11/30/10

Lectio: Mt 15.29-37

Meditatio: “The crowds were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the deformed made whole, the lame walking, and the blind able to see, and they glorified the God of Israel.” Mt 15.31

Oratio: "O God, You know that on our own we would never believe in You so you lead us to faith by Your power.

I remember when a large crowd with many physical problems including being deaf, dumb and the blind, He cured them all; and then they glorified, You, the God of Israel.
Grant that my faith may continue to be strengthen by Your power.

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 undergirds my faith. How has God shown His power to me? Our Lady of Fatima and Our Lady of Guadalupe certainly come to mind and I rejoice in these examples of His power which shines forth through them.

Tomorrow’s reading - Mt 7.21, 24-27

11/29/10

Lectio: Mt 4.8-22

Meditatio: “At once they left their nets and followed him." Mt 4.20
Oratio: "O God, You expect and deserve our immediate response to any wish of Yours.

I remember that is how Peter and Andrew responded to Jesus’ invitation to follow him.

Grant that when I discern Your request that I may with alacrity 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: Reflect on how attentive I am to what God wants of me. Am I prompt in my response or do I let my aversions to certain things or certain people hold me back? If the latter pray for the grace to overcome those aversions.

Tomorrow’s reading - Mt 15.29-37

11/28/10

Mt 8. 5-11

Meditatio: “The centurion said in reply, ‘Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, only say the word and my servant will be healed’.” Mt 8.8

Oratio: "O God, Your word is all-powerful and You exercise it on our behalf as pure gift. .

I remember Jesus spoke and the centurion’s servant was healed at a distance because the servant had faith.

Grant that I may be ever mindful of the benevolence of God and see Him as a loving Father.

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 state of my faith. Is it as strong as the centurion? If not, meditate on the image of God as a loving Father and allow that image to energize my faith.

Tomorrow’s reading - Mt 4.18-22

11/27/10

Mt 24.37-44

Meditatio: “So, too, you must be prepared for an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.” Mt 24.44

Oratio: "O God, You know we are easily distracted from our ultimate goal and tend to procrastinate.

I remember Jesus made it clear that we cannot be that way if we expect to come into Your kingdom because He emphasized vigilance and readiness so we would not miss the boat as many did at the time of the great flood when God came for them.

Grant that I may be always ready and vigilant to meet the Lord, whenever and wherever that may be.

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 state of readiness to meet the Lord. Resolve to live a life nourished by the Eucharist and reinforced by prayer, almsgiving and fasting for that is the best way to maintain vigilance and readiness..

Tomorrow’s reading - Mt 8.5-11

11/26/10

Lk 21.34-36

Meditatio: “Beware that your hearts to not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life and that day catch you by surprise.” Lk 21.34

Oratio: "O God, You k now how easily we are distracted and lose sight of the important things in life.

I remember Jesus urged His disciples to be vigilant about the coming of the end of time less it comes upon them like a trap and they will not be ready to stand with Him.

Grant that I may be always alert to Your commands and not allow anxieties of daily life distract me from 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 the end of time. Do I keep it in my consciousness? If not, resolve to make it a practice to daily be aware of it and let that awareness spur me on to being ready each day to meet Jesus whenever that may be.

Tomorrow’s reading - Mt 24.37-44

11/25/10

Lk 21.29-33

Meditatio: “When their buds burst open, you see for yourselves and know summer is near.” Lk 21.30

Oratio: "O God, You give us the ability to know and to think for ourselves about the end times and the second coming of Jesus.

I remember Jesus used the metaphor of the buds of the fig tree bursting open and its obvious meaning to stress that his disciples will be able to recognize from the signs of the times that His second coming is at hand.

Grant that I may live each day as it were my last so that I will be ready to meet the Lord when He comes at the end of time or at the end of my life time.

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 - Am I at this very moment ready to meet the Lord? If not, take immediate steps to be ready and with a humble and contrite heart ask the Lord for his forgiveness and his mercy knowing in faith He will readily grant it for He is full of gentleness and compassion.

Tomorrow’s reading - Lk 21. 34-36

P.S. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.

11/24/10

Lk 17.1-9

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

Oratio: "O God, all that we have, all that we are, we owe to you - but are we grateful?

I remember Jesus cured ten lepers but only one returned to give Him thanks.

Grant that I may be like the Samaritan leper and always give thanks for smy blessings.

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 - Am I like the nine lepers who were healed and took my blessings for granted? Resolve to make it a practice at the end of each day to thank God for the day, its challenges, its joys, its gift, His love and His presence.

Tomorrow’s reading - Lk 21. 29-33

11/23/10

Lk 21.12-19


Meditatio: “but not a hair on your head will be destroyed.” Lk 21.18

Oratio: "O God, You know at times our lives our perilous - but You do not leave us alone and to our devices.

I remember Jesus said that not a hair on our heads would be destroyed even during times of persecution if we simply persevere in Your ways
Grant that I may be always mindful and grateful for Your loving care.
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 God’s divine providence. Do I really put my trust in His loving care? Or do I need to be in control? If the latter, pray to let God be God and me be his child.

Tomorrow’s reading - Lk 12. 20-28

11/22/10

Lk 21.5-11


Meditatio: “There will be powerful earthquakes, famines, plagues from place to place, and awesome sights and mighty signs will come from the sky.” Lk 21.11

Oratio: "O God, there will be an end of time as we know it - but when?

I remember Jesus told us not to be deceived by those who tell us the end of time is near for when it is, there will be unmistakable and powerful signs that is it about to happen.

Grant that I may keep my focus on the end of my own life time and each day strive to walk in the ways of the Lord.

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 second coming of Christ and the end of time. If I knew it was to happen tomorrow, what would I do today? Resolve to do it.

Tomorrow’s reading - Lk 21.12-19

11/21/10

Lk 21.1-4


Meditatio: “He said, ‘I tell you, this poor widow put in more than all the rest’.” Lk 21.3

Oratio: "O God, paradoxically at times little is more than much in Your eyes.

I remember Jesus noticed a poor widow putting two small coins into the Temple treasury and He declared that she put in more than all the rest that day. How? Her giving was from a heart full of love and sacrifice.

Grant that I may give of my time, talent and treasure in the service of the Lord with a heart full 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 my motives for giving. Is it out of love for God incarnate in the poor and outcast? Or is it to be noticed? If the latter, pray for the attitude of the poor widow of the Gospel.

Tomorrow’s reading - Lk 21.5-11

11/20/10

Lk 23.35-43

Meditatio: “Then he (the thief) said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom’.” Lk 23.42

Oratio: "O God, Your mercy is amazing!

I remember as Jesus hung on the cross, a repentant thief simply said to remember him when Jesus came into his kingdom - and Jesus replied, ‘This day you will be with me in paradise.’

Grant that I may be ever mindful of Your great mercy and make it known to 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: Reflect on God’s mercy and look for an opportunity to make it known to someone today.
Tomorrow’s reading - Lk 21.1-4

11/19/10

Lk 20.27-40

Meditatio: “Jesus said to them, ‘the children of this age marry and remarry’.” Lk 20.36

Oratio: "O God, You have a wise plan for us in this life so that we might cooperate with You in Your plan of creation.

I remember Jesus said to the Sadducees that ‘the children of this age marry and remarry’ for that is how the human race is to continue.

Grant that I may work and espouse the sanctity of marriage in the face of the present census which shows that 4 out of 10 households are not headed by a married couple.

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: Resolve to look for the opportunity to speak out for the sanctity of marriage and against cohabitation and to support single parents in their efforts to raise their families.
Tomorrow’s reading - Lk 23.35-43

Lk 19.41-44

Meditatio: “As he drew near, he saw the city and wept over it.” Lk 19.41

Oratio: "O God, our actions at times breaks Your heart.
I remember Jesus wept when He saw Jerusalem on His final trip there for He knew their rejection of Him would lead to such disaster for them.
Grant that I may be a cause of joy for You by doing Your will in all things.
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 times I caused heart break to God and ask for His forgiveness and look for the opportunity today to do something that will bring Him joy.
Tomorrow’s reading - Lk 19.45-48

11/18/10

Lk 19.41-44

Meditatio: “but they could find no way to accomplish their purpose because the people were hanging on his words.” Lk 19. 48

Oratio: "O God, Your words are spirit and truth.

I remember the Jewish leaders could not find any way to put Jesus to death because the people were ‘hanging on his words.’

Grant that I may always be attentive to Jesus’ words found in Scripture and allow them to be effective in 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: Reflect - ‘Am I hanging on’ to every word of Jesus; or am I selective? Resolve to 'hang' on to his words for they have the power to bring me to my heavenly home.
Tomorrow’s reading - Lk 20.27-40

11/16/10

Lk 19.11-28

Meditatio: “Then the other servant came and said, ‘Sir, here is your gold coin; I kept it stored away in a handkerchief’.” Lk 19.20

Oratio: "O God, You give everyone talent of some sort and You rightly expect us to use it.

I remember Jesus told a parable about 10 servants who were each given a gold coin to invest while their master was away. One of the servants stored it for safe keeping and he was roundly condemned for doing so.

Grant that I may use the time and talent You give me to advance Your kingdom here.

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 - What special gifts has God given me? Am I using them or am I keeping them in reserve? If the latter, determine where they are needed and begin to use them there.
Tomorrow’s reading - Lk 19.41-44

11/15/10

Lk 19.1-10

Meditatio: “But Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, ‘Behold, half of my possessions, Lord, I shall give to the poor, and if I have extorted anything from anyone, I shall repay it four times’.” Lk 19.8

Oratio: "O God, all things are Yours - yet You give them to us freely.
I remember Zacchaeus, the tax collector of Jericho, showed the right attitude towards wealth, an attitude that must have made You so happy, for he would give half of it to the poor.

Grant that I may imitate Zacchaeus and I, too, will find that in giving I am richer as a result.

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 attitude towards my possessions. Am I generous or am I attached to them so that I am miserly? Pray for the attitude of Zaccaheus.
Tomorrow’s reading - Lk 19.11-28

11/14/10

Lk 18.35-43

Meditatio: “What do you want me to do for you? He replied, ‘Lord, please let me see’.” Lk 18.41

Oratio: "O God, in You have deemed that faith brings great blessings for us.
I remember Jesus cured the blind man at Jericho because the blind man believed Jesus could - how awesome!

Grant that I may have the gift of a strong faith in Your Son so that my death will be only the beginning and not the end 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: Reflect on my faith in Jesus. What undergirds it? Resolve to share those underpinnings with those who are struggling with their faith.
Tomorrow’s reading - Lk 19.1-10

11/12/10

Lk 18.1-8

Meditatio: “He told them a parable about the necessity to pray always without becoming weary.” Lk 18.1

Oratio: "O God, despite our insignificance, our humble and persistent prayer pleases You and somehow gives You honor and praise.

I remember Jesus admonished His disciples to pray always and You will respond - how gracious of You.

Grant that I may pray always in and through the Holy Spirit so as to please You and obtain Your help.

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 am to pray always. Realize and resolve to always say the Morning Offering so that everything I do throughout the day is offered as a prayer to You through Jesus and Mary.
Tomorrow’s reading - Lk 21.5-19

11/11/10

Lk 17.26-37

Meditatio: “As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be in the days of the Son of Man.”
Lk 17.26

Oratio: "O God, we are stubborn and obstinate - yet you put up with us.

I remember Jesus warned His disciples that despite His call to repent, many will carry on as usual and they will suffer utter destruction as did the people of the time of the Great Flood who ignored Noah’s warning to change.

Grant that I may heed Your Son’s call to repent and do so now for no one knows the day or the hour of Your Son’s return nor of our return 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: Reflect on my response to Jesus’ call to repent. Look carefully at my ingrained habits. Do they reflect selfless love? If not, begin to change while there is still time Tomorrow’s reading - Lk 18.1-8

11/10/10

Lk 17.20-25

Meditatio: “For just as the lightning flashes and loights up the sky from one side to the other, so will the Son of Man be [on his day].” Lk 17.24

Oratio: "O God, You want all to find you through Your Son.

I remember He proclaimed that when He comes again, that He will be as obviouss as lightning in the sky.

Grant that in the meantime that I will live as those the kingdom of God is at hand for that is how I best please 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 the kingdom of God. Do I realize it is here, now, among us? Do I act that way? How can I best show forth this belief n my life so as to give God the glory He is due?
Tomorrow’s reading - Lk 17.26-37

(I was out of the country and in Sweden these past 7 days for a baptism of my great grandson, Alex.)n

11/09/10

Lk 17.11-19

Meditatio: “The he said to him, ‘Stand up and go; your faith has saved you’.” Lk 17.19\

Oratio: "O God, You desire a one on one relationship and You do not condemn us because of the actions of the group of which we are a part.

I remember Jesus made this clear when He told the only leper of the ten whom he cured and who returned to thank Him to ‘Go, your faith has saved you.’\

Grant that I may always have a good influence on the group(s) to which I belong.
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 groups in which I participate. Does the herd instinct govern or does selfless love govern its actions? If the former, work to eliminate the herd influence on your actions by asking, ‘Is love my guide.’

Tomorrow’s reading - Lk 17.26-37

11/01/10

Jn 6.37-40

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, how kind You are to us!

I remember Jesus proclaimed that it is Your will that He should not lose anyone for whom He was sent but He should raise them on the last day - and certainly You would have sent him for Your children which we became at our baptism.

Grant that I may be always heartened by my joyful 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: Reflect on the fact that Jesus was sent for me and out of gratitude resolve to live as a worthy child of the Father.

Tomorrow’s reading - Lk 14.25-33