Vox Divini Meditation Challenge – Level 2

Meditation 1

Word: “Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:42)

Engage 1: Jesus gave complete freedom to people to choose what they would like to do.
Incidents: Allowing disciples to leave after teaching about the Bread of Life (John 6:66–67); not compelling Judas despite knowing his betrayal (John 13:26–27).
Engage 2: Jesus considered sitting at the Lord’s feet and listening to His words as the better part and never left the better part in his life.
Incidents: Praying alone on the mountain after feeding the 5,000 (Matthew 14:23); rising early to pray in a deserted place (Mark 1:35).

Meditation 2

Word: “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.” (Mark 6:31)

Engage 1: Jesus is so caring and understanding towards the physical needs of others.
Incidents: Instructing Jairus’ parents to feed their daughter after raising her (Luke 8:55); expressing concern for the hungry crowd before feeding 4,000 (Mark 8:2–3).
Engage 2: Jesus knows the importance of time being spent alone with the Lord and spent time accordingly.
Incidents: Praying on the mountain after feeding the 5,000 (John 6:15); withdrawing to pray early in the morning (Mark 1:35).

Meditation 3

Word: “What are you looking for?” (John 1:38)

Engage 1: Jesus is so attentive to the events that happen around you.
Incidents: Noticing the woman with a hemorrhage touching his cloak (Luke 8:44–46); hearing the blind Bartimaeus’ plea (Mark 10:47–49).
Engage 2: Jesus ask questions to help others to introspect well their intentions and desires.
Incidents: Asking the blind Bartimaeus what he wanted (Mark 10:51); questioning the paralytic at Bethesda about his desire to be healed (John 5:6).

Meditation 4

Word: “You are anxious and worried of many things, but one thing is needed. Mary has chosen the better portion, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41–42)

Engage 1: Jesus is very straightforward.
Incidents: Rebuking Peter with “Get behind me, Satan” (Matthew 16:23); teaching that following him requires prioritizing him over family (Luke 14:26).
Engage 2: Jesus have a magnanimous heart to acknowledge and appreciate the goodness of others.
Incidents: Praising the centurion’s faith (Matthew 8:10); commending the widow’s offering (Mark 12:43–44).

Meditation 5

Word: “Lord teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples to pray.” (Luke 11:1)

Engage 1: Jesus is a person of prayer.
Incidents: Praying all night before choosing the apostles (Luke 6:12–13); praying alone after feeding the 5,000 (Matthew 14:23).
Engage 2: Jesus is very prompt in responding to the request of others.
Incidents: Calming the storm when disciples cried out in fear (Mark 4:39); healing the centurion’s servant immediately (Matthew 8:13).

Meditation 6

Word: “I tell you though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him whatever he need.” (Luke 11:8)

Engage 1: Jesus is so sacrificing.
Incidents: Speaking to the Samaritan woman despite fatigue (John 4:6–7); blessing children despite disciples’ objections (Mark 10:13–16).
Engage 2: Jesus is so generous.
Incidents: Feeding 5,000 with five loaves and two fish (John 6:9–11); teaching to give generously (Luke 6:38).

Meditation 7

Word: “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it.” (Luke 11:28)

Engage 1: Jesus is a great motivator.
Incidents: Encouraging disciples to be light of the world (Matthew 5:14–16); teaching that greatness comes from service (Mark 10:43–44).
Engage 2: Jesus listen to God’s word and obey them.
Incidents: Quoting Scripture during temptations (Matthew 4:4–10); praying “not my will, but yours be done” in Gethsemane (Luke 22:42).

Meditation 8

Word: “And Jesus looked upon him loved him, and said to him, you lack one thing: go and sell what you have and give the money to the poor…” (Mark 10:21)

Engage 1: Jesus detached yourself from everything.
Incidents: Teaching disciples to renounce possessions (Luke 14:33); having no place to lay his head (Matthew 8:20).
Engage 2: Jesus lived a life of poverty.
Incidents: Being born in a manger (Luke 2:7); teaching blessedness of the poor in spirit (Matthew 5:3).

Meditation 9

Word: “It seems a sign, but no sign shall be given to it except the sign of Jonah.” (Luke 11:29)

Engage 1: Jesus is the true sign to eternal life.
Incidents: Declaring himself the way, truth, and life (John 14:6); teaching he is the door to salvation (John 10:9).
Engage 2: Jesus is constantly present amidst us even when we fail to acknowledge you.
Incidents: Promising to be with disciples always (Matthew 28:20); assuring he will not leave as orphans (John 14:18).

Meditation 10

Word: “Did not he who made the inside make the outside also?” (Luke 11:40)

Engage 1: Jesus used every opportunity to speak about the goodness of God.
Incidents: Proclaiming his mission in the synagogue (Luke 4:18–19); responding to the rich young man about God’s goodness (Mark 10:18).
Engage 2: Jesus look at the heart rather than the appearance.
Incidents: Teaching the pure in heart see God (Matthew 5:8); describing good and evil from the heart (Luke 6:45).

Meditation 11

Word: “It is written, ‘One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (Matthew 4:4)

Engage 1: Jesus had the Word of God as a powerful weapon in your life.
Incidents: Quoting Scripture to resist temptation (Matthew 4:4–10); praying Psalm 31:5 on the cross (Luke 23:46).
Engage 2: Jesus considered human beings along with their souls.
Incidents: Teaching about eternal food (John 6:27); healing the crippled woman as a daughter of Abraham (Luke 13:16).

Meditation 12

Word: “The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest.” (Luke 10:2)

Engage 1: Jesus rely on God for everything.
Incidents: Teaching the Lord’s Prayer for daily bread (Matthew 6:11); giving thanks before feeding 5,000 (John 6:11).
Engage 2: Jesus is a person who is mission oriented.
Incidents: Commissioning disciples to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19–20); urging work while it is day (John 9:4).

Meditation 13

Word: “Everyone who acknowledge me before men, the son of man also will acknowledge before the angels of God.” (Luke 12:8)

Engage 1: Jesus is faithful to your promises.
Incidents: Sending the Holy Spirit at Pentecost as promised (John 14:16–17; Acts 2:1–4); promising eternal presence (Matthew 28:20).
Engage 2: Jesus is the mediator between God and humanity.
Incidents: Declaring himself the way to the Father (John 14:6); speaking the Father’s words (John 12:49–50).

Meditation 14

Word: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3)

Engage 1: Jesus owned nothing as your own but gave credit to the Father.
Incidents: Stating he does nothing on his own (John 5:30); thanking the Father before raising Lazarus (John 11:41–42).
Engage 2: Jesus is filled with gratitude and express your gratitude to the Heavenly Father.
Incidents: Thanking God before feeding 5,000 (John 6:11); giving thanks at the Last Supper (Luke 22:19).

Meditation 15

Word: “Take heed, and beware of all covetousness; for a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” (Luke 12:15)

Engage 1: Jesus is full of wisdom.
Incidents: Answering teachers in the temple at age twelve (Luke 2:46–47); responding wisely about taxes to Caesar (Matthew 22:21).
Engage 2: Jesus were contented with what you have.
Incidents: Teaching not to worry about material needs (Matthew 6:25–26); having no place to lay his head (Luke 9:58).

Meditation 16

Word: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” (Matthew 5:4)

Engage 1: Jesus moved with pity and compassion and made supplications thinking of the wellbeing of others.
Incidents: Weeping over Jerusalem (Luke 19:41–42); crying at Lazarus’ tomb (John 11:35).
Engage 2: Jesus mourned out of true love for neighbours.
Incidents: Praying for disciples’ unity (John 17:21); lamenting over Jerusalem (Luke 13:34).

Meditation 17

Word: “Let your loins be girded and your lamps burning, and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home.” (Luke 12:35–36)

Engage 1: Jesus is so vigilant and always ready to serve others.
Incidents: Praying regularly in solitude (Luke 5:16); healing the sick who approached him (Mark 1:32–34).
Engage 2: Jesus were always prepared for any work assigned to you.
Incidents: Facing temptations after fasting (Matthew 4:1–11); preparing disciples for mission (Luke 10:1–3).

Meditation 18

Word: “Blessed is that servant whom his master finds doing so when he returns.” (Luke 12:43)

Engage 1: Jesus is the God of surprises.
Incidents: Instructing a miraculous catch of fish (Luke 5:4–6); appearing unexpectedly after resurrection (John 20:19).
Engage 2: Jesus is so loyal and committed to your duty.
Incidents: Praying in Gethsemane for God’s will (Matthew 26:42); declaring his food is to do God’s will (John 4:34).

Meditation 19

Word: “You know how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky, but why do you not know how to interpret the present time?” (Luke 12:56)

Notes

Engage 1: Jesus is opened to the sign of the time.
Incidents: Turning water into wine at Cana (John 2:4–11); defending disciples for picking grain on Sabbath (Mark 2:23–28).
Engage 2: Jesus is a person who does things at the right moment.
Incidents: Urging work while it is day (John 9:4); teaching to seek God’s Kingdom first (Matthew 6:33).

Meditation 20

Word: “Let it alone sir, this year also, till I dig about it and put on manure. And if it bears fruit next year, well and good but if not, you can cut it down.” (Luke 13:8–9)

Engage 1: Jesus offer hope for those who seek to change.
Incidents: Forgiving the woman caught in adultery (John 8:11); calling sinners to repentance (Mark 2:17).
Engage 2: Jesus give people chance and time to grow.
Incidents: Restoring Peter after his denial (John 21:15–17); allowing wheat and weeds to grow together (Matthew 13:29–30).

Meditation 21

Word: “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” (Mark 10:52)

Engage 1: Jesus is a mighty healer.
Incidents: Healing the paralytic lowered through the roof (Mark 2:5–12); cleansing ten lepers (Luke 17:12–14).
Engage 2: Jesus your word has a power.
Incidents: Calming the storm with “Peace, be still” (Mark 4:39); cursing the fig tree (Mark 11:14, 20).

Meditation 22

Word: “In these days he went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God.” (Luke 6:12–13)

Engage 1: Jesus seek God’s guidance in prayer before making significant decisions.
Incidents: Fasting and praying before public ministry (Matthew 4:1–2); praying in Gethsemane (Luke 22:41–42).
Engage 2: Jesus balanced well your prayer and action.
Incidents: Giving thanks before feeding 5,000 (John 6:11); withdrawing to pray despite crowds (Luke 5:16).

Meditation 23

Word: “Then he left the crowds and went into the house.” (Matthew 13:36)

Engage 1: Jesus had clarity about the mission.
Incidents: Rebuking Peter for opposing his passion (Matthew 16:23); proclaiming his mission in Nazareth (Luke 4:18–21).
Engage 2: Jesus were a person of complete detachment and self-denial.
Incidents: Withdrawing after feeding 5,000 to avoid being made king (John 6:15); dismissing crowds after feeding 4,000 (Mark 8:9–10).

Meditation 24

Word: “Strive to enter by the narrow door: for many, I tell you seek to enter and will not be able…” (Luke 13:24)

Engage 1: Jesus encourage others to perseverance.
Incidents: Teaching endurance despite persecution (Matthew 10:22); parable of the persistent widow (Luke 18:1–5).
Engage 2: Jesus is very honest in telling about the challenges of following you.
Incidents: Teaching about eating his flesh and blood (John 6:53–60); warning of division from following him (Matthew 10:34–35).

Meditation 25

Word: “How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not.” (Luke 13:34)

Engage 1: Jesus have a determination to do good.
Incidents: Healing the man with a withered hand on Sabbath (Mark 3:1–5); dining with Zacchaeus (Luke 19:5–7).
Engage 2: Jesus provide safety and protection to those who come to you.
Incidents: Seeking the lost sheep in the parable (Luke 15:4–6); saving Peter from sinking (Matthew 14:30–31).

Meditation 26

Word: “Do not be afraid; just have faith.” (Mark 5:36)

Engage 1: Jesus calmly reassured others in fear.
Incidents: Comforting Jairus about his daughter (Mark 5:36); calming disciples during the storm (Mark 4:40).
Engage 2: Jesus firmly encouraged trust in God.
Incidents: Healing Jairus’ daughter through faith (Mark 5:34–36); praising the hemorrhaging woman’s faith (Mark 5:34).

Meditation 27

Word: “The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” (Mark 1:15)

Engage 1: Jesus urgently proclaimed God’s nearness.
Incidents: Preaching repentance in Galilee (Mark 1:14–15); announcing the Kingdom in Nazareth (Luke 4:16–21).
Engage 2: Jesus boldly called for conversion.
Incidents: Inviting sinners to repent (Mark 2:17); urging Nicodemus to be born again (John 3:3–5).

Meditation 28

Word: “What comes out of a person is what defiles.” (Mark 7:20)

Engage 1: Jesus wisely revealed inner truth.
Incidents: Teaching about defilement from the heart (Mark 7:18–20); exposing Pharisees’ hypocrisy (Matthew 23:25–26).
Engage 2: Jesus gently corrected false beliefs.
Incidents: Explaining traditions to disciples (Mark 7:17–19); teaching Samaritans about true worship (John 4:20–24).

Meditation 29

Word: “Whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all.” (Mark 10:44)

Engage 1: Jesus humbly served others selflessly.
Incidents: Washing disciples’ feet (John 13:4–5); healing the high priest’s servant (Luke 22:50–51).
Engage 2: Jesus clearly redefined greatness.
Incidents: Teaching service over ambition (Mark 10:42–45); blessing the lowly in the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:5).

Meditation 30

Word: “Take nothing for the journey but a walking stick—no food, no sack, no money in their belts.” (Mark 6:8)

Engage 1: Jesus simply relied on God’s care.
Incidents: Instructing disciples to travel lightly (Mark 6:8–9); living without a fixed home (Matthew 8:20).
Engage 2: Jesus confidently sent others with trust.
Incidents: Sending the Twelve to preach (Mark 6:7–12); commissioning 72 disciples (Luke 10:3–4).

Meditation 31

Word: “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

Engage 1: Jesus tenderly invited the weary.
Incidents: Offering rest to the burdened (Matthew 11:28–30); welcoming sinners to dine (Luke 15:2).
Engage 2: Jesus lovingly eased others’ burdens.
Incidents: Healing the paralytic’s sins and body (Mark 2:5–12); comforting Mary Magdalene (John 20:15–16).

Meditation 32

Word: “My house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.” (Mark 11:17)

Engage 1: Jesus zealously defended God’s honor.
Incidents: Cleansing the temple (Mark 11:15–17); rebuking Pharisees for misusing God’s law (Matthew 23:23).
Engage 2: Jesus openly welcomed all to God.
Incidents: Teaching Gentiles in the temple (Mark 11:17); speaking with the Samaritan woman (John 4:7–26).

Meditation 33

Word: “Everything is possible to one who has faith.” (Mark 9:23)

Engage 1: Jesus confidently affirmed God’s power.
Incidents: Healing the boy with a demon (Mark 9:22–24); raising Lazarus (John 11:40–44).
Engage 2: Jesus kindly strengthened others’ belief.
Incidents: Encouraging the father of the possessed boy (Mark 9:24); affirming Thomas’ faith (John 20:27–29).

Meditation 34

Word: “The Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head.” (Matthew 8:20)

Engage 1: Jesus willingly embraced simplicity.
Incidents: Having no fixed home (Matthew 8:20); being born in a manger (Luke 2:7).
Engage 2: Jesus quietly accepted life’s hardships.
Incidents: Fasting for 40 days (Matthew 4:2); enduring rejection in Nazareth (Luke 4:28–30).

Meditation 35

Word: “Why are you terrified, O you of little faith?” (Matthew 8:26)

Engage 1: Jesus peacefully restored calm in chaos.
Incidents: Calming the storm at sea (Matthew 8:26); reassuring disciples post-resurrection (John 20:19).
Engage 2: Jesus patiently guided weak faith.
Incidents: Teaching disciples during the storm (Matthew 8:25–26); helping Peter walk on water (Matthew 14:31).

Meditation 36

Word: “No one who sets a hand to the plow and looks to what was left behind is fit for the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:62)

Engage 1: Jesus resolutely focused on his mission.
Incidents: Setting his face toward Jerusalem (Luke 9:51); accepting his passion (Luke 22:42).
Engage 2: Jesus firmly demanded full dedication.
Incidents: Teaching to leave all behind (Luke 9:60–62); calling disciples to follow immediately (Mark 1:18–20).

Meditation 37

Word: “Whoever does not take up his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me.” (Matthew 10:38)

Engage 1: Jesus bravely embraced suffering.
Incidents: Accepting the cross (John 19:17); praying in Gethsemane (Matthew 26:39).
Engage 2: Jesus called others to sacrificial love.
Incidents: Teaching disciples to carry their cross (Matthew 16:24); urging love for enemies (Matthew 5:44).

Meditation 38

Word: “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” (Matthew 12:7)

Engage 1: Jesus compassionately valued mercy.
Incidents: Defending disciples for picking grain (Matthew 12:1–7); forgiving the adulterous woman (John 8:7–11).
Engage 2: Jesus prioritized heart over ritual.
Incidents: Teaching about true cleanliness (Mark 7:15); praising the Samaritan’s mercy (Luke 10:33–37).

Meditation 39

Word: “Whoever gives only a cup of cold water to one of these little ones to drink because he is a disciple—amen, I say to you, he will surely not lose his reward.” (Matthew 10:42)

Engage 1: Jesus generously rewarded small kindness.
Incidents: Promising reward for giving water (Matthew 10:42); praising the widow’s offering (Mark 12:43–44).
Engage 2: Jesus deeply valued humble service.
Incidents: Teaching to welcome children (Matthew 18:5); washing disciples’ feet (John 13:14–15).

Meditation 40

Word: “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.” (Matthew 9:37–38)

Engage 1: Jesus keenly saw spiritual hunger.
Incidents: Noticing crowds’ need for shepherds (Matthew 9:36); teaching in synagogues (Mark 1:39).
Engage 2: Jesus earnestly sought God’s help.
Incidents: Urging prayer for laborers (Matthew 9:38); praying for disciples’ mission (John 17:20).

Meditation 41

Word: “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” (Matthew 23:12)

Engage 1: Jesus quietly modeled humility.
Incidents: Taking the form of a servant (John 13:4–5); entering Jerusalem on a donkey (Matthew 21:5).
Engage 2: Jesus firmly taught lowliness.
Incidents: Rebuking Pharisees’ pride (Matthew 23:6–12); teaching to take the lowest seat (Luke 14:10).

Meditation 42

Word: “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst.” (John 6:35)

Engage 1: Jesus fully satisfied spiritual needs.
Incidents: Teaching about eternal bread (John 6:27–35); feeding 5,000 spiritually and physically (John 6:11–14).
Engage 2: Jesus warmly invited belief in him.
Incidents: Calling all to come to him (John 6:37); inviting the Samaritan woman to living water (John 4:10–14).

Meditation 43

Word: “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven.” (Matthew 19:21)

Engage 1: Jesus lovingly challenged deeper commitment.
Incidents: Calling the rich young man to sell all (Matthew 19:21); urging Peter to feed his sheep (John 21:17).
Engage 2: Jesus pointed to heavenly treasure.
Incidents: Teaching to store treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:20); promising reward for leaving all (Mark 10:29–30).

Meditation 44

Word: “Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” (Matthew 19:14)

Engage 1: Jesus tenderly welcomed the lowly.
Incidents: Blessing children (Matthew 19:13–15); dining with tax collectors (Mark 2:15–16).
Engage 2: Jesus highly valued childlike faith.
Incidents: Teaching childlike humility for greatness (Matthew 18:3–4); praising simple faith (Luke 18:17).

Meditation 45

Word: “What is the kingdom of God like? It is like a grain of mustard seed…” (Luke 13:18–19)

Engage 1: Jesus vividly illustrated God’s Kingdom.
Incidents: Teaching the mustard seed parable (Luke 13:18–19); using the sower parable (Mark 4:3–8).
Engage 2: Jesus trusted in gradual growth.
Incidents: Comparing Kingdom to yeast (Luke 13:20–21); choosing simple disciples to spread the Gospel (Mark 3:13–19).

Meditation 46

Word: “I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing!” (Luke 12:49)

Engage 1: Jesus passionately pursued God’s will.
Incidents: Desiring to ignite faith (Luke 12:49); cleansing the temple with zeal (John 2:17).
Engage 2: Jesus boldly accepted conflict for truth.
Incidents: Predicting division from his mission (Luke 12:51); confronting Pharisees’ hypocrisy (Luke 11:39–40).

Meditation 47

Word: “Whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it.” (Mark 10:15)

Engage 1: Jesus joyfully embraced simplicity.
Incidents: Welcoming children with love (Mark 10:14–16); teaching reliance on God (Matthew 6:26).
Engage 2: Jesus gently encouraged openness.
Incidents: Teaching childlike faith for entry (Mark 10:15); praising Nathanael’s guileless heart (John 1:47).

Meditation 48

Word: “The Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.” (Luke 19:10)

Engage 1: Jesus actively sought the lost.
Incidents: Visiting Zacchaeus’ house (Luke 19:5–10); seeking the lost sheep in parable (Luke 15:4–6).
Engage 2: Jesus mercifully restored sinners.
Incidents: Forgiving Zacchaeus (Luke 19:9); absolving the sinful woman (Luke 7:48).

Meditation 49

Word: “No one can serve two masters. You cannot serve God and mammon.” (Matthew 6:24)

Engage 1: Jesus clearly demanded loyalty to God.
Incidents: Teaching against divided loyalty (Matthew 6:24); urging to seek God’s Kingdom first (Matthew 6:33).
Engage 2: Jesus wisely warned against greed.
Incidents: Parable of the rich fool (Luke 12:16–21); advising the rich young man (Mark 10:21).

Meditation 50

Word: “This is my body, which will be given for you; do this in memory of me.” (Luke 22:19)

Engage 1: Jesus selflessly offered himself.
Incidents: Instituting the Eucharist (Luke 22:19–20); dying on the cross (John 19:30).
Engage 2: Jesus established lasting worship.
Incidents: Teaching about his body as bread (John 6:51); commanding the Eucharist’s repetition (Luke 22:19).