Author: Malta Catholic Youth Network

22nd March – Received my sight

22nd March - Just 15 Minutes

As we approach the end of our first week of partial, we sit back and reflect over the past week. It has  been a time of great challenge for many, where fear and anxiety might have taken over for some of us. However we daily fix our eyes on God, and allow this period to be a renewed period of grace, as we place our trust in God through the intercession of Mother Mary. 

Over the weekend we shall be going over the gospel readings of the day, that together with the whole Church we may be fed by the Word of God and the spiritual communion we are called to in these times.

  • Find a suitable place where you can sit and be calm. 
  • Close your eyes for a few moments and listen to the sounds surrounding you, be aware of your posture and make yourself present to enter into a moment of intimacy with Jesus.
  • Make the sign of the cross and remain for a few more moments in silence. TIP: If it helps you to concentrate and to bring yourself before Jesus in prayer, play a song or two of praise. If you do not have any specific song, we suggest this song.

John 9:1-41


A Man Born Blind Receives Sight

As he walked along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, ‘Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?’ Jesus answered, ‘Neither this man nor his parents sinned; he was born blind so that God’s works might be revealed in him. We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.’ When he had said this, he spat on the ground and made mud with the saliva and spread the mud on the man’s eyes, saying to him, ‘Go, wash in the pool of Siloam’ (which means Sent). Then he went and washed and came back able to see. The neighbours and those who had seen him before as a beggar began to ask, ‘Is this not the man who used to sit and beg?’ Some were saying, ‘It is he.’ Others were saying, ‘No, but it is someone like him.’ He kept saying, ‘I am the man.’ But they kept asking him, ‘Then how were your eyes opened?’ He answered, ‘The man called Jesus made mud, spread it on my eyes, and said to me, “Go to Siloam and wash.” Then I went and washed and received my sight.’ They said to him, ‘Where is he?’ He said, ‘I do not know.’

 

The Pharisees Investigate the Healing

They brought to the Pharisees the man who had formerly been blind. Now it was a sabbath day when Jesus made the mud and opened his eyes. Then the Pharisees also began to ask him how he had received his sight. He said to them, ‘He put mud on my eyes. Then I washed, and now I see.’  Some of the Pharisees said, ‘This man is not from God, for he does not observe the sabbath.’ But others said, ‘How can a man who is a sinner perform such signs?’ And they were divided. So they said again to the blind man, ‘What do you say about him? It was your eyes he opened.’ He said, ‘He is a prophet.’

 

The Jews did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight until they called the parents of the man who had received his sight and asked them, ‘Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How then does he now see?’ His parents answered, ‘We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind; but we do not know how it is that now he sees, nor do we know who opened his eyes. Ask him; he is of age. He will speak for himself.’  His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jews; for the Jews had already agreed that anyone who confessed Jesus to be the Messiah would be put out of the synagogue. Therefore his parents said, ‘He is of age; ask him.’

 

So for the second time they called the man who had been blind, and they said to him, ‘Give glory to God! We know that this man is a sinner.’ He answered, ‘I do not know whether he is a sinner. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.’  They said to him, ‘What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?’ He answered them, ‘I have told you already, and you would not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to become his disciples?’ Then they reviled him, saying, ‘You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses.  We know that God has spoken to Moses, but as for this man, we do not know where he comes from.’ The man answered, ‘Here is an astonishing thing! You do not know where he comes from, and yet he opened my eyes. We know that God does not listen to sinners, but he does listen to one who worships him and obeys his will. Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a person born blind. If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.’ They answered him, ‘You were born entirely in sins, and are you trying to teach us?’ And they drove him out.

 

Spiritual Blindness

 Jesus heard that they had driven him out, and when he found him, he said, ‘Do you believe in the Son of Man?’ He answered, ‘And who is he, sir? Tell me, so that I may believe in him.’ Jesus said to him, ‘You have seen him, and the one speaking with you is he.’ He said, ‘Lord, I believe.’ And he worshipped him. Jesus said, ‘I came into this world for judgement so that those who do not see may see, and those who do see may become blind.’ Some of the Pharisees near him heard this and said to him, ‘Surely we are not blind, are we?’ Jesus said to them, ‘If you were blind, you would not have sin. But now that you say, “We see”, your sin remains.

          • I was blind, now I see
            • Jesus said He is the Light of the World. What does this mean to me, what areas in my life is he bringing to light that I may now begin to see them?
            • What situations in my life am I blind to? Do I beg Jesus that I may see how to live this life to the full, loving God and my neighbors?
            • ‘Lord, I believe’ – Let us ask Jesus to strengthen our faith especially in these difficult moments of social distancing.
          • Ask Jesus for the grace to See, the new way of life he has to offer you today. 
            • Find some time to make a good examination of conscience, and ask for forgiveness, and promise to go to confession at the next available opportunity.
          • Allow a moment of silence and try to listen to what God wants to tell you today. We suggest using a notebook to write some short points. 
            • Jesus, please teach me to see myself as I am in your light, loved and forgiven.
          • Ask Mary to guide you to her son Jesus and intercede for others. Recite a Hail Mary. 
            • What are the requests I wish to bring to God through Mary? For whom will I intercede?
          • Close this moment of prayer by thanking God for this moment of intimacy together. 
            • Grant us Jesus your gift of love. 
          • Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: As it was in the beginning is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.   – Make the sign of the cross.

The Rosary will be prayed every day at 5:30pm and live-streamed on TVM2, Newsbook & Church.mt, from the Curia’s chapel. We encourage you all to join us in this prayer. If you have any prayer intentions which you’d like us to pray for, you can write them below. These intentions will be kept in confidence.

21st March – Will be humbled

21st March - Just 15 Minutes

As we approach the end of our first week of partial, we sit back and reflect over the past week. It has  been a time of great challenge for many, where fear and anxiety might have taken over for some of us. However we daily fix our eyes on God, and allow this period to be a renewed period of grace, as we place our trust in God through the intercession of Mother Mary. 

Over the weekend we shall be going over the gospel readings of the day, that together with the whole Church we may be fed by the Word of God and the spiritual communion we are called to in these times.

  • Find a suitable place where you can sit and be calm. 
  • Close your eyes for a few moments and listen to the sounds surrounding you, be aware of your posture and make yourself present to enter into a moment of intimacy with Jesus.
  • Make the sign of the cross and remain for a few more moments in silence. TIP: If it helps you to concentrate and to bring yourself before Jesus in prayer, play a song or two of praise. If you do not have any specific song, we suggest this song.

Luke 18:9-14

 

The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax-Collector

 

He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt: ‘Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax-collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, was praying thus, “God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax-collector. I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.” But the tax-collector, standing far off, would not even look up to heaven, but was beating his breast and saying, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!”.  I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted.’

        • ‘The Name of God is Mercy’
          • Why does the tax-collector go back home justified before God?
          • Do I recognise my need for mercy, irrespective of the few good deeds I may have done?
          • Especially in these turbulent times we come to recognise that we are all in the same boat, all subject to getting ill. What is the image I have myself when I confront myself with God’s love? Do I ask God to have mercy on me in his infinite love?
        • Ask Jesus for the grace to see the hidden sin in your life
          • Find some time to make a good examination of conscience, and ask for forgiveness, and promise to go to confession at the next available opportunity.
        • Allow a moment of silence and try to listen to what God wants to tell you today. We suggest using a notebook to write some short points. 
          • Jesus, please teach me to see myself as I am in your light, loved and forgiven.
        • Ask Mary to guide you to her son Jesus and intercede for others. Recite a Hail Mary. 
          • What are the requests I wish to bring to God through Mary? For whom will I intercede?
        • Close this moment of prayer by thanking God for this moment of intimacy together. 
          • Grant us Jesus your gift of love. 
        • Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: As it was in the beginning is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.   – Make the sign of the cross. 

The Rosary will be prayed every day at 5:30pm and live-streamed on TVM2, Newsbook & Church.mt, from the Curia’s chapel. We encourage you all to join us in this prayer. If you have any prayer intentions which you’d like us to pray for, you can write them below. These intentions will be kept in confidence.

20th March – You shall love

20th March - Just 15 Minutes

In this particular period, many of us are forced to slow down and remain at home. This can be a great moment of grace for each and everyone one of us to sit back and spend some time with God in prayer. As we start these daily guided prayer moments, we invite you to find a quiet place, make yourself available for a moment of prayer, to ask yourself some profound questions, and to dialogue with God.

  • Find a suitable place where you can sit and be calm. 
  • Close your eyes for a few moments and listen to the sounds surrounding you, be aware of your posture and make yourself present to enter into a moment of intimacy with Jesus.
  • Make the sign of the cross and remain for a few more moments in silence. TIP: If it helps you to concentrate and to bring yourself before Jesus in prayer, play a song or two of praise. If you do not have any specific song, we suggest this song.

Mark 12:28-34

The First Commandment

One of the scribes came near and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, he asked him, ‘Which commandment is the first of all?’ Jesus answered, ‘The first is, “Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.” The second is this, “You shall love your neighbour as yourself.” There is no other commandment greater than these.’ Then the scribe said to him, ‘You are right, Teacher; you have truly said that “he is one, and besides him there is no other”; and “to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the strength”, and “to love one’s neighbour as oneself”,—this is much more important than all whole burnt-offerings and sacrifices.’ When Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, ‘You are not far from the kingdom of God.’ After that no one dared to ask him any question.

      • What is essential in the Kingdom of heaven?.
        •  ‘Love the lord your God’ – How do I love God in my daily activities? 
        • Do I spend time to seek him in my heart and soul? Do I allow my thinking and actions to be transformed by this love daily?
        • ‘Love your neighbour’ – How can I love my neighbours during this period of partial lockdown? What is Jesus tangibly asking of me at this moment in my life?
      • Ask Jesus for the grace to grow closer to him.
        • What practical things can I do to be in closer intimacy with Jesus daily?
      • Allow a moment of silence and try to listen to what God wants to tell you today. We suggest using a notebook to write some short points. 
        • Jesus, please teach me daily how to love in small and simple ways. Show me the steps I should take daily to grow in love with you and my neighbours. 
      • Ask Mary to guide you to her son Jesus and intercede for others. Recite a Hail Mary. 
        • What are the requests I wish to bring to God through Mary? For whom will I intercede?
      • Close this moment of prayer by thanking God for this moment of intimacy together. 
        • Grant us Jesus your gift of love. 
      • Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: As it was in the beginning is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.   – Make the sign of the cross.

The Rosary will be prayed every day at 5:30pm and live-streamed on TVM2, Newsbook & Church.mt, from the Curia’s chapel. We encourage you all to join us in this prayer. If you have any prayer intentions which you’d like us to pray for, you can write them below. These intentions will be kept in confidence.

19th March – Never be hungry

19th March - Just 15 Minutes

In this particular period, many of us are forced to slow down and remain at home. This can be a great moment of grace for each and everyone one of us to sit back and spend some time with God in prayer. As we start these daily guided prayer moments, we invite you to find a quiet place, make yourself available for a moment of prayer, to ask yourself some profound questions, and to dialogue with God.

  • Find a suitable place where you can sit and be calm. 
  • Close your eyes for a few moments and listen to the sounds surrounding you, be aware of your posture and make yourself present to enter into a moment of intimacy with Jesus.
  • Make the sign of the cross and remain for a few more moments in silence. TIP: If it helps you to concentrate and to bring yourself before Jesus in prayer, play a song or two of praise. If you do not have any specific song, we suggest this song.

John 6 35:40

Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. Everything that the Father gives me will come to me, and anyone who comes to me I will never drive away; for I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. This is indeed the will of my Father, that all who see the Son and believe in him may have eternal life; and I will raise them up on the last day.’

    • Try to place yourself in this scenario, as you see Jesus speak these words to you.
      •  ‘I am the bread of life’ – What does this mean to me? Jesus ever present in the most holy eucharist, give me the grace to believe and trust in you even more.
      • Jesus is assuring me that If we choose to draw near, we will not be driven away. Have I kept away from Him because I have felt ashamed? I have felt guilty and unworthy? Jesus is knocking on the door of my heart, will I open? 
    • Ask Jesus for the grace to grow closer to him.
      • What practical things can I do to be in closer intimacy with Jesus daily?
    • Allow a moment of silence and try to listen to what God wants to tell you today. We suggest using a notebook to write some short points. 
      • Jesus, teach me to grow closer to you through the holy Eucharist.
    • Ask Mary to guide you to her son Jesus and intercede for others. Recite a Hail Mary. 
      • What are the requests I wish to bring to God through Mary? For whom will I intercede?
    • Close this moment of prayer by thanking God for this moment of intimacy together. 
      • Grant us Jesus your peace, which will guard our hearts and minds.
    • Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: As it was in the beginning is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.   – Make the sign of the cross. 

The Rosary will be prayed every day at 5:30pm and live-streamed on TVM2, Newsbook & Church.mt, from the Curia’s chapel. We encourage you all to join us in this prayer. If you have any prayer intentions which you’d like us to pray for, you can write them below. These intentions will be kept in confidence.

18th March – They comfort me

18th March - Just 15 Minutes

In this particular period, many of us are forced to slow down and remain at home. This can be a great moment of grace for each and everyone one of us to sit back and spend some time with God in prayer. As we start these daily guided prayer moments, we invite you to find a quiet place, make yourself available for a moment of prayer, to ask yourself some profound questions, and to dialogue with God.

  • Find a suitable place where you can sit and be calm. 
  • Close your eyes for a few moments and listen to the sounds surrounding you, be aware of your posture and make yourself present to enter into a moment of intimacy with Jesus.
  • Make the sign of the cross and remain for a few more moments in silence. TIP: If it helps you to concentrate and to bring yourself before Jesus in prayer, play a song or two of praise. If you do not have any specific song, we suggest this song.

Psalm 23

1 The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures;
he leads me beside still waters;
3 he restores my soul.
He leads me in right paths
for his name’s sake.

4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley,
I fear no evil;
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff—
they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
my whole life long.

  • Present to Jesus today’s fears and struggles.
  • Ask Jesus to empower you to live in the Hope he is offering you.
    How is Jesus restoring my soul in this period of my life?
    How is Jesus comforting me, as we walk in this dark valley?
    What practical things can I do to be in closer intimacy with Jesus daily?
  • Allow a moment of silence and try to listen to what God wants to tell you today. We suggest using a notebook to write some short points.
    “he restores my soul” – Jesus is working in my life, even today. Jesus, show me the areas in my life, you desire to restore, to heal and to make new.
  • Ask Mary to guide you to her son Jesus and intercede for others. Recite a Hail Mary.
    What are the requests I wish to bring to God through Mary? For whom will I intercede?
  • Close this moment of prayer by thanking God for this moment of intimacy together.
    Grant us Jesus your peace, which will guard our hearts and minds.
  • Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: As it was in the beginning is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. – Make the sign of the cross.

The Rosary will be prayed every day at 5:30pm and live-streamed on TVM2, Newsbook & Church.mt, from the Curia’s chapel. We encourage you all to join us in this prayer. If you have any prayer intentions which you’d like us to pray for, you can write them below. These intentions will be kept in confidence.

17th March – He will instruct

16th March - Just 15 Minutes

In this particular period, many of us are forced to slow down and remain at home. This can be a great moment of grace for each and everyone one of us to sit back and spend some time with God in prayer. As we start these daily guided prayer moments, we invite you to find a quiet place, make yourself available for a moment of prayer, to ask yourself some profound questions, and to dialogue with God.

  • Find a suitable place where you can sit and be calm. 
  • Close your eyes for a few moments and listen to the sounds surrounding you, be aware of your posture and make yourself present to enter into a moment of intimacy with Jesus.
  • Make the sign of the cross and remain for a few more moments in silence. TIP: If it helps you to concentrate and to bring yourself before Jesus in prayer, play a song or two of praise. If you do not have any specific song, we suggest this song.

Psalm 25

1 In you, Lord my God,
I put my trust.

2 I trust in you;
do not let me be put to shame,
nor let my enemies triumph over me.

3 No one who hopes in you
will ever be put to shame,
but shame will come on those
who are treacherous without cause.

4 Show me your ways, Lord,
teach me your paths.

5 Guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long.

6 Remember, Lord, your great mercy and love,
for they are from of old.

7 Do not remember the sins of my youth
and my rebellious ways;
according to your love remember me,
for you, Lord, are good.

8 Good and upright is the Lord;
therefore he instructs sinners in his ways.

9 He guides the humble in what is right
and teaches them his way.

10 All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful

toward those who keep the demands of his covenant.

11 For the sake of your name, Lord,

forgive my iniquity, though it is great.

12 Who, then, are those who fear the Lord?
He will instruct them in the ways they should choose.

13 They will spend their days in prosperity,

and their descendants will inherit the land.

14 The Lord confides in those who fear him;

he makes his covenant known to them.

15 My eyes are ever on the Lord,

for only he will release my feet from the snare.

16 Turn to me and be gracious to me,
for I am lonely and afflicted.

17 Relieve the troubles of my heart

and free me from my anguish.

18 Look on my affliction and my distress

and take away all my sins.

19 See how numerous are my enemies

and how fiercely they hate me!

20 Guard my life and rescue me;
do not let me be put to shame,
for I take refuge in you.

21 May integrity and uprightness protect me,

because my hope, Lord,is in you.

22 Deliver Israel, O God,
from all their troubles!

  • Present to Jesus today’s fears and struggles.
  • Ask Jesus to empower you to live in the Hope he is offering you.
    What new ways of life is Jesus calling me to and instructing me in?
    What practical things can I do to be in closer intimacy with Jesus daily?
  • Allow a moment of silence and try to listen to what God wants to tell you today. We suggest using a notebook to write some short points.
    “In you, Lord my God, I put my trust.” – Jesus, I choose to trust you daily. Even when the world seems to be in a dark place, I choose to place my trust in you.
  • Ask Mary to guide you to her son Jesus and intercede for others. Recite a Hail Mary.
    What are the requests I wish to bring to God through Mary? For whom will I intercede?
  • Close this moment of prayer by thanking God for this moment of intimacy together.
    Grant us Jesus your peace, which will guard our hearts and minds.
  • Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: As it was in the beginning is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. – Make the sign of the cross.

The Rosary will be prayed every day at 5:30pm and live-streamed on TVM2, Newsbook & Church.mt, from the Curia’s chapel. We encourage you all to join us in this prayer. If you have any prayer intentions which you’d like us to pray for, you can write them below. These intentions will be kept in confidence.

16th March – Do not worry

Just 15 Minuts - 16th March

In this particular period, many of us are forced to slow down and remain at home. This can be a great moment of grace for each and everyone one of us to sit back and spend some time with God in prayer. As we start these daily guided prayer moments, we invite you to find a quiet place, make yourself available for a moment of prayer, to ask yourself some profound questions, and to dialogue with God.

  • Find a suitable place where you can sit and be calm. 
    • Close your eyes for a few moments and listen to the sounds surrounding you, be aware of your posture and make yourself present to enter into a moment of intimacy with Jesus.
  • Make the sign of the cross and remain for a few more moments in silence. TIP: If it helps you to concentrate and to bring yourself before Jesus in prayer, play a song or two of praise. If you do not have any specific song, we suggest this song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzIoGwWG1Zc 

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:4-7

    • Present to Jesus today’s fears and struggles.
    • Ask Jesus to empower you to live in the Hope he is offering you.
      • In these difficult moments, can I find things I can rejoice and thank God for?
      • What practical things can I do to be in closer intimacy with Jesus daily?
    • Allow a moment of silence and try to listen to what God wants to tell you today. We suggest using a notebook to write some short points. 
      • “The Lord is near.” – Where are you Jesus, I do not often feel your presence, help me to seek you in the difficult situations we are facing.
    • Ask Mary to guide you to her son Jesus and intercede for others. Recite a Hail Mary. 
      • What are the requests I wish to bring to God through Mary? For whom will I intercede?
    • Close this moment of prayer by thanking God for this moment of intimacy together. 
      • Grant us Jesus your peace, which will guard our hearts and minds.
    • Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: As it was in the beginning is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.   – Make the sign of the cross. 

The Rosary will be prayed every day at 5:30pm and live-streamed on TVM2, Newsbook & Church.mt, from the Curia’s chapel. We encourage you all to join us in this prayer. If you have any prayer intentions which you’d like us to pray for, you can write them below. These intentions will be kept in confidence.