Meditations for the Easter Season

Borrowed from https://mycatholic.life/books/ignatius/part-two-ignatian-meditations-arranged-according-to-the-liturgical-year/meditations-for-the-easter-season/#intro

Introduction

In this section of eleven meditations, you will focus upon the various resurrection appearances of Christ as well as His Ascension into Heaven. The meditations and exercises in this section are based on “Week Four” of The Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius. They should begin with Easter and be used until the end of the Easter Season when the Solemnity of Pentecost is celebrated.

The meditations in this section will provide an introduction to the Scripture so as to set the context. Then Scripture passages will be provided for you to slowly, carefully and prayerfully meditate upon. The bullet points are not provided in this period in the hopes that you are already well versed in the Ignatian methods of meditation and contemplation. Thus, after reading the context of the Scripture, try to exclusively use the Scripture itself for your meditation, placing yourself into the context, savoring each line, and allowing the Holy Spirit to speak to you as He wills.

Resurrection of Jesus and First Apparition

Lesson: Pope Saint John Paul II, among many others in Church history, believed that Jesus would have appeared to His own Mother first after His Resurrection. 

Indeed, it is legitimate to think that the Mother was probably the first person to whom the risen Jesus appeared. Could not Mary’s absence from the group of women who went to the tomb at dawn (cf. Mk 16:1; Mt 28:1) indicate that she had already met Jesus? (Pope John Paul II, Address at the General Audience, 3 April 1996; L’Osservatore Romano English edition, 10 April 1996, #3)

Saint Ignatius also states that this fact is implied by Scripture in that Jesus is recorded to have appeared to many others. Recall that the life of our Blessed Mother was one filled with hidden virtue and love. Very little was recorded about Mary and her relationship of perfect love with her divine Son. Thus, it is a reasonable consequence of this perfect love that she would have been the first to whom Jesus appeared, purely out of love for her.

Traditionally, Saturdays in the Church liturgical calendar are dedicated to our Blessed Mother. In part this is because it was on that Holy Saturday that our Blessed Mother waited in perfect anticipation of the Resurrection of her Son. She knew, by her unwavering faith, that He would rise; and she kept vigil for Him, as she had been the most central person throughout His life.

Reflection: Here are some reflection points for your meditation.

• Begin by quietly pondering the perfect love between Jesus and His dear mother. Consider her love for Jesus at the moment of His incarnation, birth, childhood, and throughout His earthly life. Consider also her fidelity throughout His public ministry, her continual “pondering” of His life, and her fidelity to Him as she stood at the foot of the Cross. Not only did Mary have a mother’s love, she had a perfect mother’s love. Ponder that love.
• Reflect also upon her perfect faith in His Resurrection as she held His dead body when taken down from the Cross. In that moment, her faith never wavered. Her sorrow was mixed with perfect hope as she looked forward to Jesus’ glorious triumph over death.
• Imagine the mind and heart of our Blessed Mother throughout Holy Saturday. She would have grown, moment by moment, in hopeful anticipation of the glorious Resurrection of her Son.
• Lastly, try to see the moment when Jesus appeared to her on Easter Sunday morning. It was a hidden meeting of love. Imagine the overflowing love they shared in silence. This first appearance was not for the purpose of His mother going forth and telling others; rather, it was purely an appearance of love flowing from their perfect mutual love.

Second Apparition

Scripture Reading: Mark 16:1–11

Context: The holy women mentioned in the Gospel clearly were unwaveringly devoted to Jesus. This reveals their strength and courage. They were also faithful to the Jewish law that forbid them to anoint Jesus’ body on the Sabbath. Therefore, as soon as they were able to do so, they started off to the tomb to express their love and devotion. Interestingly, they did this knowing that the heavy stone would be covering the tomb. Though they did not know how they would move it, they were committed to their mission anyway.

When they arrived, they were amazed that the stone had been rolled away. The tomb was empty, and when they entered, they saw “a young man” (an angel) sitting there who assured them that Jesus had risen. They were instructed to go and tell the disciples, and specifically Peter, of this truth. The fact that Peter is singled out is a clear sign of the mercy of God in that Peter had denied Jesus thrice. But that was long forgotten by God due to Peter’s sorrow. The mention of Peter also supports Saint Ignatius’ desire that we fully understand the unique role of Peter in the founding of the Church.

In Mark’s version of this appearance, two of the women ran ahead to tell the disciples, but Mary of Magdala remained longer. Thus, Jesus appeared to her alone, revealing His resurrected body and exhorting her to go and give witness to His Resurrection to the disciples. Saint Mark notes that seven demons had been cast out of her, which was a sign of complete possession by the evil one. Thus, once again God shows His love for the sinner by making her the first witness to His Resurrection. As was presented in the previous meditation, it is commonly accepted in Tradition that Jesus appeared to His own mother first, but Mary of Magdala is the first witness recorded in Scripture. This implies, also, that Jesus’ appearance to His mother was not for her to testify to this to others but was purely an act of love for her and a reward of her faith.

Reflection: Prayerfully ponder Mark 16:1–11 using the methods of meditation and contemplation with which you have become familiar.

Third Apparition

Scripture Reading: Matthew 28:8–10

Context: In Matthew’s version of this first recorded Resurrection appearance, it was not only Mary of Magdala but also the other two Marys who encountered our Lord in His resurrected state.

After being told by the angel that Jesus had risen as He said, they leave to tell the disciples what the angel said with both “fear and great joy.” What a wonderful combination of emotions! They had “fear” in that this was overwhelming and astonishing. But “great joy” led them to much excitement. So much so that they quickly departed to inform the disciples as the angel instructed.

Much to their surprise, Jesus met them on their way. Notice that they bodily fell down before Him, worshipping Him while they grasped His feet.

Jesus’ words to them should speak also to you every day of your life. “Do not be afraid” and “Go and tell…” This is an exhortation to have the deepest of faith in our Lord and to dedicate your life to the proclamation of the Gospel. It is especially those who, like these holy women, have unwavering faith and courage that our Lord sends on the mission of sharing the Gospel.

Reflection: Prayerfully ponder Matthew 28:8–10 using the methods of meditation and contemplation with which you have become familiar.

Fourth Apparition

Scripture Reading: Luke 24:8–12; Luke 24:33–34 and John 20:1–10

Context: Saint Ignatius offers here a meditation on the appearance of Jesus to Peter. Ignatius was intent on helping us to understand the role Peter would play in the founding of the Church. The first verses below from Luke only show that Peter ran to the tomb and went in. But when you also read Luke 24:33–34, it is made clear that there had already been a mysterious and unmentioned appearance of Jesus to Peter. Thus, Saint Ignatius concludes that when Peter went into the tomb, or shortly afterwards, he saw the Lord.

John’s Gospel makes it clear that Peter and the other disciples did not yet understand fully that Jesus must rise. But it is also clear that they have a spark of hope and confidence in this deep truth. It is this hope and spark of faith that disposes Peter to receive this unrecorded appearance of our Lord. He who would soon become the Vicar of Christ on Earth had enough faith to receive this miracle and respond.

Reflection: Prayerfully ponder Luke 24:8–12; Luke 24:33–34 and John 20:1–10 using the methods of meditation and contemplation with which you have become familiar.

Fifth Apparition

Scripture Reading: Luke 24:13–35

Context: It was still Easter Sunday, and two of the disciples were making the journey to Emmaus, which was a seven-mile walk from Jerusalem. They had much time to talk and process what had taken place. They may have recalled the glorious entry of Christ into Jerusalem just one week ago, His encounters with the chief priests and Pharisees during the week, His Last Supper, arrest, persecution, judgment, death and burial. And now they were discussing, in amazement, the news that some had claimed to have seen Jesus alive. The conversation was certainly a lively one as they journeyed.

It’s quite mysterious that these disciples’ eyes were kept from recognizing Jesus as they journeyed and as Jesus met them along the way to join their conversation. In His conversation with them, Jesus not only rebukes them for their lack of understanding, He also explains how this was foretold by Moses and the prophets of the Old Testament. This conversation tells us, in part, that the Scriptures must be studied, understood and believed. When one reads them in faith, one will see the deepest truths revealed—truths that the human mind alone cannot understand.

Ultimately, it is the gift of Holy Communion that opens their eyes. Ignatius specifically points out in his commentary on this passage that it was Communion that opened their minds to understand and to see the risen Christ Who was right there before them. Thus, this meditation should especially focus upon the true but hidden presence of Christ in the Eucharist.

Reflection: Prayerfully ponder Luke 24:13–35 using the methods of meditation and contemplation with which you have become familiar.

Sixth Apparition

Scripture Reading: John 20:19–23

Context: All of the disciples were gathered together except for Thomas. This was by divine providence, as we will see in the next meditation.

Note that it was still Easter Sunday, the day of the Resurrection. And note that the disciples were gathered together in “fear.” They feared for their lives. They were afraid that the same fate that came upon Jesus would soon come upon them. Thus, it is in a context of fear that Jesus appears.

Jesus’ words and actions should be carefully meditated upon. “Peace be with you,” He said. And He showed them His sacred wounds. This was a moment when joy pierced the darkness of fear and lifted that heavy burden. The joy of seeing that even the deadly wounds Jesus endured could not overcome His mission.

As Jesus bestowed His peace upon them, He also imparted to them the Holy Spirit. And with that Gift, He gave them their mission to continue His work of forgiving sins. The Father had sent the Son into the world to bring salvation, and now Jesus was inviting His new Apostles, His first priests, to share in the sacramental act of forgiving sins in a real and personal way.

This meditation should especially focus upon the Sacrament of Reconciliation. It is truly by the power of God that sins are forgiven in that Sacrament.

Reflection: Prayerfully ponder John 20:19–23 using the methods of meditation and contemplation with which you have become familiar.

Seventh Apparition

Scripture Reading: John 20:24–29

Context: Thomas was not present with the other disciples on Easter Sunday when the Lord appeared to them. It seems that Thomas did not so much doubt that Jesus had risen; rather, he seems to have willfully chosen not to believe. This denial of the Resurrection of Jesus was more of a personal choice than simply a lack of understanding.

Thomas is given to us as a model for all who refuse to accept the Gospel because of pride. Perhaps he was upset when he realized that Jesus chose to appear to the others without him being present. This initial refusal on the part of Thomas should teach us that we must never allow our egos to cloud our willful acceptance of the truths of God.

Note that it was not until eight days later that Jesus appeared to the disciples again. Eight days! This must have seemed like an eternity to Thomas, who may have been brewing over this experience. He would have heard the ongoing conversations of joy that the other disciples joined in as they discussed the gift they had been given by seeing our Lord. But Thomas could only sit and sulk over the fact that he did not see our Lord.

Of course, by the abundant mercy of God, that all changed when Jesus did, once again, appear to the disciples, this time with Thomas present. In His great mercy, Jesus invites Thomas to overcome his denial and pride by touching the wounds and to become believing. Though it is far better to have believed without seeing, Jesus lowers Himself before Thomas and allows him to see. What an act of humility on the part of our Lord! This is a great lesson for us on how to deal with those who struggle with pride.

This passage, of Thomas’ failure and redemption, is a lesson on how far God is willing to go to transform us. Thomas cries out, “My Lord and my God!” These words have traditionally been spoken by many throughout the history of the Church at the moment of the consecration of the Sacred Host as a way of admitting that we are all much like Thomas.

Use this meditation to especially look at any way that you, in your pride, refuse to believe in all that God teaches us through the Scripture and the Church. Be believing. Surrender over your disbelief.

Reflection: Prayerfully ponder John 20:24–29 using the methods of meditation and contemplation with which you have become familiar.

Eighth Apparition

Scripture Reading: John 21:1–17

Context: The disciples had gone back to their former work of fishing, perhaps because they were waiting for the Lord to tell them what was next. Five of them were out on the boat at the invitation of Peter, and they fished all night but caught nothing. Then Jesus shouts to them from ashore, tells them to cast the net over the right side of the boat, and they catch 153 fish.

Again, Jesus is not immediately recognized. This reminds us that our Lord is always near us, all around us, and so often we fail to see His presence. He is in our work, in our family, others around us, in the Eucharist, and He is present in so many other ways.

Symbolically, we can see the boat as the Church whose unity is not torn (as the net is not torn). Peter is seen as the leader, the Vicar of Christ. According to many of the Church Fathers, the number of fish (153) could have a variety of meanings.

The miracle opens their eyes to see that it is Jesus Who had called to them. Peter shows his devotion by immediately jumping in and swimming ashore. Peter is then questioned by Jesus about his love three times. This is in response to Peter’s triple denial of our Lord. Peter responds in love and is therefore given the mission to tend and feed Christ’s sheep. Peter is empowered to be a true shepherd of the flock of God.

There is much symbolism present in this miracle. It is also intimate and personal. Peter is the primary person with our Lord. The goal of this meditation is not so much to study the passage; rather, it is to prayerfully ponder it through the methods of contemplation, seeing yourself there and allowing our Lord to speak to you.

Reflection: Prayerfully ponder John 21:1–17 using the methods of meditation and contemplation with which you have become familiar.

Ninth Apparition

Scripture Reading: Matthew 28:16–20

Context: This appearance is the final one in the Gospel of Matthew. It takes place on a mountain just as the Transfiguration and the Sermon on the Mount did.

The Lord does not just appear to them where they were; rather, it required they make a journey to see Him. They go in faith to the mountain and see our Lord.

The commission they are given is one that is given with authority. Jesus was given “all authority in heaven and on earth,” and He now uses that authority to give this sacred mission of evangelization to the disciples. Note also that they were to go to “all nations” and that this commission was to extend “to the close of the ages.” It is clear, therefore, that this commission was to be handed on to those who would follow in the footsteps of the disciples.

Saint Ignatius is highlighting here the mission of us all to evangelize. We do not seek holiness through this retreat solely for our own sake. We do so, in addition, for the good of others with whom we will share the Gospel.

In this meditation, see yourself on that mountain. Understand that this commission is given also to you. Ponder how well you fulfill that mission and consider how you might fulfill it more fully.

Reflection: Prayerfully ponder Matthew 28:16–20 using the methods of meditation and contemplation with which you have become familiar.

Additional Apparitions

Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:3–11

Optional: Galatians 1:11–17; Acts 9:3–9

Context: Our final Scriptural meditation on the Resurrection appearances is from the Apostle Paul. Interestingly, Ignatius divides this into three meditations based on the audiences described in 1 Corinthians 15:6–8: 

1. Verse 6: Jesus’ appearance to 500 people at once
2. Verse 7: Jesus’ appearance to James
3. Verse 8: Jesus’ appearance to Saint Paul himself

He also includes a meditation on the tradition that Jesus appeared to Joseph of Arimathea.

Though Ignatius does not give much as far as content for these meditations, it is useful to prayerfully read the Corinthians passage above, including the full context of verses 3–11, and to consider one person at a time. Though Scripture simply mentions these appearances, the individual impact that each appearance had is incalculable.

Saint Paul especially humbles himself, noting his grave unworthiness of having Christ appear to himself. Recall the scene in the Acts of the Apostles when Paul is blinded and asked by Jesus why he is persecuting Him.

Saint Ignatius also makes mention of the appearance of Christ to those who had already died but were waiting for the gift of salvation, such as Abraham, Moses, the prophets and all the holy ones of the Old Testament. We profess this in the Creed when we say, “He descended into hell…” Upon His death, Christ went to that place of waiting so as to issue both His judgment and bestow His reward on those who had already died.

Using your imagination, you may also consider yourself as one of those 500 who saw Jesus when He appeared. Or reflect upon yourself being one who had Jesus appear to you in private. Consider yourself having a lack of faith that Jesus addresses and seek to use such a meditation to deepen your faith in this most glorious event in the history of the world.

Reflection: Prayerfully ponder 1 Corinthians 15:3–11 (Optional: Galatians 1:13–14; Acts 9:3–9) using the methods of meditation and contemplation with which you have become familiar.

Ascension of Jesus

Scripture Reading: Acts 1:1–11

Optional: Luke 24:50–52

Context: The passage below from the Acts of the Apostles begins with Jesus’ instruction to the disciples to remain in Jerusalem and to wait for the coming of the Holy Spirit, which was the promise of the Father. So they waited for forty days.

On the fortieth day, Jesus does appear to the remaining eleven Apostles and instructs them to go forth to preach to the ends of the earth. He promises that the Holy Spirit will soon come to them so that they can fulfill their role of being witnesses to Christ. Properly speaking, a “witness” is a martyr. Each one of these Apostles, in their own way, will share in this martyrdom.

Jesus then goes to the Mount of Olivet with the Apostles, and He is taken up to Heaven. As He ascends, two angels speak to the Apostles. They are told that Jesus will return one day, and then they all depart.

Ignatius does not include a meditation on Pentecost, the actual coming of the Holy Spirit, but rather ends his scriptural meditations here. Perhaps he does that, in part, because Ignatius’ focus in these meditations is the life of Christ our Lord. Pentecost, the coming of the Holy Spirit, is the next step in the life of the Church and that of all Christians.

Use this meditation to especially ponder the call you have also received to be a witness to Christ. You are called to hold nothing back, to give all for Christ and the sake of the Gospel. The perfect fulfillment of the will of God is not only to love God but also to love others. And there is no better way to love others than to share with them the Gospel and the glory of the risen Christ.

Reflection: Prayerfully ponder Acts 1:1–12 (Optional: Luke 24:50–52) using the methods of meditation and contemplation with which you have become familiar.

Optional Points to Ponder:

• They were given a commission.
• They were promised supernatural power with the coming of the Holy Spirit.
• They were called to be witnesses, martyrs.
• Martyrdom is considered the seedbed of the fruitfulness of the Church. This is a great paradox.
• Ponder the actual ascent of Christ.
• Why did He ascend in bodily form?
• Consider the promise that He will return.
• Imagine that final return, the day of Judgment.
• Consider your mission to prepare.

Contemplation to Attain Divine Love

Lesson: Saint Ignatius calls this a “contemplation” because it is not so much an intellectual study of the meaning of love but a practical invitation to grow more deeply in love with God. The goal of this contemplation must be to allow not only your intellect to understand love but also your will and all the passions and powers of your soul to become consumed by the love of God.

The ultimate goal of The Spiritual Exercises is to give God the greatest glory possible in life through the deepest habitual attainment of love of God. As a “habit,” love must become who you are.

Throughout the meditations of this book, you have especially focused on growing in the perfection of the virtue of charity. As you grow in love of God, you also grow in love of others. You have also used the beautiful prayer of Saint Ignatius that begins “Take, Lord, receive…” This prayer, traditionally called the Suscipe Prayer (Receive Prayer), goes to the heart of what real love is all about. Love is about giving of oneself to another, holding nothing back; and then, if the love is returned, it is received from one who also freely and completely gives. This mutual sharing of lives must be your constant goal. With others, you share your knowledge, affections, mutual support, time, concern and so much more. With God, you share all that you are and in return receive all that God is so as to be transformed by His divine grace. Love is primarily an action by which you give of yourself completely.

The gifts you receive from God are beyond what you can ever calculate or understand. He created all things and sustains all things. He dwells in all things and transforms all more deeply into His likeness. God and His gifts are everything, and your only response should be one of the deepest gratitude.

The best way to express your gratitude to God is to give of yourself completely to Him and to seek nothing other than God and His will for your life. By making God and His will the singular object of your life, you receive everything in return and are then able to give everything good to those around you in the way God calls you to give. Love given is possible by love received, and love received enables a deeper and more complete ability to give without reserve.

Suscipe Prayer of Saint Ignatius

Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty,
my memory, my understanding,
and my entire will,
all I have and possess.

You have given all to me.
To you, Lord, I return it.

Everything is Yours; do with it what You will.
Give me only Your love and Your grace.
That’s enough for me.

Reflection: The following will help guide you in this meditation as Saint Ignatius recommends:

• First, see yourself standing before the throne of God with the angels and saints as they pray for you.
• Second, make a petition such as this: My precious Lord, give me the single grace to see all the good that I have been given. As I see, help me to understand all that You have bestowed upon me so that I may be filled with the deepest of gratitude and be so moved by Your love that I desire only to love You in return, to serve Your divine will in all things and for Your greater glory. Amen.
• Using your mind and affections, call to mind all that God has given to you: your creation, redemption and every other gift unique to you and your life. Ponder these in gratitude. Ponder, especially, how God wants to give His very self to you as a gift.
• Now consider what sort of return you must give to our Lord for all that He bestowed upon you. You owe Him everything. Return to the Suscipe Prayer (Take, Lord, receive…).
• Now contemplate the truth that God dwells in all things. Consider how He dwells in the material world and sustains it in plants, animals. Consider the various and different ways He dwells in each.
• Contemplate now how God especially dwells in you. His indwelling gives life, emotions, feelings, intellect, will and all that makes you who you are.
• Return to the Suscipe Prayer and consider what sort of a return you are to make to God for all of these gifts.
• Contemplate now on how God actively works in you and for you. He is not distant or idle. God is active in you. As you consider the divine actions of God in your life, throughout your life, allow gratitude to grow.
• Return again to the Suscipe Prayer and call to mind all that you must return to God as a result of the divine work He has done and is doing in your soul.
• Lastly, consider the divine attributes such as Goodness, Justice, Mercy, etc. See them as rays shining forth from Heaven. See them shining on you and grow even more deeply in gratitude for these divine attributes in your life.

Make a final return to the Suscipe Prayer. Attempt to pray this prayer in the deepest and most selfless way you have ever prayed it.