6/30/10

Lectio -Mt 9.1-8

Meditatio: “ ‘But that you may know that the Son of Man has the authority on earth to forgive sins,’ he then said to the paralytic, ‘Rise, pick up your stretcher and go home’.”
Mt 9.6

Oratio: "O God, You made it clear You Son has Your authority by the miracles He worked.

I remember Jesus showed He had the authority to forgive sins by commanding the paralytic to rise and walk and he did - How awesome!

Grant that I may be filled with awe at the miracle that is performed every day on the altar - transubstantiation - and give You praise for Jesus and the authority He gave human beings.

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 power of the priesthood and rejoice in the gift that it is meant for others.

Tomorrow’s selection is from Mt 9.9-13

6/29/10

Lectio -Mt 8. 28-34

Meditatio: “They ( 2 demoniacs) cried out, ‘What have you to do with us, Son of God? Have you come to torment us before the appointed time’?” Mt 8.29

Oratio: "O God, even the demons recognize who You are.

I remember 2 savage demoniac in the territory of the Gadarenes cried out and called Jesus the Son of God - how sad that demons rec0gnize You but good people often fail to do so.

Grant that I may do my part to make You known so that people will beg that Your Son stay with them.

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 how I make Jesus known to others and what else I should be doing to make him known better.

Tomorrow’s selection is from Mt 9.1-8

6/28/10

Lectio -Mt 16.13-19

Meditatio: “Simon Peter said in reply, ‘You are the Christ, the son of the living God.”
Mt 16.16

Oratio: "O God, You made sure we would know Your Son.

I remember Peter proclaimed that Jesus was the Son of the living God and Jesus declared it was You who revealed this to Peter.

Grant that I may rejoice in the knowledge that the One You sent to save us was Your only begotten Son - how much you love 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 reflect on the question, “Who do I say Jesus is?’ and what that means as to how I should live.

Tomorrow’s selection is from Mt 8.28-34

6/27/10

Lectio - Mt 8. 18-22

Meditatio: “But Jesus answered him, ‘Follow me, and let the dead bury the dead’.”
Mt 18.22

Oratio: "O God, at times Your commands seem to be unreasonable.

I remember Jesus told a follower who wanted to bury his father before following Jesus, to “Follow Him and let the dead bury the dead” - how harsh this most of been to the ears of tha Jew who had been taught from his youth to honor his father and his mother!

Grant that I may hear in these words of Jesus the message that discipleship means total commitment to Your Son and then willingly give it to Him.

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 response to discipleship and see if I am holding back on anything or for anyone.

Tomorrow’s selection is from Mt 16.13-19

6/26/10

Lectio - Lk 9.51-62

Meditatio: “When the disciples, James and John, saw this they asked, ‘Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them’?” Lk 9.54

Oratio: "O God, You show mercy and restraint in dealing with us.

I remember Jesus rebuked his disciples when they wanted to call down fire to consume the Samaritan village who did not welcome Your Son and His disciples.

Grant that I may only use the power I have to advance Your kingdom and never for revenge.

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 power I have and how effectively I am using it to advance God’s kingdom.

Tomorrow’s selection is from Mt 8.18-22

6/25/10

Lectio - Mt 8.5-17

Meditatio: “And Jesus said to the centurion, ‘You may go, as you have believed, let is be done for you.’ And at that very hour [his] servant was healed.” Mt 8.13

Oratio: "O God, You want us to have faith and believe in You.

I remember Jesus worked many miracles so that the people of His time would accept His word about You and Your kingdom.

Grant that I may have the faith of the centurion and trust that what I ask of You will be done for 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 examine the bases for my faith in God and discern ways to strengthen it.

Tomorrow’s selection is from Lk 9.51-62

6/24/10

Lectio - Mt 8.1-4

Meditatio: “He stretched out his hand, touched him, and said, ‘I will do it. Be made clean’. His leprosy was cleansed immediately.” Mt 8.3

Oratio: "O God, You know we need to be touched to know we are loved.

I remember Your Son touched the untouchable, the leper, treating him as a hurting human being and not as an outcast, and He cured him.

Grant that I may always remember the power of touch and use it appropriately to show my love especially for those who are hurting.

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 mindful of the power of touch and use it appropriately to show my love to those who are in need.

Tomorrow’s selection is from Mt 8.5-17

6/23/10

Lectio - Lk 1.57-66, 80

Meditatio: “Her (Elizabeth’s) neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her.” Lk 1.58

Oratio: "O God, every child that is born is Your wonderful gift to us.

I remember Elizabeth’s neighbors and relatives saw her giving birth to John in her old age was not a mistake but a sign of Your mercy toward her and they rejoiced with her.

Grant that I may always see that each child that is born is a sign that You have not given up on the world and as sign of hope for the world.

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 with my family for the wonderful gift of Alexander Timothy Gerard Whitworth, my fourth great grandchild, who was born last evening.

Tomorrow’s selection is from Lk 1.57-66, 80

I am sorry that I was not able to post while I was in Mexico. The hotel computer I tried to use prevented me from accessing my site as it thought it might be a possible hacker site. Here is yesterday's and today's Lectio.

6/21/10

Lectio - Mt 7.6, 12-14

Meditatio: “Do to others whatever you would have them do to you. This it the Law and the Prophets.” Mt 7.12

Oratio: "O God, Your ways are mysterious but the way to You is clear.

I remember Jesus taught that the whole law and the prophets are summed up very clearly an succinctly : ‘Do to others as You would have them do to you.’

Grant that I may be a person of love so that my way will lead me to Your way.

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 philosophy of life and purge it off non-loving ways.

Tomorrow’s selection is from Mt 7.15-20

6/22/10

Lectio - Mt 7.15-20

Meditatio: “By your fruits you will know them.” Mt 7.20

Oratio: "O God, You know we can be deceived by false prophets.

I remember Jesus told us how to recognize the true prophet from the false. He said we need look at what they produce and not at appearances.

Grant that I may discern the good from the bad and not be mislead by the false prophet of materialism.

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 false prophets in my life and begin to purge them.

Tomorrow’s selection is from Lk 1.57-66, 80

6/16/10

Lectio - Mt 6.7-15

Meditatio: “If you forgive others their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you yours.” Mt 6.14

Oratio: "O God, You want us to be merciful to others.

I remember Jesus taught us how to pray and summed it up with the admonition if you expect to be forgiven, you must forgive others.

Grant me the grace to imitate You and be merciful to others who offend 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 examine my relationship with others to see if I have withheld forgiveness from anyone. If I have, to pray for the grace to see how to forgive and then do do so.

Tomorrow’s selection is from Mt 6.19-23

P.S. I will be away until June 22nd. I will resume Lectio then. In the meantime,
I may be able to publish my daily Lectio on my blog. You can check by going to www.FatherPop-Pop.blogspot.com

6/15/10

Lectio - Mt 6.1-6, 16-18

Meditatio: “But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father, who sees in secret, will repay you.’ Mt 6.6

Oratio: "O God, You desire an intimate relationship with us.

I remember Jesus taught that our almsgiving, our fasting, our prayers are to be done in a way that only you know for they are expressions of our intimate relationship with You.

Grant that I may always go to my inner room where only You and I are and only there do the ascetical acts that express my love for 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 ascetical practices to see if I am doing any of them for the purposes of show. If so, devise a plan to purify them and then carry it out.

Tomorrow’s selection is from Mt 6.7-15

6/14/10

Lectio - Mt 5.43-48

Meditatio: “But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you.”
Mt 5.44

Oratio: "O God, You desire harmony among all and love is the answer.

I remember Jesus taught that we must love and pray our enemies and not just love our friends and co-workers.

Grant that my love may be a source of sun and rain for all with whom I come in contact for that is how I best fulfill Your will.

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 an opportunity to do something kind for someone outside my circle of family and friends.

Tomorrow’s selection is from Mt 6.1-6, 16-18

6/13/10

Lectio - Mt 5.38-42

Meditatio: “But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil. When someone strikes you on [your] right cheek, turn the other to him as well.” Mt 5.39

Oratio: "O God, You know we are incapable of ministering justice to one another but You know we have the capacity to love.

I remember Your Son taught that proportionate response to an injury is not Your way -nor should it be our way. Rather we should respond in a way to diffuse the situation..

Grant that when I am hurt, that I will respond with 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 examine my responses to hurts. If they are proportionate, I will reflect on what loving response I could have done to diffuse the situation and then resolve to do so the next time I am hurt.

Tomorrow’s selection is from Mt 5.43-48

6/12/10

Lectio - Lk 7.36-8.3

Meditatio: “she stood behind him at his feet weeping and began to wash his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them, and anointed them with ointment.” Lk 7.38

Oratio: "O God, You forgive much if we have faith.

I remember Jesus accepted the sinful woman’s washing of his feet, her kissing them and anointing them as a sign of her great faith in Him and as a sign of her great love for Him because she was forgiven much.

Grant that when I have the misfortune to sin to not wallow in them but to imitate the sinful woman of today’s Gospel and I will be once again embraced by God’s forgiving 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 ponder the question: “Do I love Jesus as much as the sinful woman of the Gospel? If not, why not?”

Tomorrow’s selection is from Mt 5.38-42

6/11/10

Lectio - Lk 2.41-51

Meditatio: “He went down with them to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart.” Lk 2.51

Oratio: "O God, Your will is often something we do not understand; yet is always for good.

I remember Your Son at age 12 remained in Jerusalem without telling his parents; causing them great anxiety; and when they found him his answer to “Why” further astounded them. Yet His doing so revealed His Sonship with You. How mysterious!

Grant that like Mary that when things I do not understand happen and our contrary to the way I think things should be; to place them in my heart and put my trust in 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: Reflect on my willingness to let God be God in all things.


Tomorrow’s selection is from Lk 7.36-8.3

6/09/10

Lectio - Mt 5.20-26

Meditatio: “leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come back and offer your gift.” Mt 5.24

Oratio: "O God, You are compassionate and merciful and want us to imitate You.

I remember Jesus said that before we come to worship You, we should first be reconciled with one another making it clear how important it is to be merciful to one another.

Grant that I may be kind and gentle towards others and immediately seek to be reconciled if I offend someone.

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: Examine my life today to see if there is anyone whom I have offended and have not been reconciled and if so, to begin the process regardless of who is to blame.


Tomorrow’s selection is from Lk 15.3-7

6/10/10

Lectio - Lk 15.3-7

Meditatio: “And upon his arrival home, he calls together his friends and neighbors and says to them, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep’.” Lk 15.6

Oratio: "O God, all of us are so precious to You - the good, the bad, the in-between!

I remember Jesus told a parable of a shepherd searching for a lost sheep and rejoicing when it was found - so great is Your concern for the lost and Your love when they find You again.

Grant that I may be a willing “search and find” instrument for those who have strayed from Your flock.

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: Reflect today on whom the Holy Spirit is prompting me to reach out so that they may find Jesus and then follow the promptings of the Holy Spirit as to what to do.

Tomorrow’s selection is from Lk 2.41-51

6/08/10

Lectio - Mt 5.17-19

Meditatio: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law, or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill.” Mt 5.17

Oratio: "O God, You provide the way to righteousness to people throughout all the ages.

I remember You gave the Israelites the Mosaic Law and the Prophets as their way to You. And Your Son gave us the best way to You - the two great laws of love - which fulfill the law and the prophets.

Grant that whatever I do may always be done out of selfless 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: Tonight, I will examine my day in the light of love.

Tomorrow’s selection is from Mt 5.20-26

6/07/10

Lectio - Mt 5.13-16

Meditatio: “Just so, your light must shine before others that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.” Mt 5.16

Oratio: "O God, You give us our faith to lead others to faith in You.

I remember Your Son proclaimed that we must do good deeds to be seen - not to draw attention to us - but to draw attention to You - the source of all good.

Grant that I may be a source of good flavor and good light so that those whose lives I influence will come to know and love 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 strive to do all things well in Jesus’ name.

Tomorrow’s selection is from Mt 5.17-19

Lectio Divina - The Study and Meditation on Sacred Scripture

Beginning this Church Year (November 29, 2009) I have been sharing via group e-mails the Scripture verse which struck me most from my daily use of Lectio Divina and as well as my prayer which Lectio Divina generated for me. I use one of the readings from the next day's Lectionary for my daily Lectio material. If you decide to use Lectio Divina, you can use any biblical passage to be studied including simply using my selection. For your convenience, I will end my email with the citation to the next day's Lectionary selection that I will be using. Below are the steps of Lectio Divina- the reading and studying of the divine text..

Lectio - Slowly read the chosen text in a low voice. Kiss the book of the Word. It is a love letter which is not read by making a grammatical or a logical analysis! Read it twice.

Meditatio - Ponder the text that you selected and read. Reread it for the third time. Select a word or phrase or verse that impresses you. Meditate on it. Write down this preferred word, phrase or verse and leave it in view. This will be your day's precious gem.

Oratio — Make a prayer which comes to you from your mediation on the gem. The prayer should have four parts: "0 God.... I remember..... Grant that ..... I ask this of you, who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen."

Contemplatio —Keep silence and remain still in recollection. This is a time for an elevation of the soul to God in silent waiting Silence takes the place of language in God's company.

Operatio: Take something from this study into your daily life.

I hope that my daily sharing of the results of my Lectio Divina will encourage you to make it part of your spirituality. I have been using Lectio daily since 2006 and I have found that 20" to 30" involved, was and is very small as to what I get out of it.

Father Pop-Pop

6/06/10

Lectio - Mt 5.1-12

Meditatio: “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” Mt 5.7

Oratio: "O God, You revealed through Your Son the wisdom for right living.

I remember Jesus began His sermon on the mount by declaring certain attitudes blessed including the poor in spirit, the meek, the sorrowing, the merciful.

Grant that I may always strive to have the attitudes of the Beatitudes so that at the end of my days I may have Your 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 and everyday I will make a special effort to overlook the foibles of others.
Tomorrow’s selection is from Mt 5.13-16

6/05/10

Lectio - Lk 9.11b-17

Meditatio: “Then taking the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he said the blessing over them, broke them, and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd.” Lk 9.16

Oratio: "O God, You are mindful of and respond to our needs.

I remember Jesus fed the huge crowd which was following him with five loaves and two fish because they were hungry. He gave us an example of how we should respond to the needs of others - by taking what we have, blessing it, breaking it and then giving it.

Grant that I may be Eucharist for others in their needs with what I have knowing You will do the rest.

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 what it means to be Eucharist for others and then be so for someone or some group today.

Tomorrow’s selection is from Mt 5.1-12

6/04/10

Lectio - Mk 12.38-44

Meditatio: “Calling his disciples to himself, he said to them, ‘Amen, I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the other contributors to the treasury’.” Mk 12.43

Oratio: "O God, You see the hearts of all.

I remember Jesus observed the poor widow putting in two small coins into the Temple treasury and He told His disciples that she ‘put in more than all the other contributors.’ He saw her heart.

Grant that what I do, may not be for show, but only tell what is in my heart and may my heart be in tune with 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 examine myself to see what practices I do for others to see rather than for God to see and begin to root them out.

Tomorrow’s selection is from Lk 9.11b-17

6/02/10

Lectio - Mk 12.28-34

Meditatio: “And to love him with all your heart, with all your understanding, with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is worth more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.” Mk 12.33

Oratio: "O God, our duty and our dignity are based on one thing - love!

I remember in the Scribes in repeating Jesus answer added that to love God and our neighbor as ourselves is greater than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.

Grant that I may always love You and others and live the image in which You created me - 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 those areas of my life in which I am not the person of love I am called to be and begin to change.

Tomorrow’s selection is from Mk .12.35-37

6/03/10

Lectio - Mk 12.35-37

Meditatio: “David himself calls him, ‘lord’‘ how is he his Son? [The] great crowd heard this with delight.” Mk 12.37

Oratio: "O God, You desire that we know more fully the mysteries of our salvation.

I remember Jesus revealed that the Messiah’s (His) origin is greater than his father, David, for He is before David as Your Son before He is David’s son.

Grant that I may delight in Christ’s revelations as the crowds of His day did.

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 reread Mk. 12.28-37 and imagine that I am in the crowd as Jesus speaks.

Tomorrow’s selection is from Mk .12-38-44

6/01/10

Lectio - Mk 12.18-27

Meditatio: “When they rise from the dead, they neither marry or are given in marriage, but they are like angels in heaven.” Mk 12.25

Oratio: "O God, what a wonderful life you have in mind for us for all eternity!

I remember Jesus revealed that when we are raised from the dead, we will live like angels in heaven. Wow! Pure and perfect beings for all eternity.

Grant that I may always rejoice in Your benevolence for granting us such a great destiny.

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 resurrection and its implications for how I should live in this life.

Tomorrow’s selection is from Mt 5.1-12a