Beginning at the conspiracy against Jesus and the anointing at Bethany, we continue to the entry into Jerusalem. Then, the Passion of Jesus Christ unfolds in the most mysterious, transforming, and earth-shattering way. The Lamb of God will give His life for the sins of the world. Though we know Resurrection Sunday will bring us joy, walking the Via Dolorosa with Him, His Mother Mary, and the disciples becomes the foundation of grace for us that saves.
About this 'Gospels in Parallel' Retreat
This Lenten retreat contains 32 Meditations. Each meditation includes pericopes taken from the four Gospels. St. Ignatius recommended praying with the gospels and suggested repetition by re-reading a selection three times: one for understanding, a second for responding with the heart, and a third time for growing in the graces within the soul. In applying the traditional way of repetition in prayer, we pray with the related parallel passages to deepen and savor the graces offered through the Word of God within each gospel writer.
Preparing for Your Retreat
NOTE: Ways to pray this retreat
Begin "First Meditation" on Thursday, (the day after Ash Wednesday). You will end on Good Friday. Meditations in mornings Monday - Friday. On Saturday, Reflect on the graces of the week. Sunday attend weekly liturgy. Examen in evenings each day.
Accompany Jesus Along the Way of His Sufferings
Offertory Prayer
At the beginning of each prayer period, offer yourself to the Lord.
Pray the “Take and Receive”
Take Lord, and receive all my liberty,
my memory, my understanding, and my entire will,
all that I have and possess.
Thou hast given all to me.
To Thee, O Lord, I return it.
All is Thine; dispose of it wholly according to Thy will.
Give me Thy love and thy grace, for this, is sufficient for me.
Amen
Preparatory Prayer
"I will beg God our Lord for the grace that all my intentions, actions, and operations may be directed purely to the praise and service of His Divine Majesty." (SE 46).
Write in your own words your intentions ____________________________________________
Petitionary Prayer
"Lord, grant me the grace to be with You in Your suffering to unite with You in your grief and broken-heartedness, and for deep sorry for my sins and the sins of the whole world."
(SE 193-197)*
Share your desires with the Lord for this day's retreat _________________________________
The Garden of Gethsemane today
32 Meditations taken from the four Gospels
(click the > to Open)
First Meditation: The Conspiracy Against Jesus
Second Meditation: The Anointing at Bethany
Third Meditation: The Entry into Jerusalem
Fourth Meditation: The Betrayal by Judas
Fifth Meditation: Preparations for the Passover
Sixth Meditation: The Washing of the Disciples’ Feet
Seventh Meditation: The Betrayer
Eighth Meditation: The New Commandment
Ninth Meditation: The Lord’s Supper
Tenth Meditation: The Role of the Disciples
Eleventh Meditation: Peter’s Denial Foretold
Twelfth Meditation: Last Supper Discourses John 14, I am the Way
Thirteenth Meditation: Last Supper Discourses John 15, The Vine and Branches
Fourteenth Meditation: Last Supper Discourses John 16, Jesus’ Departure; Coming of the Advocate
Fifteenth Meditation: Last Supper Discourses John 17, The Prayer of Jesus
Sixteenth Meditation: Instructions for the Time of Crisis
Seventeenth Meditation: The Agony in the Garden
Eighteenth Meditation: The Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus
Nineteenth Meditation: Jesus Before the Sanhedrin
Twentieth Meditation: Peter Denials and Jesus before Annas
Twenty-first Meditation: Jesus Before Pilate
Twenty-second Meditation: Jesus Before Herod
Twenty-third Meditation: The Death of Judas
Twenty-fourth Meditation: Jesus Questioned by Pilate
Twenty-fifth Meditation: The Sentence of Death
Twenty-sixth Meditation: The Trial Before Pilate
Twenty-seventh Meditation: Mockery by the Soldiers
Twenty-eighth Meditation: The Way of the Cross
Twenty-ninth Meditation: The Crucifixion
Thirtieth Meditation: The Death of Jesus
Thirty-first Meditation: The Burial of Jesus
Thirty-second Meditation: The Guard at the Tomb
Our Lady of the Way, Pray for us!
*(SE#) All quotes are taken from The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius: Based on Studies in the Language of the Autograph by Louis J. Puhl, SJ
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