10/31/10

Lk Mt 5. 1-12a

Meditatio: “Blessed are the clean of heart for they shall see God.” Mt 5.8
Oratio: "O God, how gracious You are that You give us the opportunity to see You!
I remember Jesus in the Beatitudes which He gave at the beginning of His sermon on the mount declared that ‘the clean of heart ...shall see God.’

Grant that with Your grace I may keep my heart pure by living as Your child which I became at 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: Reflect on my life - Is there any habits or actions that are contrary to my dignity as God’s child. If so, purge it and replace it with a virtue that is opposite it.

Tomorrow’s reading - Jn 6.37-40

10/30/10

Lk 19.1-10

Meditatio: “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save what was lost.” Lk 19.10
Oratio: "O God, You are so merciful!

I remember Jesus made it clear in his encounter with Zaccheaus , a tax collector and public sinner, that He had come to save all.

Grant that I may be optimistic but not presumptuous as to a successful end of my life’s journey.

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 how grateful I am that Jesus came to save all? Do I reflect God’s mercy to me by extending it to those whose lives I touch? Do I show it by helping the poor and by defrauding no one?

Tomorrow’s reading - Mt 5.1-12a

10/29/10

Lk 14.1, 7-11

Meditatio: “For everyone who exalts himself, will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself, will be exalted.” Lk 14.11

Oratio: "O God, our recognition who we are is so important not only in our relationship with others but also with you.

I remember Jesus taught the practical importance of humility in the context of decorum at a wedding dinner with the punch line that importance is not something we assume, but what is in fact.

Grant that I may always have a humble heart for that will guarantee that my relationship with others and most importantly with You will be proper and right.

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 motives which drive me. Is inordinate pride a factor? If so, weed it out by practicing humility in such situations.

Tomorrow’s reading - Lk 19.1-10

10/27/10

Lk 6. 12-16

Meditatio: “In those days he departed to the mountain to pray, and he spent the night in prayer to God.” Lk 6.12

Oratio: "O God, You want us to be in relationship with You.

I remember Your Son showed us how - He spent time in prayer before all important decisions or phase in His public ministry.

Grant that I may imitate Jesus and make prayer an important part of my daily 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: Examine my prayer life. Is it drawing me into an intimate relationship with God? If not, ask the Holy Spirit for a humble and contrite heart and God will not reject me but take delight in me.

Tomorrow’s reading - Lk 14. 1-6

10/28/10

Lk 14. 1-6

Meditatio: “The he said to them, ‘Who among you, if your son or an ox falls into a cistern, would not immediately pull him out on the sabbath day’?” Lk 14.5

Oratio: "O God, You propose wise laws, but man disposes of them by their implementation in ways which are not always Your intent.

I remember You proposed that we keep holy the sabbath day but man determined that you must not even heal on the sabbath as that is work. Gratefully, Your Son corrected this by h healing in full view of a leading Pharisee and his dinner guests a man suffering with the dropsy.

Grant that I may keep in the spirit of the law and not just the letter of the law as I try to apply them and live by 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: Reflect on how I view the commandments and the laws of the church. Resolve to keep in mind that the needs of people take precedent over comply with the letter of the law.

Tomorrow’s reading - Lk 14.7-11

10/26/10

Lk 13. 22-30

Meditatio: “And people will come from the east and the west and from the north and the south and recline at the table in the kingdom of God.” Lk 13.29

Oratio: "O God, You want all to be saved and be with You forever.

I remember Jesus made this clear when He answered the question whether only a few would be saved. His response assures all that salvation was not limited to the chosen people of Israel where he taught and preached but to people from all the ends of the earth who accept His message.

Grant that I may be always grateful that Jesus’ good news is meant for me and my loved ones and all that is needed is to show our acceptance by living in accordance 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: Reflect on the fact that Jesus’ invitation to be part of the kingdom of God extends to all and work on engendering a deep spirit of gratitude for it.

Tomorrow’s reading - Lk 6.12-16

10/25/10

Lk 13. 18-21

Meditatio: “The he (Jesus) said to them, ‘What is the kingdom of God like? To what can I compare it’?” Lk 13.18

Oratio: "O God, Your thoughts are not our thoughts.

I remember when Jesus posed the rhetorical question, ‘ What is the kingdom of like?’ He did not answer with an image of grandeur but rather He gave us the ‘mustard seed’ and the ‘yeast’ - two very small objects but which have great potential.

Grant that I may be like a tiny piece of yeast and leaven the world I touch with the power that is in me from hearing His words and receiving His sacraments.

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 whether I am allowing God’s power to work through me in my daily activities so that the kingdom of God may truly be present here on earth.

Tomorrow’s reading - Lk 13.22-30

10/24/10

Lk 13. 10-17

Meditatio: “He laid his hands on her, and she at once stood up straight and glorified God.” Lk 13.13

Oratio: "O God, what compassion You have for struggling humanity.

I remember Jesus healed a woman who was unable to stand up straight for 18 years by laying His hands upon her with compassion.

Grant that I may realize the healing power of touch and use it to help 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: Reflect on the power of touch and resolve in those situations where words are inadequate to extend the hand or give a hug so those who are hurting will experience the compassion they need from you.

Tomorrow’s reading - Lk 13.18-21

10/23/10

Lk 18.9-14

Meditatio: “But the tax collector stood off at a distance and would not even raise his eyes to heaven but beat his breast and prayed, ‘O God, be merciful to me, a sinner’.” Lk 18.13

Oratio: "O God, You know us through and through and how unworthy we are - Yet You want us to approach you.

I remember Jesus told us how to approach You in telling a parable about a Pharisee and a tax collector who went up to the temple to pray.

Grant that I may never cease turning to You but always do so with humility like the tax collector.

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 how I judge my self-worth. Do I base it on a comparison with others? If so, in prayer ask God’s help to judge my worth only on how well I am doing as His child and to accept myself with all my warts and lumps.

Tomorrow’s reading - Lk 13.10-17

I arrived home from retreat yesterday afternoon. It was good to be away and I did remember all of you in my prayers. I hope that this past week has been a good one for you and the weeks to come as well.

10/18/10

Lk 12.35-38

Meditatio: “and be like servants who await their master’s return from a wedding, ready to open immediately when he comes and knocks.” Lk 12.36

Oratio: "O God, You know the human heart and how easy it is for us be distracted from important things.

I remember Jesus warned His disciples to be vigilant for His second coming like servants who should always be ready when their master returns and regardless of the time - day or night.

Grant that I may heed Your Son’s warning and be vigilant about those tasks I am given for doing my duty is the best way to be vigilant for His coming.

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 Christ’s second coming. How am I preparing for it? Am I faithful to the duties I am given? Does Jesus’ second coming impact on how I am living? It is an article of our faith and I need to keep it in the forefront not with fear and boding but with love and joyful anticipation.

Tomorrow’s reading - Lk 12.39-48

I will be leaving on retreat today and I will resume the distribution of Lectio upon my return and I will remember all of you in my prayers during my retreat. God bless all of you.

10/17/10

Lk 10.1-9

Meditatio: “Go on your way; behold, I am sending you like lambs among the wolves.”
Lk 10.3

Oratio: "O God, You have such good news for us - eternal life if we simply do Your will here on earth. Yet You know many will not be open to it and even resist it.

I remember Jesus recognized this when He sent 72 disciples to spread the good news to the towns He would visit for He told them He was sending them ‘like lambs among the wolves.’

Grant that I may persevere in spreading the good news and not become discouraged because of the minimum results.

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: I will reflect on my efforts to spread the good news and determine to what extent discouragement is holding me back. To extent it is, to resolve to put my trust in the Lord and work through this aversion knowing the mission is the Lord’s I am only His instrument.

Tomorrow’s reading - Lk 12.35-38

10/16/10

Lk 18. 1-8

Meditatio: “Will not God secure the rights of his chosen ones who call out to him day and night? Will he be slow to answer?

Oratio: "O God, You know how often we do not persevere in the things that matter. Yet You have great patience with us.

I remember Jesus told his disciples a parable of a widow and an unjust judge to bring home the point of the necessity for them to persist in prayer and with assurance that You, who are a just judge, will certainly answer promptly and give them their rights.

Grant that I may learn and apply the lesson of this parable and persist in my prayers for that is Your due and my duty and my sure hope.

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 prayer life and purge any elements which are inconsistent with Jesus’ teaching about persistent prayer and confidence in my prayers and the object of my prayers.

Tomorrow’s reading - Lk 10.1-9

10/15/10

Lk 12. 8-12

Meditatio: “For the holy spirit will teach you at the moment what to say.” Lk 12.12

Oratio: "O God, You are so far above us that You are unapproachable. Yet - You, in Your love for us, have deigned to approach us through Your Holy Spirit.

I remember Jesus revealed during his public ministry that the Holy Spirit would be there for us in time of need and especially in time of persecution.

Grant that I may have a greater awareness of Your Spirit alive and active in my life as my Rock and sure Defense.

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 Holy Spirit and as to how aware I am and how open I am to Him in my life and rejoice in the fact that God has drawn near and remains near and especially in my soul which became the temple of the Holy Spirit at my baptism.

Tomorrow’s reading - Lk 18.1-8

10/13/10

Lk 11.47-54

Meditatio: “Woe to you, scholars of the law! You have taken away the key of knowledge. You yourselves did not enter and you stopped those trying to enter.” Lk 11.52

Oratio: "O God, how often we frustrate Your plans!

I remember You wanted people to know You and enter Your rest but the scholars You sent to enlighten the people as to the way did not do their job.

Grant that I may do Your will and be a source of salvation to others that You had in mind 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 reflect on my baptismal dignity and how well I am performing my role to be “Christ for others” - to show them the “Way, the Truth and the Life” revealed by Your Son.

Tomorrow’s reading - Lk 12.1-7

10/14/10

Lk 12. 1-7

Meditatio: “Even the hairs of your head have all been counted. Do not be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows.” Lk 12.7

Oratio: "O God, how incredible is Your concern for u s who are so insignificant when compared to the universe You created.

I remember Jesus revealed that You are so concerned for us that ‘even the hairs of our head are counted.’

Grant that I may be always grateful and rejoice in Your wonderful 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 reflect on the last 24 hours and identify where God’s loving concern was at work in my life and then thank Him for his gracious love.

Tomorrow’s reading - Lk 12.8-12

10/12/10

Lk 11.42-46

Meditatio: “And he ( Jesus) said, ‘Woe also to you scholars of the law! You impose on people burdens hard to carry, but you yourselves do lift one finger to touch them’.”
Lk 11.46

Oratio: "O God, to know You, is to love You and Your creation.

I remember Jesus upbraided the scholars of the law for using Your law to burden Your people rather than using it to help them on their way to You.

Grant that I may always apply Your law with a generous touch of love and 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 reflect on my dealings with others. Am I judgmental? Am I helpful? Resolve to do my best to make the burdens of others lighter even if all I can do is only a little bit.

Tomorrow’s reading - Lk 11.47-54

10/11/10

Lk 11.37-41

Meditatio: “But as to what is within, give alms, and behold, everything will be clean for you.” Lk 37.41

Oratio: "O God, You know attachment to material things keeps us from You.

I remember Jesus made this point when He told His diner host, a Pharisee, to ‘give alms’ and ‘everything will be clean for you’ in response to His host’s concern over Jesus failure to perform the prescribed washing of hands before eating.

Grant that I may use ‘things’ in a way which supports my journey to 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 reflect on the role material things play in my life; and to the extent ‘things’ are my hearts desire, to increase my charity as an antidote.

Tomorrow’s reading - Lk 11.42-46

10/10/10

Lk 11.27-32

Meditatio: “Just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites so will the Son of Man be to this generation.”

Oratio: "O God, You know it is hard for us to believe and in Your wisdom, You give us signs that help us to believe.

I remember Jesus proclaimed that He was the sign - and He was by His preaching and by His resurrection.

Grant that in time of doubt that I will always remember Jesus and His words and His works and utter, ‘Lord, I believe, help my unbelief’.”

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 signs that reinforce my faith in God and thank God for them.

Tomorrow’s reading - Lk 11.37-41

10/09/10

Lk 17.11-19

Meditatio: “Has none but a foreigner returned to give thanks to God? Lk 17.18

Oratio: "O God, we are often thoughtless and ungrateful for all You do.

I remember Jesus cured ten lepers, nine Jews and one Samaritan, and none of the Jews returned to give Him thanks - what a travesty!

Grant that I may always have a grateful heart and acknowledge daily all You have have done and are doing 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: The daily participation in the Eucharist is itself a liturgy of thanksgiving. Resolve, in my participation to specifically to say “Thank You, God” for all your gifts and graces.

Tomorrow’s reading - Lk 11.29-32

10/08/10

Lk 11.27-28

Meditatio: “He (Jesus) replied, ‘Rather, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it’.” Lk 11.28

Oratio: "O God, You continue to bless us in wonderful ways.

I remember Jesus proclaimed that we are blessed if we hear Your word and observe it.

Grant that I may be attentive to Your words found in Scripture and proclaimed in our liturgies so that I may receive Your blessing.

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 Beatitudes of that introduced the Sermon on the Mount and today’s beatitude to see how well we are blest, to cherish the insight, and then thank God for being so magnanimous

Tomorrow’s reading - Lk 17.11-19

10/06/10

Lk 11.5-13

Meditatio: “If you, who are wicked, now how to give good things to your children, how much more will the Father in heaven give to the Holy Spirit to those who ask him.”
Lk 11.13

Oratio: "O God, You have so many good gifts for us which You will give us for the asking.

I remember Jesus told the parable about persistence in prayer and if we would, You would give us the greatest gift - Your Holy Spirit.

Grant that I may ask and seek from You all good things knowing as a good Father, You will give what is best 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, reflect on my prayers. Do I persist like a child? Do I expect to receive like a child? Do I trust God like a child trusts his Father? If not, begin to do so.

Tomorrow’s reading - Lk 11.15-26

10/07/10

Lk 11.15-26

Meditatio: “But if it is by the finger of God that [I] drive out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.” Lk 11.20

Oratio: "O God, You know how slow we are to accept the obvious - but You continue to reveal Yourself to us in the obvious.

I remember Jesus in response to the crowds’ question as to the source of His power to casst out demons, He made it logically clear and convincing that it was by Your power.

Grant that I may be always open to the myriad ways You are at work and give You thanks and praise for Your patience with 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 ln the events of the past week and try to identify God’s finger in it so that the next time it happens I will be immediately aware of God at work and give Him the thanks and praise He is due.

Tomorrow’s reading - Lk 11.27-28

10/05/10

Lk 11.1-4

Meditatio: “He (Jesus) said to them, ‘When you pray, say: Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come’.” Lk 11.2

Oratio: "O God, prayer is the lifting up of our hearts and minds to You.

I remember Jesus stressed this when He taught His disciples ‘The Our Father’ when they asked Him to teach them how to pray.
Grant that I may use my prayer time first and foremost for You and then for the needs of my loved ones, those who have asked for my prayers and my own needs.

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, repeat the ‘Our Father’ slowly and meditate on its elements of it and then reflect on how I routinely pray and, to the extent I have my priorities wrong, to change the ‘How’ or the ‘What’ of my prayers.

Tomorrow’s reading - Lk 11.5-13

10/04/10

Lk 10.38-42

Meditatio: “The Lord said to her in reply, ‘Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things’.” Lk 10.41

Oratio: "O God, You know how easy it is for us to lose our focus - yet You patiently call us to refocus.

I remember Martha, welcomed Jesus into her home and immediately began to prepare a meal for him. But then she allowed the burden of serving to cause her to interrupt Jesus while He was teaching her sister, Mary.

Grant that I may learn as Martha eventually did and put my whole heart into whatever am doing for this is the way to holiness.

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 anxieties that are in the background of my daily life and then turn them over to the Lord so that I can give my full attention to the work at hand.

Tomorrow’s reading - Lk 11.1-4

10/03/10

Lk 10.25-37

Meditatio: “But because he (the law scholar) wished to justify himself, he said to Jesus, ‘And who is my neighbor?’

Oratio: "O God, You, who are almighty and above all, prefer love over proper protocoal from us.

I remember Jesus answered the law scholar’s question of ‘And who is my neighbor?’ with the parable of the Good Samaritan which showed the mercy of one who was despised by the Jew was preferred over the legalism of the Priest and Levite who passed by the victim because if they touched blood, they would be ritually unclean.

Grant that ‘Love’ may always be my guide in serving You by serving my neighbor.

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 what is the primary motive for my actions? Is it love or is it duty? If the latter, strive to impregnate it with love so as to best serve my God.

Tomorrow’s reading - Lk 10.38-42

10/02/10

Lk 17.5-10

Meditatio: “Is he grateful to that servant because he did what was commanded?” Lk 17.9

Oratio: "O God, Your ways are so far above our ways.

I remember Jesus in a parable made it clear that doing our duty does not, as we would expect, put You in our debt. Yet in His mission He proclaimed Your mercy and forgiveness as Your gift to us - something we could never deserve.

Grant that my may always do my duty as Your child out of of 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: Reflect on my motives for doing my duties remembering love looks only to please the beloved.

Tomorrow’s reading - Lk 10.25-37

10/01/10

Mt 18.1-5, 10

Meditatio: “See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels always look upon the face of my heavenly Father.” Mt 18.10

Oratio: "O God, how wonderful You have provided for us on our journey back to You!

I remember Jesus revealed that all of us have angels who guard us and who constantly see Your face.

Grant that my may be ever mindful of my angel, ‘who is at my side, to light, to guard, to rule and guide.’

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 the angels and especially my guardian angel and be alert to the promptings of my angel so that I may more easily recognize them when life is hectic.

Tomorrow’s reading - Lk 17.5-10