Meditation: A Radiance of Christ

BASED ON A PRAYER BY MOTHER TERESA

Take a moment to settle in. Sit comfortably. Let your eyes close gently. Begin to breathe slowly and deeply, allowing the rhythm of your breath to anchor you.

“Dear Jesus, help us to spread your fragrance everywhere we go.”

Imagine the gentle aroma of Christ’s presence—peace, joy, compassion—going before you like a breeze in springtime. With each breath, inhale that peace. Let it enter the deepest parts of you. Let it soften the tight places. Let it bring rest.

“Flood our souls with your spirit and life.”

Picture His Spirit as living water, flowing into you—cool, refreshing, healing. It fills every dry, anxious, or weary space with quiet strength. You don’t have to strive. Just receive.

“Penetrate and possess our whole being so utterly that our lives may only be a radiance of yours…”

Let this presence go deeper now. Imagine Christ’s love filling your very bones, your thoughts, your breath. He is not beside you—He is within you, becoming the light that you shine.

Now, we enter two full minutes of silence.

Let these words echo in your heart: “That our lives may only be a radiance of yours.”

Silence for two minutes. Try using the app Insight Timer

Gently return your awareness to these words:

“Let us praise you in the way you love best, by shining on those around us.”

Think of someone in your life—a friend, a stranger, even someone difficult. Picture Christ’s radiance in you flowing outward toward them. Not by effort, not by words, but by presence.

“Let us preach you without preaching—not by words, but by the catching force, the sympathetic influence of what we do, the evident fullness of the love our hearts bear to you.”

You don’t need to be loud to be powerful. Your kindness, your listening, your patience, your truthfulness—they shine. Ask Jesus now: Make me a quiet flame of your love today.

Breathe in that prayer. And when you’re ready, slowly bring your awareness back. Feel your body again. Wiggle your fingers and toes. Open your eyes.

Carry the fragrance of Christ with you now, wherever you go.