A REFLECTION Look back upon the past 9 months, through the many ups and downs, and gather

many significant memories people, events, inner stirrings, dreams, jolts, joys, heartaches, etc. all that touched your life in any sort of special way. As you look over the months: I am especially grateful for. I am amazed at. I am puzzled by. I wish that As I look toward the coming school year: I long for I hope that. I trust. I promise.. I ask. CONCLUDE WITH A SHORT PRAYER IN SILENCE

JESUS WHAT WERE THE JOYS OF YOUR MINISTRY? Did you find comfort and pleasure in your friendships? When you spent time with your close friends did you enjoy the presence and feel cherished? Did you have the joy of being happily welcomed by them any time you chose to be with them? Did you ever caught up in what others thought of you, especially when your own family, friends, relatives and neighbors couldnt understand what you were doing and why?

Jesus, mentor of my life, because you were fully human, you would have experienced many ups and downs in your work. Remind me on my difficult days, when I am involved in my work and bearing its pains, that you also had your share of these moments and moods. Help me to look deeper and to discover meaning and blessing in the journey of love and discipleship, even when there are trials and travails to bear.

JESUS, WHAT WERE THE PAINS OF YOUR MINISTRY? The following questions, as well as the questions about Jesus joys which follow this section, came from the reflection how Jesus might have understood our personal struggles and concerns.

Did you ever feel that the people really didnt care about you, only about what you could do for them? Did you feel used when it became obvious that they wanted your gifts no matter what the cost to you? Were there times when you silently questioned whether you had the ability or talent to do what you felt compelled to do? Were you ever concerned about making mistakes or being a failure? When the crowds presses against you, did you sometimes want to scream with the suffocating pressure of no solitude or space for yourself? Were you frustrated when you tried to be alone for a while and thepeople followed you to your quiet place? Were there times when you wondered what your life was about and if the pressure and rush of your work was worth it? Did you get discouraged when your effort seemingly produced no results, or even worse, was refused by the very people you were giving all your energy to? Was there some fear and anxiety in you as you voiced your opinions about injustice and wrong use of power? Did you dread having to speak up for the truth because of the possibility of rejection? Were you disillusioned or discouraged when your disciples missed your vision or failed to catch the deeper implications of your life and message? Did you ever caught up in what others thought of you, especially when your own relatives and villagers couldnt understand what you were doing and why?

Jesus, mentor of my life, because you were fully human, you would have experienced many ups and downs in your work. Remind me on my difficult days, when I am involved in many things and bearing the pains, that you also had your share of these moments and moods. Help me to look deeper and to discover meaning and blessing in the journey of love and discipleship, even when there are trials and travails to bear.

JESUS WHAT WERE THE JOYS OF YOUR MINISTRY?

Did your heart skip a beat when you realized how much power you had for healing? Did you want to leap for joy when you saw the immense happiness of those who had been restored to good health?

Were you sometimes astounded at the strong, intense movement of generous love within you? Did this bountiful kindness pour easily into your relationships and amaze you with its beauty and goodness?

What was it like to go alone to the mountains and be swept up in the Beloveds fondness for you? Was this one of the rare moments when everything in you settled into peacefulness? Did you leave with renewed passion for your work?

Was the beauty of the earth a cause of hope for you? Did you have a sense of satisfaction as the sacredness of created things helped you find metaphors for your teachings?

When you experienced men and women catching their lives for the better because of what you taught, were you filled with gratitude? Did these personal transformations, which your presence and message engendered, help you to accept the difficulties and struggles that went along with your ministry?

Could you find enjoyment in the challenging conversations you had with your disciples and with strangers? Was it exciting and rewarding to discuss the brave opinions and ideas that you had?

Did you find comfort and pleasure in your friendships? When you spent time with your close friends did you enjoy the presence and feel cherished?

Did you have the joy of being happily welcomed by them any time you chose to be with them?

Were you able to forget the tough parts of your work when you played with children, celebrated at weddings, walked through fields of ripened grain, and filled your eyes with the beauty of flowers?

When you returned to your home in Nazareth did the smell of freshly baked bread and the strength of your mothers welcoming embrace help you to feel cherished? Did your visits with her nourish both your body and spirit?

Jesus, help me to enter into the joyful dimension of my work. Let me not be so involved and serious about my work that I miss the many pleasures and joys that are inherent in it. Lighten me up when I am feeling my works heaviness. May I remember that I need balance in my life, that laughter and leisure are essential for my total health. Take me to sources of zest and enthusiasm without guilt or hesitation. May my work become one of the playgrounds of my life.