Prepare for the Gospel contemplation by being still for a few minutes. Be aware of God’s presence within and around you. Read and reread the passage (Luke 19:37-42) letting its details settle in your memory.

Imagine the path into the city on which Jesus is walking. What is it like? Spend at least five minutes using the senses of your imagination to see, hear, smell, taste and touch the place. Allow it to be a combination of places you have known in your life.

In your imagination, envisage Jesus and the various people involved on the road to Jerusalem. Where are you and what are your feelings as you participate in the scene? How do you respond to the different emotions expressed (the joy of the disciples, the discomfort and irritation of the Pharisees, the sadness and tears of Jesus over the city and his longings for peace). Imagine Jesus looking you in the face and asking, “What do you want?’ What is your heart’s desire?”

For at least 10 minutes, go back over the passage, allowing the story to unfold further in your imagination. Who is there? What is being said? What is being done? What is being felt?

Gather together the strands of your contemplation. Spend a few minutes giving attention to the parts of the contemplation that most deeply moved you. Conclude by saying the Lord's Prayer.