Week 7 | Peace: From Distraction to Presence

As we complete this 40-day journey, the invitation is to live the contemplative way of Christ. As we let go of anger, shame, and fear, we are increasingly free to love Christ and focus the eyes of our heart on Him. Sit for a moment with this prayer from Ephesians 1:16–23:

I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

What do you notice? What stirs in you as you read this prayer? The heart of the prayer is “… having the eyes of your hearts enlightened.” Contemplating Christ in the Gospels is a way in which we participate in this prayer. Ignatius of Loyola designed a transformative way of reading the Gospels. Set aside some time today with a passage from the Gospels. 

– Read the passage and place yourself in the scene. Imagine the setting – the sounds, the smells, the feel of the wind or sun – and see where you are in it. 

– Engage personally with Jesus. Notice how He acts, the look on His face, the tone in His voice, etc. Let Him relate to you in that scene. Wait and linger here.

– Pay attention to what stirs in you. Notice emotions, what is drawing you, what seems to push you away, and what thoughts come to mind. 

– Respond directly to Jesus about what you experienced. Share with Him whatever you have experienced (joy, gratefulness, resistance, confusion – anything). Open yourself to anything He desires to say to you. 

– Take something with you. Let one word, image, or question stay with you throughout the rest of the day.

Amen.