving and forgiving, as we should each be in our daily lives.

Weekly Meditation, Jan 21

In today’s gospel reading, we can visualize Peter, Andrew, James and John busy mending their fishing nets and attending to their daily tasks when Jesus called them to follow Him. Jesus calls us to follow Him as well, each of us in a different way.

I recall my visit to the Holy Land a few years ago. One night, our group was returning from a long day of sightseeing. The sun had set and the moon had risen as we drove towards the Sea of Galilee where our hotel was situated. The bus turned a corner in the road when suddenly the moon hung in breathtaking beauty above the Sea of Galilee and reflected down its rays. My breath caught in my throat. I have never forgotten that scene and never will. There is something special about the Sea of Galilee. The Presence of Jesus is alive there today. In a spiritual way, you can hear Him calling your name as He called Peter, Andrew, James and John 2000 years ago. As He calls you in your daily tasks, listen to Him and follow His will.

Weekly Meditation, Jan 14

These past few weeks, we have been very busy getting ready for Christmas. Many times, like now, we wish that we could slow down and relax. The Saint Thomas choir has sung a beautiful song titled “Be Still and Know That He is God.” The lyrics of this song are very moving and make us stop and think. The first verse has the words, “Be still and know that He is God…Bow before the Prince of Peace. Let the noise and clamor cease.” The last verse of the song reads, “Be still and know that He is God…Come rest your head upon His breast. Listen to the rhythm of His unfailing heart of love…calling each of us to come. Be still.”

We all have “noise and clamor” in our lives. We need to slow down, “be still” and spend time with God. We will then come to know Him in a holier way and enrich our lives. “Be still” and contemplate the infinite goodness and love God has for you.

Weekly Meditation, Jan 07

In today’s gospel, we read of the three kings who traveled a great distance in order to pay homage to the baby Jesus. “…they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” These kings were well-dressed men with servants to wait on them and numerous gifts to offer the Child. The gift of gold represented royalty; Jesus is our heavenly King. The gift of frankincense signified Jesus’ priesthood. Myrrh was used on the bodies of those who died and would signify the eventual death of Jesus for all mankind.

The gifts of the magi each represented an important part in the life of Jesus. However, God does not ask us to bring Him numerous gifts whenever we attend mass. The only gift God asks of us is easily attainable. He asks us to share the gift of our love - with Him and with one another.

About Carolyn M. Kenney
Carolyn writes for her weekly parish newsletter.
She is the author of "Meditations of the Heart." This book is available at Amazon.com
She has traveled on many religious pilgrimages including the Holy Land and Medjugorje.
She has a strong devotion to Our Lady Queen of Peace, Medjugorje.

Notice
"Meditations of the Heart" will be published weekly on Medjugorje USA. Meditations of the Heart are used by permission.

Comment by Medjugorje USA Founder
As of 2011, I have known Carolyn for about 20 year. In these weekly meditations readers will quickly understand (as anyone who has read her book) that Carolyn has a unique way of connecting spiritual thoughts to every day life.