9/15/10

Lk 2.33-35

Meditatio: “(And you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” Lk 2.35

Oratio: "O God, in Your wisdom sorrows are part of the human condition.

I remember Your blessed daughter, Mary, was not spared the sorrows of this life beginning with the prophecy of Simeon at the presentation of Your Son in the Temple.

Grant that when sorrows befall me or a person I know, that I may see it as an occasion to open my heart to those who are sorrowing as Your beloved daughter 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: Remember that the sorrows of others which are revealed to me are privileged and sacred moments and a time for empathy.

Tomorrow’s reading - Lk 7.36-50

9/15/10

Lk 7.36-50

Meditatio: “But he said to the woman, ‘Your faith has saved you; go in peace’.” Lk 7.50

Oratio: "O God, You desire all to be reconciled with You.

I remember Your Son forgave the sinful woman because among other things she showed her faith by her tears.

Grant that I may show forth love to others for love is a a consequence of faith and being forgiven.

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 the fact that I have been forgiven often and much by the Lord and have I shown my gratitude by loving more?

Tomorrow’s reading - Lk 8.1-3

9/16/10

Lk 8.1-3

Meditatio: “Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward, Chuza, Susanna, and many other who provided for them (Jesus and the 12) out of their means.” Lk 8.3

Oratio: "O God, all are precious in Your eyes.

I remember Jesus broke with the 1st century rabbis’ protocol and not only spoke with women but allowed them to accompany him on his journey through Galilee and accepted financial support 12 from them for the 12 and himself.

Grant that I may act contrary to the culture of my age that Is contrary to Christ’s culture.

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 the prejudices of my time and whether I have been infected by them. If so, to make a conscious effort to treat all with love.

Tomorrow’s reading - Lk 8.4-15

9/17/10

Lk 8.4-15

Meditatio: “He (Jesus) answered, ‘Knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of God has been granted to you but to the rest, they are made known through parables so that they may look but not see, and hear but not understand’.” Lk 8.10

Oratio: "O God, at times Your revealed words are hard to understand.

I remember Jesus said that He has revealed to His disciples the mysteries of the kingdom of God but to rest it is revealed only in parables so that they might not see nor understand - how puzzling since Your Son came to save all.

Grant that I may always remember that the truth in the Bible is based not just the literal interpretation of a text, but that the conclusion is supported by the context, the book it is a part and the Bible as a whole.

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: Remember always that I can read the Bible for the purpose of inspiration but that if I read the Bible to ascertain a truth, I must do the hard work of interpretation or simply rely on the Church for its meaning.

Tomorrow’s reading - Lk 16.1-13