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.

Sunday, April 20 Reading:

John 20:1–18 (New Revised Standard Version)

The Resurrection of Jesus
20 Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. 2 So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” 3 Then Peter and the other disciple set out and went toward the tomb. 4 The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5 He bent down to look in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there, 7 and the cloth that had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen wrappings but rolled up in a place by itself. 8 Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; 9 for as yet they did not understand the scripture, that he must rise from the dead. 10 Then the disciples returned to their homes.

Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene
11 But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb; 12 and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet. 13 They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” 14 When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. 15 Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary!”
She turned and said to him in Hebrew, Rabbouni! (which means Teacher). 17 Jesus said to her, “Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” 18 Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”; and she told them that he had said these things to her.

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.

Wednesday, April 16 Reading:

John 13:21–30

Sunday, April 13 Reading:

Luke 19:29-40

Wednesday, April 9 Reading:

Matthew 6:1–6

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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