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Praying with Matthew's Gospel in Advent

By Jean Sweeney

This guided meditation is based on Matthew's Gospel for Cycle A in Advent (2007, 2010 etc.), but can be used at any time.

What line draws you? Sit with it.
What words? Sit with it.
Pray the words on your breath until you come to silence.

"Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Of her was born Jesus who is called the Messiah."
Matt 1:16

"When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the holy Spirit."
Math 1: 18

"Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her."
Matt 1:20

"'Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,' which means God is with us."
Matt 1:23

"Magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem. 'where is the newborn king of the Jews?'"
Matt 2: 2

"In Bethlehem of Judah," … "from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people."
Matt 2: 5-6

"…they set out. The star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came to stop over the place where the child was."
Matt 2:9

"And on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother."
Matt 2:11

By former St. Charles spiritual director, Jean Sweeney