Week Forty-Four
To you I lift up my eyes... (Psalms 123:1)
"Dear young people... learn to lift your hearts in an attitude of contemplation." --Pope John Paul II, World Youth Day XV
Think About That
Contemplation is about being present to something. When you are present to someone you are completely there for him or her, paying full attention. That's what we are asked to do each day with Jesus. We are asked to learn to be really present, to pay full attention to and listen to Jesus in our heart everyday.
Take Action
Contemplation is something we can learn. It takes practice. So today, practice contemplation. When you get in a situation today that requires you to make a choice about something, first pause before deciding and contemplate what Jesus would do or say. Try this each time you are faced with a choice and soon you will be doing it naturally.
Say A Prayer
Lord, help me to learn how to be present to you in all the situations of my life. Thank you for being present to me always.
Did You Know?
In 1944, the Russians freed Krakow from Nazi occupation. In that same year, Pope John Paul II entered his third year of theological studies, preparing for the priesthood.
Taken from...
My Dear Young Friends: Pope John Paul II Speaks to Youth on Life, Love, and Courage
Copyright © 2002 -- Reprinted with permission of the editor, John M. Vitek.
My Dear Young Friends, a collection of fifty-two weekly reflections on living in the Spirit, invites young people to read and act on Pope John Paul II's inspiring addresses to young people gathered at annual World Youth Day celebrations. Please visit www.smp.org for more information from the publisher, Saint Mary's Press.
