Into the Deep

Reflecting on the second chapter of St. Mark’s Gospel, this meditation explores the various forms of paralysis—spiritual, moral, and psychological—that can hinder our relationship with God. By contemplating the healing of the paralytic and the call of Matthew, we are reminded of our need for the Church and the support of our brothers and sisters to carry us toward the Lord. We are invited to cultivate a "holy determination" and a deep faith that cuts through obstacles, allowing Christ to forgive our sins and restore the dynamism of our divine filiation.

Celebrating the birthday of St. Josemaría, this meditation invites us to rediscover the divine charm hidden in created things. We contrast the "eyes of Eve," which seek to possess, with the "eyes of Christ," which view the world as a gift to be returned to the Father. By treating our daily work and struggles as a living parable, we learn to sanctify the material world and serve the Kingdom of God with love.

Reflecting on the feast of the Epiphany, this meditation considers the profound courage and magnanimity of the Wise Men. We explore how the "star" often appears within our ordinary professional work, inviting us to leave our comfort zones and offer God generous gifts—our gold, rather than meager leftovers. We will also see how this light continues to guide us today through the Church and our conscience, leading us to find Jesus with Mary.

As we enter the New Year, this meditation invites us to anchor our lives in God's eternal freshness rather than the fleeting nature of time. Drawing on the imagery of T.S. Eliot and the example of the saints, we reflect on the Christian call to constantly "begin again" in our spiritual struggle. By placing this year in the hands of Mary, Mother of God, we learn that our faithful "trying" is all that matters, as we help rebuild the Church and hasten the coming of the new heavens and new earth.

In this meditation, we contemplate the stable of Bethlehem as the first spiritual house, built of "living stones." We are invited to rediscover the path of spiritual childhood, learning to abandon our adult complications and "stilts" to become simple and sincere before God. Finally, we reflect on our role in building up the Church and our families, using the cement of charity to love one another despite our defects and brokenness.