knorsvp1@comcast.net

knorsvp1@comcast.net

knorsvp1@comcast.net

knorsvp1@comcast.net

7/30/10

Lectio - Mt 14.1-12

Meditatio: “The king ( Herod) was distressed but because of his oath and the guests who were present, he ordered that it (John the Baptist head on a platter) be given.” Mt 14.9

Oratio: "O God, You want us to keep our promises but only if they do not cause harm to others.

I remember King Herod mistakenly thought he had to keep have John the Baptist beheaded because he gave an oath to Herodias’ daughter that she could have whatever she asked for.

Grant that I may be a person of integrity and act in concert with the good of 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: Today, I will reflect and see if I say “Yes” when I mean “Yes” and “No” when I mean “No” keeping in mind the good of others in my decisions.

Tomorrow’s reading - Lk 12.13-21

7/28/10

Lectio - Jn 11.19-27

Meditatio: “Jesus told her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live’.” Jn 11. 25

Oratio: "O God, our destiny is not death but life with you - how gracious of You.

I remember Jesus told Martha that whoever believed in him will live even if he dies.

Grant that I like Martha I may believe in Jesus is the Messiah and the son of God and so have life everlasting.

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 Martha’s life as revealed by the Gospels and learn from her how a practical down to earth person and a person of great faith and great hospitality, the hallmark virtue of the Old Testament, became a great saint and allow the Martha influences in my life to have a greater impact.

Tomorrow’s reading - Mt 31. 54-58


7/29/10

Lectio - Mt 31.54-58

Meditatio: “And they took offense at him. But Jesus said to them, ‘A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and in his own house’.” Mt 31.57

Oratio: "O God, You know how fickle we are - yet You put up with us - how kind of You.

I remember the people of Jesus’ hometown rejected Him because they thought they knew Him and He could not possibly be a prophet, let alone Your Son.

Grant that I may have a strong faith in Jesus and reflect it in how I live.

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 attitudes to see if familiarity precludes my appreciation for what they do and can do. If so, to work on changing my attitude by showing my appreciation for them and their talents.

Tomorrow’s reading - Mt 14.1-12

7/27/10

Lectio - Mt 13.44-46

Meditatio: “The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field, which a person finds and buries again, and ou of joy he goes and sells all tha he has and buys that field.”
Mt 13.44

Oratio: "O God, Your offer us so much for so little on our part.

I remember Jesus promised Your kingdom to those who heed his words to love one another - what a treasure for so little payment on our part.

Grant that I may do my part to attain this great treasure, a pearl of duvh great price- my home with You in heaven.

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 to see if my love for others needs adjustment so that it has one focus uppermost in view- the treasure - the pearl of great price - You.

Tomorrow’s reading - Jn 11.19-27

7/26/10

Lectio - Mt 13.36-43

Meditatio: “Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears ought to hear.” Mt 13.43

Oratio: "O God, Your plan is for all of us to be with You forever.

I remember Jesus in his parable of the good seeds and the weeds made it clear that He sowed the good seeds and those who accepted it and lived by His words would one day “shine like the sun in Your kingdom” while those weeds, those who accepted the words of the Devil, would be dealt with patiently in the hope that they would reform and accept Your Son’s word.

Grant that I may cherish the Word of Your Son which was planted in my soul at baptism and strive to always live by it for therein lies my wonderful 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 great grace of having been given the Word of Jesus and give thanks for this grace and I will discern to see if any of the enticements of the Devil are taking hold in my heart - if so, to immediately repent of it and take steps to stop their growth in me by putting in place a virtue which is the opposite of the enticement.

Tomorrow’s reading - Mt 13. 44-46

7/25/10

Lectio - Mt 13.31-35

Meditatio: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed with three measures of flour until the whole batch was leavened.” Mt 13.33

Oratio: "O God, nothing You do is half-way.

I remember Jesus described your Kingdom like a yeast which a woman kneaded in three measures of wheat - a huge amount- enough to feed 100 people - showing the great effect that Your kingdom will have.

Grant that I may imitate You and wholeheartedly give of myself in service to You kingdom so that Your kingdom will come on earth as it is in heaven.

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 performances of my duties and address those areas where I am simply going through the motions.

Tomorrow’s reading - Mt 13.36-43

7/24/10

Lectio - Lk 11. 1-13

Meditatio: “And I tell you, ask and you will receive, seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened to you.” Lk 11.9

Oratio: "O God, You are our Abba and you love to hear from us.

I remember Jesus told his disciples to ask, seek and to knock in their prayers to You and You will respond as a loving Father.

Grant that I may persist in my prayers for my own needs and for those who are near and dear to me confident that You hear and You will answer.

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 how I handle a “No” or “not now” answer to my prayers or “not in the way you want.” Am I willing to let God be God, my daddy, or do I want to be Him?

Lectio - Mt 13.31-35

7/23/10

Lectio - Mt 13.24-30

Meditatio: “He replied, ‘No, if you pull up the weeds you might uproot the wheat along with them’.” Mt 13.29

Oratio: "O God, You are so patient with us.

I remember Jesus told a parable about the weeds and wheat and the punch line was to allow the weeds to grow with the wheat until harvest time - showing Your great patience with us who are sinners, and giving us time to repent.

Grant that I may take advantage of Your patience and heed Jesus’ call to reform for Your kingdom is at hand.

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 and determine if weeds are beginning to grow in my soul and seek the Holy Spirit’s help to root them out and replace them with virtue.

Tomorrow’s reading: Lk 11.1-13

7/21/10

Lectio - Jn 20.1-2, 11-18

Meditatio: “Mary of Magdala, went and announced to the disciples, ‘I have seen the Lord,’ and what he told her.” Jn 20.18

Oratio: "O God, all have equal dignity in Your eyes.

I remember Jesus appeared first to Mary of Magdala after He rose from the dead and gave her the role to tell the apostles He had risen - an unheard of role for a woman in the first century in a male dominated society for a woman’s testimony was not accepted.

Grant that I may respect the dignity of everyone, make, female, black, brown, white, yellow - for all are viewed equal in God’s eyes.

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 if I hold myself superior to others who are different, and if so, to resolve to treat all as my equal for in truth that is what they are.

Tomorrow’s reading: Mt 13.18-23

7/22/10

Lectio - Mt 13.18-23

Meditatio: “The seed sown among the thorns is the one who hears the word, but then worldly anxiety and the lure of riches choke the word and it bears no fruit.” Mt 13.22

Oratio: "O God, You are so mindful of our weaknesses.

I remember Jesus in his parable of the sower warned his listeners that anxieties and the lure of riches could prevent the living word from taking hold in their hearts and they would not produce good results.

Grant that I may always turn to You when I am anxious and place my trust in You so that my anxieties will not overtake my faith in you nor my call to love and serve 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: Today, I will reflect on those areas of my life where I am anxious. Why? And then turn them over to the Lord so that they may not prevent me from my call to produce for the Lord with the way I live my life.

Tomorrow’s reading: Mt 13.24-30

7/20/10

Lectio - Mt 13.1-9

Meditatio: “Whoever has ears ought to hear.” Mt 13.9

Oratio: "O God, You speak to us in many ways but we don’t always listen.

I remember Jesus reproached the crowd when He was teaching saying those who have ‘ears ought to hear.’

Grant that I may be attentive to the words You speak to me especially through the words and actions of those who are new and dear 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 examine myself to see if I am turning a deaf ear to what God is saying to me at this time and then put into practice what I am being asked to do.

Tomorrow’s reading: Jn 20.1-2, 11-18

7/18/10

Lectio -v Mt 12.38-42

Meditatio: “He said to them in reply, ‘An evil and unfaithful generation seeks a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah’.” Mt 12.39

Oratio: "O God, You, who are invisible, continually make Yourself known through visible signs.

I remember Jesus replied to the request of the scribes and pharisees for a sign, by giving them the metaphor of Jonah the prophet as a sign for them - and Jesus would be a threefold visible sign that was reflected in the life of Jonah; namely, his resurrection, his effective preaching and his universal call to salvation.

Grant that when I have doubts about You I may remember the greatest of the sign that Jonah represents and which was fulfilled in Jesus - his resurrection - and rejoice in the spectacular way in which You have made Yourself known through Your son.

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 how I respond to the doubts of faith which arise from time to time and see if I keep uppermost the greatest sign Jesus gave us that He was from His Father - his resurrection. If not, resolve to keep this uppermost in my mind so that when future doubts arise, I will have a ready and effective response to it.

Tomorrow’s reading: Mt 12.46-50

7/18/10

Lectio -v Mt 12.38-42

Meditatio: “He said to them in reply, ‘An evil and unfaithful generation seeks a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah’.” Mt 12.39

Oratio: "O God, You, who are invisible, continually make Yourself known through visible signs.

I remember Jesus replied to the request of the scribes and pharisees for a sign, by giving them the metaphor of Jonah, the prophet, as a sign for them - and Jesus would be a threefold visible sign that was reflected in the life of Jonah; namely, his resurrection, his effective preaching and his universal call to salvation.

Grant that when I have doubts about You I may remember the greatest of the sign that Jonah represents and which was fulfilled in Jesus - his resurrection - and rejoice in the spectacular way in which You have made Yourself known through Your son.

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 how I respond to the doubts of faith which arise from time to time and see if I keep uppermost the greatest sign Jesus gave us that He was from His Father - his resurrection. If not, resolve to keep this uppermost in my mind so that when future doubts arise, I will have a ready and effective response to it.

Tomorrow’s reading: Mt 12.46-50

7/17/10

Lectio -Lk 10.38-42

Meditatio: “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things.” Lk 10.41

Oratio: "O God, You desire peace and serenity for us..

I remember when Jesus visited Martha and Mary in their home in Bethany, He allowed Mary to assume the role of a disciple by allowing her to sit at his feet and listen which was virtually unheard of in the 1st century for a woman to be a disciple of a great rabbi and He rebuked Martha for allowing the anxiety of setting a meal before Him worry her and upset her - He only wanted Martha as His disciple to have the same serenity in service as Mary, His disciple, had as a learner.

Grant that I may imitate both Martha and Mary and be a good listener to the Word as well as a good servant of the Word for that is where true peace and serenity lies.

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 those areas of my life where I am anxious or worried and discern why? And then take the advice that Martha received and turn those worries over to the Lord and do the best I can in serving others even if it is not he best that it could be if everyone cooperated.

Tomorrow’s reading: Mt 12.38-42

I was not able to post to my blog in Fatima as the instructions where in Portugese. I did remember all of you in my intentions there and I hope that our Blessed Mother will always be held by you close in your hearts.

7/15/10

Lectio -Mt 12.1-8

Meditatio: “If you knew what this meant, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned these innocent men.” Mt 12. 7

Oratio: "O God, Your laws are for guidance and not for rigidity.
I remember Jesus told the Pharisees that picking grain on the Sabbath to feed one who is hunger trumps the law to keep holy the Sabbath by not working on it.

Grant that I may always let mercy guide me in applying Your laws to

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 attitudes. If I am judgmental concerning those who violated God’s laws, ask why? Then resolve to make allowance for the humanity of others and for God’s desire that it is mercy he wishes me to show.

Tomorrow´s reading: Mt 12.14-21


7/16/10

Lectio -Mt 12.14-21

Meditatio: “And in his name the Gentiles will hope.” Mt 12.21

Oratio: "O God, Your plans can never be frustrated by even the recalcitrants.

I remember the Pharisees plotted to kill Jesus and they would but Jesus revealed that he would fulfill the prophecy of Isaiah and be would be the hope of the Gentiles - how wonderful for us who were always in your mind.

Grant that when my plans go wrong, that I may remember to turn to you and allow you to bring out of them what You 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 reflect on how open I am to God’s working in my life and resolve to be His instrument and nothing more.

Tomorrow´s reading: Lk 10.38-42

Tomorrow’s selection is from Mt 10.16-23

7/087/10

Lectio -Mt 10.16-23

Meditatio: “And you will be led before Governors and kings for my sake as a witness before them and the pagans.” Mt 10.18

Oratio: "O God, You have gifted us with faith and You expect us to share that gift with others.

I remember Jesus declared to his disciples that they must witness for Him before governors and kings and that Your Spirit would give them what to say when they are called.

Grant that I may never shirk from my duty to witness before others my faith in You and Your Son but rather may I always joyfully share it with others especially to those to whom I am sent.

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 how well I am doing as an evangelizer and whether I am living an authentic Christian life which is the best way of witnessing.

Tomorrow’s selection is from Mt 10.24-33

P.S. I will leaving on a pilgrimage to Fatima today. I will try to post my daily reflections on my blog if I can gain access to a computer over there. If not I will post them when I return. My blog address is Father Pop-pop.blogspot.com. I will remember all of you in my prayers at the shrine of our Lady

7/07/10

Lectio -Mt 10.7-15

Meditatio: “As you go, this proclamation, ‘The kingdom of God is at hand’.” Mt 10. 7
Oratio: "O God, You wanted Your kingdom to be available to all.

I remember Jesus instructed his disciples to proclaim Your Kingdom and told them they were to cure the sick and raise their dead as evidence they possessed divine authority.

Grant that I may reflect on my acceptance of the good news and as to whether I have been that person of love You want me to be for that is how You wish Your kingdom to take hold.

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 where I need to improve to the the person of love God calls me to be and then begin to make those improvements.

Tomorrow’s selection is from Mt 10.16-23

7/06/10

Lectio -Mt 10.1-7

Meditatio: “Then He (Jesus) summoned his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to drive them out and to cure any disease and illness.” Mt 10.1

Oratio: "O God, how much you wanted people to readily accept the fact that Your kingdom was now at hand.

I remember Jesus gave the 12 disciples authority over demons and the power to cure every disease and illness while proclaiming the good news.

Grant that I may accept the good news as proclaimed by the Pope and the bishops in union with him for they are the successors of the apostles and they have Your authority.

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 foundations of my faith and rejoice in the miracles that undergird it and that have convinced me to accept it.

Tomorrow’s selection is from Mt 10.7-15

7/05/10

Lectio -Mt 9.32-38

Meditatio: “Jesus went around to all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and curing any disease and illness.” Mt 9.35

Oratio: "O God, You want a personal relationship with us.

I remember You sent Your Son to proclaim this good news and authenticated his mission with the many miracles He worked.

Grant that I may accept Jesus as my God and my savior and my brother and give to You the love you deserve as my Father and my God.

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 and rejoice in the relationship I have with the Triune God - a pure and wonderful gift.

Tomorrow’s selection is from Mt 10.1-7

7/04/10 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

7/04/10

Lectio -Mt 9.18-26

Meditatio: “When the crowd was put out, he ( Jesus) came and took her by the hand, and the little girl arose.” Mt 9. 25

Oratio: "O God, what wonders You work if we simply have faith.

I remember that because of the faith of her father in Jesus, a little girl was brought back from the dead - how stupendous!

Grant that I may enjoy a strong faith as Your gift to me and know that You will always be there for me in my need.

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 the Lord for the gift of faith for what it means for me and for others and ask for the grace to readily say “Yes” to God’s promptings.

Tomorrow’s selection is from Mt 9.32-38

7/03/10

Lectio -Lk 10.1-12,17-20

Meditatio: “‘Cure the sick in it and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God is at hand for you’.”
Lk 10.9

Oratio: "O God, You desire all to be part of Your kingdom.

I remember Jesus sent missionaries out to spread the good news that Your kingdom was at hand and gave them the power to cure people so that they would readily accept the good news.

Grant that more and more people will accept the good news an live lives which reflect 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 examine whether I am doing my part to spread the good news especially by the life I am living.

Tomorrow’s selection is from Mt 9.18-26

7/02/10

Lectio -Jn 20.24-29

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

Oratio: "O God, You know how hard it is for us to have faith for we always want to be in control.

I remember Jesus had to appear to Thomas and invite him to probe His wounds to that Thomas would believe and utter that beautiful exclamation of faith, ‘My Lord and My God.’

Grant that I may willingly accept the truths proclaimed by the Catholic Church for it is Your Spirit which guides and guards it and guarantees its infallibility.

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 foundations of my faith and offer a prayer of thanksgiving for the gift faith is for me.

Tomorrow’s selection is from LK 10. 1-12, 17-20

7/01/10

Lectio -Mt 9.9-13

Meditatio: “Go and learn the meaning of the words, ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’ I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.” Mt 9.13

Oratio: "O God, You are so compassionate!

I remember Jesus made it clear that His mission (and Yours) was to call sinners for they were the ones who were in need of Your mercy.

Grant that I may imitate Your Son and always treat others with compassion.

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 and see where I have not acted with compassion towards others and resolve to change my ways towards them.

Tomorrow’s selection is from Jn 20.24-29