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Reader's Guide to
Contemplating
Matt. 9:18-19, 23-26
Jesus Raises a Dead Girl to New Life
This is a form of imaginative prayer. Our imagination is our creative function and one of the ways we are created in the image of God our Creator. St. Ignatius of Loyola in his Spiritual Exercises taught this form of prayer he called contemplation. Many of the saints used this kind of prayer also. It consists in taking a scene from the life of Christ and reliving it, taking part in it as if it were actually occurring and you were a participant in the event.
Here is the Gospel story of a twelve-year-old girl being raised from death to life.
"While he (Jesus) was saying this, a ruler came and knelt before him and said, 'My daughter has just died. But come and put your hand on her, and she will live.' Jesus got up and went with him, and so did his disciples.
"When Jesus entered the ruler's house and saw the flute players and the noisy crowd, he said, 'Go away. The girl is not dead but asleep.' But they laughed at him. After the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took the girl by the hand, and she got up. News of this spread through all that region."
Find a relaxed position with your feet on the floor.
You can shut your eyes and take three or four slow deep breaths.
Imagine Jesus speaking with John’s disciples….Imagine the scene as vividly as possible….Where are they?…. Are they inside or outside? … What time of day or night is it? … Let the whole scene come to life. Are John’s disciples listening intently or asking questions? ….
See the great ruler dressed in his finery interrupt Jesus by kneeling in front of him…. How old is the ruler? Are there others with him? What is the look on his face and the tone in his voice as he says, ""My daughter has just died. But come and put your hand on her, and she will live."?
How does Jesus respond? … What is the look on his face and the tone in his voice as he responds to the leader’s request? …
See Jesus and the disciples rise to follow the ruler…. Do they hurry or take their time? Is it a long journey or a short one? …
Now Jesus, John’s disciples and the ruler arrive at his home… Picture his beautiful estate. Enter the scene yourself... What are you doing here?... Why have you come to this grand palace?
Among John’s disciples and with Jesus and the ruler you enter….There is noise everywhere. The flute players are sounding their mournful cries…. Dozens of mourners are wailing loudly… What are you feeling?... What do you want to do? ...What are John’s disciples doing? ...How does Jesus respond to all this?
Suddenly you hear Jesus roar out, "Go away. The girl is not dead but asleep."... How does the crowd respond?... The disciples?... How do you respond?... What does Jesus do when the crowd laughs at him? ...How do you feel?...
Finally the crowd is put outside. All is quiet. With Jesus and the disciples you enter the dead girls room.... What are you feeling?... Jesus goes over to the bed and takes the girl’s hand. She opens her eyes and sees Jesus. What happens among those standing in the room looking on? ...What are you feeling?... While all are rejoicing, you go to the girl and try to get as many details of her life as you can.... What sort of impression does she make on you?... What are your feelings as you talk to her?...
As you are talking to her, Jesus comes over and engages you in conversation. Talk to Jesus about what you have experienced. Is there something in your life that lies dying?...Ask any question you wish. ...Listen to Jesus’ response...
What are you feeling?...
Spend some quiet time in the presence of Jesus...
Journal what you experienced and share with a spiritual director or spiritual friend.