4/30/10

Lectio - Mt 13.54-58

Meditatio: “Is he not the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother named Mary and his brothers James, Joseph, Simon and Judas?” Mt 13.55

Oratio: "O God, You love everyone and especially the working class.

I remember You chose for Your Son a carpenter’s family when you could have chosen a king’s, a high priest’s or a prophet’s family for him.

Grant that I may always respect the working class for it is sanctified by Jesus’ membership.

I ask this of You, who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.”

Contemplatio: Keep silence and remain in recollection for a few minutes.

Operatio: Today, I will thank a worker for what she/he does.

4/28/10

Lectio - Jn 13.16-20

Meditatio: “If you understand this, blessed are you if yo do it.” Jn 13.17

Oratio: "O God, You provided us with a simple model for actions which will result in one day Your receiving us.

I remember Jesus washed the feet of his disciples and told his disciples that no one is greater than the Master.

Grant that I may understand this and imitate Jesus and do it by lovingly serving others and I will be blest.

I ask this of You, who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.”

Contemplatio: Keep silence and remain in recollection for a few minutes.

Operatio: Today, I will look for the opportunity to lovingly serve some one today.

Tomorrow’s selection is from Jn 14.1-6

4/29/10

Lectio - Jn 14.1-6

Meditatio: “Where [I] am going, you know the way.” Jn 14.4

Oratio: "O God, You are inaccessible; yet You provide a simple way to find you.

I remember Jesus proclaimed He is the way; and the early Christians understood this quite clearly for they called their sect the “Way.”

Grant that I may always see Jesus as the way and the truth so that I may have life with You.

I ask this of You, who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.”

Contemplatio: Keep silence and remain in recollection for a few minutes.

Operatio: Today, I will examine my conduct to see if I am on the way of Jesus.

Tomorrow’s selection is from Jn 14.7-14

4/27/10

Lectio - Jn 12.44-50

Meditatio: “and whoever sees me, sees the ones who sent me.” Jn 12.45

Oratio: "O God, You are infinite and invisible; how can we grasp You?

I remember Jesus answered this very simply and very profoundly: “Whoever sees Him, see You.’

Grant that I may always be drawn to You in love because in and through Your Son, I see You are most loveable.

I ask this of You, who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.”

Contemplatio: Keep silence and remain in recollection for a few minutes.

Operatio: Today, I will reflect on the characteristics of the Father in light of the Son.

Tomorrow’s selection is from Jn 13.16-20

4/26/10

Lectio - Jn 10.22-30

Meditatio: “My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one can take them out of my Father’s hand.” Jn 10.29

Oratio: "O God, there is no God besides you.

I remember Jesus declared this during the Feast of the Dedication that You are “greater than all;” and St. Anselm reflecting on this stated that God is “that which nothing greater can be conceived.”

Grant that I may worship You alone and set aside the false gods of power, wealth and prestige.

I ask this of You, who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.”

Contemplatio: Keep silence and remain in recollection for a few minutes.

Operatio: Today, I will reflect on my tendencies to worship false gods and seek ways to set them aside.

Tomorrow’s selection is from Jn 12.44-50

4/25/10

Lectio - Jn 10.1-10

Meditatio: “A thief comes only to steal and slaughter and destroy; I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly.” Jn 10.10

Oratio: "O God, You desire that we have eternal life and not perish.

I remember You sent Your Son as our Shepherd so that knowing Him, we would follow Him on the way that leads to abundant life.

Grant that I may always realize our Pope is the voice of the Good Shepherd and listen to him for he has the words of eternal life.

I ask this of You, who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.”

Contemplatio: Keep silence and remain in recollection for a few minutes.

Operatio: Today, I will pray for Pope Benedict XVI for his health and that he will continue to lead us in the ways of justice, peace and love.

Tomorrow’s selection is from Jn 10.22-30

4/24/10

Lectio - Jn 10.27-30

Meditatio: “My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” Jn 10.27

Oratio: "O God, You and Jesus are one God and what Jesus says, is Your word to us, too.

I remember Jesus proclaimed that if we, his sheep, follow him, we will have eternal life and never perish. What a superb gift!

Grant that I may know Jesus and listen to His voice and follow Him all my days.

I ask this of You, who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.”

Contemplatio: Keep silence and remain in recollection for a few minutes.

Operatio: Today, I will be alert to how Jesus may be speaking to me through others.

Tomorrow’s selection is from Jn 10.1-10

4/23/10

Lectio - Jn 6.60-69

Meditatio: “We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God.” Jn 6.69

Oratio: "O God, no one comes to you unless you grant it.

I remember many of Jesus’ early disciples no longer walked with Him when he declared he was the Bread of Life and that they must eat and drink of His body and blood. Yet Peter and a smaller number were convinced that Your Son was the Holy One of God. Why? Because you granted them faith.

Grant that I may nourish the faith which You have given to me less this great gift be of no avail to me.

I ask this of You, who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.”

Contemplatio: Keep silence and remain in recollection for a few minutes.

Operatio: Today, I will reflect on my faith and what convinces me that Jesus is the Holy One of God.

Tomorrow’s selection is from Jn 10.27-30

4/21/10

Lectio - Jn 6.44-51

Meditatio: “This is the bread that comes down from heaven so that one may eat and not die.” Jn 6.50

Oratio: "O God, you desire life for us.

I remember Your Son declared that He is he bread of life and one who eats this bread and believes will never die - how wonderful!

Grant me the gift of faith and the grace to partake of the bread of life worthily and frequently.

I ask this of You, who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.”

Contemplatio: Keep silence and remain in recollection for a few minutes.

Operatio: Today, I will receive the Eucharist with awareness that it is the Bread of Life.
Tomorrow’s selection is from Jn 6.52-59

4/22/10

Lectio - Jn 6.52-59

Meditatio: “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day.”Jn 6.54

Oratio: "O God, you most graciously provide us with eternal life in this life.

I remember Jesus proclaimed at Capernaum that anyone who partakes of the Eucharist has eternal life. How little is required of us for such a great gift!

Grant that I may receive the Eucharist with belief in Your Son and live this life as a faithful child of Yours.

I ask this of You, who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.”

Contemplatio: Keep silence and remain in recollection for a few minutes.

Operatio: Today, when I receive the Eucharist, I will reflect on one of the great gifts that I am also given - eternal life.

Tomorrow’s selection is from Jn 6.60-69

4/20/10

Lectio - Jn 6.35-40

Meditatio: “and this is the will of the one who sent me, that I should not lose anything of what he gave me, but that I should raise [it] on the last day.” Jn 6.39

Oratio: "O God, Wonder of wonders! How gracious and kind you are!

I remember Jesus declared that it is Your will the He should not lose anyone for whom He was sent; and You certainly sent Him for Your children which we became through baptism.

Grant that I may be ever grateful and show it be living as a good child of Yours.

I ask this of You, who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.”

Contemplatio: Keep silence and remain in recollection for a few minutes.

Operatio: Today, I will reflect on the great gift of the Bread of Life as the source of my eternal life.

Tomorrow’s selection is from Jn 6.44-51

4/19/10

Lectio - Jn 6.30-35

Meditatio: “For the bread of God is that which came down from heaven and gives life to the world.” Jn 6.33

Oratio: "O God, you give us signs so that we may believe.

I remember Jesus declared that the bread of life came down from heaven and gave life to the world and he declared that he was that sign calling himself “the bread of life.”

Grant that I may partake of the Eucharist frequently so that my faith will always be nourished.

I ask this of You, who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.”

Contemplatio: Keep silence and remain in recollection for a few minutes.

Operatio: Today, when I receive the Eucharist, I will give thanks to Jesus for satisfying my thirst and hunger.

Tomorrow’s selection is from Jn 6.35-40

4/18/10

Lectio - Jn 6.22-29

Meditatio: “Do not work for food that perishes but for food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him, the Father, God, has set his seal.” Jn 6.27

Oratio: "O God, you made sure that we would know You sent your Son, Jesus, for You put Your seal on Him.

I remember Jesus showed this by the many signs he did and in the food that He gave us - the Eucharist - which endures for eternal life.

Grant that I may work for the food that lasts by doing the corporal and spiritual works of mercy.

I ask this of You, who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.”

Contemplatio: Keep silence and remain in recollection for a few minutes.

Operatio: Today, I will strive to do “all the little things with great love” for the Lord showed Mother Teresa of Calcutta that this is how we do work that lasts.

Tomorrow’s selection is from Jn 6.30-35

4/17/10

Lectio - Jn 21.1-19

Meditatio: “He said this signifying by what kind of death he (Peter) would glorify God. And when he ( Jesus) said this, he said to him, ‘Follow me’.” Jn 21.19

Oratio: "O God, in Your wisdom both our life and our death give You glory.

I remember Jesus told Peter how he would die and it would give glory to You. And Peter accepted his kind of death (crucifixion) and gave glory to You.

Grant that I may accept my death in the manner You allow it so my final act will give You praise.

I ask this of You, who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.”

Contemplatio: Keep silence and remain in recollection for a few minutes.

Operatio: Today and everyday, I will strive to remember that in life and in death I am the Lord’s and willingly follow Him where my duty in life leads me.

Tomorrow’s selection is from Jn 6.22-29

4/16/10

Lectio - Jn 6.16-21

Meditatio: “When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they began to be afraid.” Jn 6.19

Oratio: "O God, one would think that if one saw Jesus, they would be filled with joy.

I remember, however, when Jesus walked on the Sea of Galilee and was coming towards his disciples’ boat, they became afraid. Why? Perhaps, they experienced the Hebrew ‘Fear of the Lord’ and were in reverential awe of Him; or perhaps, they simply were afraid.

Grant that my eyes may be open and see Jesus in others for He is incarnate in many as He was incarnate that night on the Sea of Galilee. How wonderful for us!

I ask this of You, who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.”

Contemplatio: Keep silence and remain in recollection for a few minutes.

Operatio: Today, I will look to Jesus in others and rejoice in the sighting.

Tomorrow’s selection is from Jn 21.1-19

4/14/10

Lectio - Jn 3.31-36

Meditatio: “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever disobeys the Son will not have life, but the wrath of God remains upon him.” Jn 3.36

Oratio: "O God, you want us to live with you forever!

I remember Jesus said that whoever believes in him and obeys him will have eternal life - how clear you have revealed the way to be with you for all eternity.

Grant that I may put my belief in Jesus into action by living in accord with the great Law of Love.

I ask this of You, who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.”

Contemplatio: Keep silence and remain in recollection for a few minutes.

Operatio: Today, I will do a kind act for a stranger or for someone who is disagreeable.

Tomorrow’s selection is from Jn 6.1-15

4/15/10

Lectio - Jn 6.1-15

Meditatio: “When the people saw the sign he had done, they said, ‘This is truly the Prophet, the one who is to come into the world’.” Jn 6.14

Oratio: "O God, you know how hard it is for us to believe - so you give us incontrovertible signs.

I remember Jesus gave us such a sign when he fed 5000 by simply giving thanks and distributing 5 loaves and 2 fish.

Grant that when I have doubts of faith, that I may recall the many great signs that You have given us and especially the Eucharist so that I can let go of my doubts.

I ask this of You, who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.”

Contemplatio: Keep silence and remain in recollection for a few minutes.

Operatio: Today, I will read and reflect on one of the many Eucharistic miracles that show Jesus is really present.

Tomorrow’s selection is from Jn 6.1-15

4/13/10

Lectio - Jn 3.16-21

Meditatio: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.” Jn 3.16

Oratio: "O God, you are so magnanimous!

I remember You gave us Your only Son so that we might have eternal life by believing in Him.

Grant that I may always be deeply grateful for the cost to You and to Your Son - His passion and death- so that I may have life.

I ask this of You, who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.”

Contemplatio: Keep silence and remain in recollection for a few minutes.

Operatio: Today, I will spend some time and reflect on the Incarnation.

Tomorrow’s selection is from Jn 3.31-36

4/12/10

Lectio - Jn 3.7b-15

Meditatio: “and just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert so must the Son of Man be lifted up.” Jn 3.14

Oratio: "O God, who would have thought that the cruelest of instruments of death would be the very instrument of eternal life!

I remember Jesus revealed this to Nicodemus when He said He must be lifted up like Moses lifted up the bronze serpent but with far greater impact - those bitten by the deadly serpents survived but they eventually died, while those who believe in the Son of Man lifted up will have eternal life.

Grant that I may always believe so that I my deepest longing will one day be satisfied.

I ask this of You, who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.”

Contemplatio: Keep silence and remain in recollection for a few minutes.

Operatio: Today, I will spend some time before the crucifix and meditate on Christ crucified for me.

Tomorrow’s selection is from Jn 3.16-21

4/11/10

Lectio - Jn 3.1-8

Meditatio: “Jesus answered him (Nicodemus), ‘Amen, amen, I say to you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of the water and the Spirit’.” Jn 3.5

Oratio: "O God, what grace you bestow no us.

I remember Jesus said to Nicodemus that those who are reborn of the water and the Holy Spirit can enter your kingdom - what a great favor to the baptized!

Grant that I may live as you would like me to as your child which I became at my baptism.

I ask this of You, who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.”

Contemplatio: Keep silence and remain in recollection for a few minutes.

Operatio: Today and everyday, I will strive to remember at the Hour of Great Mercy - 3 PM - when Jesus died for us so we might live forever.

Tomorrow’s selection is from Jn 3.7b-15

4/10/10

Lectio - Jn 20.19-31

Meditatio: “Jesus said to him (Thomas), ‘Have you come to believe because you have seen? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed’.” Jn 20.29

Oratio: "O God, how mysterious your ways.

I remember that Jesus praised and declared blessed those who have not seen Him and believed. Yet we think that those who saw Jesus are certainly more blessed than those who did not see Jesus.

Grant that the words of Scripture and the Eucharist may continue to strengthen my faith that Jesus is the Messiah and my Lord and lasting refuge.

I ask this of You, who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.”

Contemplatio: Keep silence and remain in recollection for a few minutes.

Operatio: Today, I will rejoice in my gift of faith.

Tomorrow’s selection is from Jn 3.1-8

4/09/10

Lectio - Mk 16.9-15

Meditatio: “He said to them, ‘Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature,” Mk 16.15

Oratio: "O God, you use ordinary people to spread the gospel.

I remember Jesus, before he ascended, commanded ordinary and uneducated disciples to proclaim the gospel to every creature. They did and simply preached their personal encounter with Jesus.

Grant that I may attentively listen to the good news and then willingly share it with others.

I ask this of You, who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.”

Contemplatio: Keep silence and remain in recollection for a few minutes.

Operatio: In my prayers I will listen more than speak so the good news I have to share will be Jesus’.

Tomorrow’s selection is from Jn 20.19-31

4/08/10

Lectio - Jn 21.1-14

Meditatio: “Jesus came over and took the bread and gave it to them, and in like manner the fish.” Jn 21.13

Oratio: "O God, you reveal much about yourself in simple ways.

I remember when Jesus cooked breakfast for the seven disciples on the beach of the Sea of Tiberias, He fed them by using the Eucharistic actions of taking what he had and giving it to them - how much like Your dealing with us.

Grant that I may imitate Your generosity and live up to Your expectations fo me as your child.

I ask this of You, who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.”

Contemplatio: Keep silence and remain in recollection for a few minutes.

Operatio: Today, I will strive to be generous in dealing with others.

Tomorrow’s selection is from Mk 16.9-15

4/05/10

Lectio - Jn 20.11-18

Meditatio: “Jesus said to her, ‘Mary!’ She turned and said to him in Hebrew, ‘Rabbouni’ which means ‘Teacher’.” Jn 20.16

Oratio: "O God, you reveal yourself in many wonderful ways for our salvation.

I remember your resurrected Son revealed himself to Mary Magdalen by calling her by name; and she became the first apostle of the good news.

Grant that I may always recognize your Son in the breaking of the bread and be Eucharist for others.

I ask this of You, who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.”

Contemplatio: Keep silence and remain in recollection for a few minutes.

Operatio: Throughout this day I will be look for and listen to Jesus in my life.

Tomorrow’s selection is from Lk 24.13-35

4/04/10

Lectio - Mt 28.8-15

Meditatio: “telling them to say, ‘His disciples came by night and stole him while wewere asleep’.” Mt. 28.13

Oratio: "O God, how devious the human heart.

I remember the chief priests and elders, to protect their interests, had the good news of the resurrection portrayed as simpy a case of a stolen body - how sad for their people who longed for the coming of the Messiah.

Grant that I may have a heart that is without guile so others can rely on me.
I ask this of You, who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.”

Contemplatio: To strive to always ‘Yes” when I mean “Yes” and say “No” when I mean “No.”

Happy Easter, Everyone! This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad!

Operatio: Throughout this day I will be mindful of the Holy Spirit and ask Him to enlighten me.

Tomorrow’s selection is from Mt 28.8-15

4/03/10

Lectio - Jn 20.1-9

Meditatio: “for they did not yet understand the scripture that he had to rise from the dead.” Jn 20.9

Oratio: "O God, we are so slow to understand your ways.

I remember that first Easter morning Peter saw the empty tomb and the burial cloths; and he had been present at Jesus’ Transfiguration and was told to keep it a secret until your Son rose from the dead, yet he did not understand that Easter morning that your Son rose.

Grant that I my mind may be enlightened by Your Spirit so that I will know what you want of me and then the grace to do it.

I ask this of You, who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.”

Contemplatio: Keep silence and remain in recollection for a few minutes.

Operatio: Throughout this day I will be mindful of the Holy Spirit and ask Him to enlighten me.

Tomorrow’s selection is from Mt 28.8-15

4/02/10

Lectio -Lk 24.1-12

Meditatio: “but their story seemed like nonsense and they did not believe them.” Lk 24.11

Oratio: "O God, why are we so slow to believe?

I remember the disciples did not believe the women’s story of their encounter with the 2 angels at the empty tomb and what would become the tenet of our faith, ‘He h as been raised.’

Grant that I may have an open heart and mind and readily believe in the good news of Jesus Christ.

I ask this of You, who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.”

Contemplatio: Keep silence and remain in recollection for a few minutes.

Operatio: Today, I will strive to reflect in my actions my belief in Jesus.

Tomorrow’s selection is from Lk 24.13-35

Lectio -Jn 18.1-19.42

Meditatio: “Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary, the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala.” Jn 19.25

Oratio: "O God, the weak in our eyes are often the strong in your eyes.

I remember it was three women who stood by your Son’s cross -‘his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary, the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala.’ Women in those days were considered so weak and unreliable that their testimony was not accepted in court - but they were the one’s who had the courage and strength to stand by your Son in the hour of his greatest need.

Grant that I may not judge others by worldly standards but by yours and hold all in great esteem for all are made in Your image.

I ask this of You, who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.”

Contemplatio: Keep silence and remain in recollection for a few minutes.

Operatio: Today, I will treat all I meet with respect - strangers as well as friends.

Note: Tomorrow’s selection is from Lk 24.1-12