12/31/10

Lectio: Lk 2.16-21

Meditatio: “and Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.”Lk 2.19
Oratio: "O God, You gave all of us the wonderful gift of an intellect which allows us to reason and reflect.

I remember Mary reflected on all the events surrounding the birth of Jesus and her reflections would be a source of lasting joy for her.

Grant that I may use my intellect and reflect on the various ways You, Your Son and Your Spirit have drawn near so that I, too, may have lasting joy.

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 various ways the three persons of the Trinity have manifested themselves and tuck these reflections away in my mind and visit them from time to time so that I may be filled with joy and know how wonderfully I have been blest.

Tomorrow’s reading - Mt 2.1-12

12/29/10

Lectio: Lk 2.36-40

Meditatio: “..and coming forward at that time, she [Anna] gave thanks to God and spoke about the child [Jesus] to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.” Lk 2.38

Oratio: "O God, You reveal Yourself eventually to those who truly long for you.

I remember the baby Jesus was revealed to Anna, a 84 year old widow, who spent her life in prayer and fasting for almost her entire life and who awaited the promised redemption of Jerusalem.

Grant that I may always thirst for You and for 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: Reflect on the priority I give to God and the things of God in my life. Resolve to make prayer and fasting part of my routine as Anna the prophetess did.

Tomorrow’s reading - Jn 1.1-18


12/30/10

Lectio: Jn 1.1-18

Meditatio: “But to those who accept him, he gave the power to become children of God, to those who believe in his [Jesus’] name.” Jn 1.12

Oratio: "O God, how generous and gracious You are to us. .
I remember that it was proclaimed by Your evangelist, John, that all who accept Jesus and believe in Him become Your children - what a great benefit for so little effort on our part.

Grant that I may always believe in Your Son and live as a true child of 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: Reflect on the great and wonderful dignity God has bestowed on us - Jesus became man so that we might believe in Him and accept Him and thereby become His siblings.

Tomorrow’s reading - Lk 2.16-21

12/28/10

Lectio: Lk 2.22-35

Meditatio: “It had been revealed to him [Simeon] by the holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the messiah of the Lord.” Lk 2.26

Oratio: "O God, the elderly are precious in Your eyes even though our society often considers them useless.

I remember the aged Simeon was graced to recognze the baby Jesus as the Messih when Jesus was brought into the Temple by his parents for their purification.

Grant that I may always show respect for the elderly and honor them even if their minds should fail.

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 treat the elderly. Do I show them the honor and respect they are due? Resolve to do so.

Tomorrow’s reading - Lk 2.36-40

12/27/10

Lectio: Mt 2.13-18

Meditatio: “A voice was heard in Ramah, sobbing and loud lamentations; Rachel weeping for her children, and she would not be consoled, since they were no more.” Mt 2.18

Oratio: "O God, You alone are our consolation when we have lost a loved one to death.

I remember the sobbing and lamentations of the parents of the innocent very young boys who were slain at Herod’s order because he feared the baby Jesus as a threat to his throne - How the hearts of these parents must have been broken and seared with a pain that is unimaginable. Yet their deaths were not the end for these boys but You raised them up and they are now revered everywhere as the Holy Innocents.

Grant that I may always point to Your son when someone is grieving over the death of a loved one for You, alone, have the ultimate consolation - the gift of eternal 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: Reflect on how well and how tactfully I offer Jesus to those who are mourning.

Tomorrow’s reading - Lk 2.22-35

12/26/10

Lectio: Jn 20.1a,2-8

Meditatio: “Then the other disciple [John] also went in, the one who had arrived at that the tomb first, and he saw and believed.” Jn 20.8

Oratio: "O God, You make it easy for us to believe for You gave us our five senses.
I remember Jesus’ disciple, John, entered the empty tomb that first Easter Sunday morning and he saw the conditions there and he knew no one stole the body and he believed.

Grant that I may always trust what I hear and see about You and Your will and which my sense confirm are credible.
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 Fatima and Guadalupe and what I have seen and heard there and rejoice in the undergirding which the events there give to my faith.

Tomorrow’s reading - Mt 2.13-18

12/25/10

Lectio: Mt 2.13-15,19-23

Meditatio: “Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed for Egypt.” Mt 2.14

Oratio: "O God, You have provided angels to watch over us and to protect us. .
I remember it was an angel who warned Joseph in a dream to take Jesus and his mother, Mary, to Egypt to escape Herod who intended to destroy Jesus.

Grant that I may recognize the angels You send to me and respond as Joseph 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: Reflect on the angels and how to recognize them. Remember whenever we receive compassion, someone is functioning as an angel. Whenever we receive kindness, someone is functioning as an angel. Whenever we receive genuine love, someone is functioning as an angel. And when we remember this, we realize how many times angels have touched us and continue to touch us. May God be praised.

Tomorrow’s reading - Jn 20.1a, 2-8

Happy Christmas everyone! And may your Christmas be a blessed time, a happy time, a hopeful time, and a wondrous time. May your Christmas be bright with the gift of the Christ-child’s love. May your Christmas be filled with Christ’s peace and joy. May you be touched by many angels today!

12/24/10

Lectio: Mt 1.1-25

Meditatio: “She [Mary] will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus because he will save his people from their sins.” Mt 1.21

Oratio: "O God, You make Your love and concern for us known through Your angels.
I remember You sent and angel to Joseph so that he would take Mary as his wife and thereby gave us a savior, Your son.
Grant that I may be always grateful for the angels in my life for they are my strong support to do 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: Reflect on when I have been touched by angels and how. Resolve to more alert for the angels God sends to me and thank God for sending them.

Tomorrow’s reading - Lk 2.1-14

12/23/10

Lectio: Lk 1.67-79

Meditatio: “to give his people knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins.” Lk 1.77

Oratio: "O God, You want all to be saved and You made it so easy.
I remember You sent John, the Baptist, to prepare the people for Your Son’s coming by preaching a simple message - salvation is through the forgiveness of their sins - and Jesus gave us a simple way - the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Grant that I may routinely take advantage of the Sacrament of Reconciliation for it is one sure way of coming back 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: Resolve to make the Sacrament of Reconciliation an on-going part of my spirituality and routinely preach its efficacy to others in a gentle way.

Tomorrow’s reading - Mt 1.1-25

12/22/10

Lectio: Lk 1.57-66

Meditatio: “All who heard these things took them to heart, saying, ‘What then will this child be?’ For surely the hand of the Lord was with him.” Lk 1.66

Oratio: "O God, how wonderful You have created us!
I remember John, the Baptist’s neighbors, marveled at the events surrounding his birth and exclaimed: ‘what then will child be.’
Grant that I may always keep in mind that each new child that is born is a sign that You have not given up on the world. Each new child is the hope of the church and the country for each is wonderfully made.

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 ‘miracle of birth’ and rejoice in the love and hope each birth represents.

12/21/10

Lectio: Lk 1.46-56

Meditatio: “Mary remained with her [Elizabeth] about three months and returned to her home.” Lk 1.56

Oratio: "O God, You treat us most generously and care for us with compassion.
I remember Mary showed the same generous spirit and compassionate care for her cousin, Elizabeth, by being there for her during her last three months of Elizabeth’s pregancy.
Grant that I may imitate Mary and when I visit someone in need, may I give generously of my time and talents for 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 my outreach spirit to others. Is it perfunctory? Or is it generous and compassionate? Resolve to strive for the latter.

Tomorrow’s reading - Lk 1.57-66

12/20/10

Lectio: Lk 1.39-45

Meditatio: “Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you would be fulfilled.” Lk 1. 45

Oratio: "O God, faith is Your gift to us and we are blest because we have received this gift.
I remember your cousin, Elizabeth, declared Your mother ‘blessed’ because she believed.
Grant that I may be always grateful for the gift of faith and rejoice in knowing that Your words are eternal life for me and for all who believe.

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 gift of faith that I have received — Am I eternally grateful for it? Do I thank God daily for this gift? Resolve to make it a daily act of thanksgiving for this great gift.

Tomorrow’s reading - Lk 1.46-56

12/19/10

Lectio: Lk 1.26-38

Meditatio: “for nothing is impossible for God.” Lk 1.37
Oratio: "O God, in our dark moments and desparate situations we cry out to you - often with doubt that You will act on our behalf.”

I remember the assurance the Angel Gabriel gave to Mary that ‘nothing is impossbile for God’.

Grant that I may approach You with confidence and do what You want of 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 prayers - Are they all about me and my loved ones? Resolve to make them balanced and give praise and worship and thanks to God and seek to do His will.

Tomorrow’s reading - Lk 1.39-45

12/18/10

Lectio: Mt 1.18-24

Meditatio: “Such was his intentions when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary into your home . For it is through the holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her’.” Mt 1.20

Oratio: "O God, even in our darkest moments You show us the way if we are open to You.

I remember Joseph was ready to quietly divorce Mary because she was with child from someone else l- and he did not because he acted on Your command to take her into his home even though he did not understand the role of the holy Spirit.

Grant that I may be open to Your words in my struggle as St. Joseph was.
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 hear God’s words and through whom and how well I do at discerning God’s will in my struggles.
Tomorrow’s reading - Lk 1.26-38

12/17/10

Lectio: Mt 1.18-25

Meditatio: “She [Mary] will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” Mt 1.21

Oratio: "O God, Your ways are mysterious and are not our ways - Yet You make known what we need to know in order to find our way back to You.

I remember You sent an angel to Joseph to let him know that Mary, his betrothed, was with child through the Holy Spirit and it was o.k. to take her into his home as his wife - And he did without understanding God’s explanation as to how Mary was pregnant; but simply obeying because of his faith.

Grant that I may have a faith like Joseph’s.

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: How open am I to what God has revealed and which has been handed down through scripture and tradition? Do I accept it and live it like St. Joseph did?
Tomorrow’s reading - Mt 1.18-24

12/15/10

Lectio: Lk 7.24-30

Meditatio: “All the people who listened, including tax collectors, and who were baptized with the baptism of John, acknowledged the righteousness of God.” Lk 7.29

Oratio: "O God, listening to what is said about You and acting on what is heard is the way we acknowledge You.

I remember Jesus said this of those who responded to John the Baptist and were baptized.
Grant that I may attentively listen to the proclaimed words of scripture and act upon 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 acknowledge the righteousness of God. Coule I have done it in a way that would have given greater glory to God? Is so, resolve to do so in the future.

Tomorrow’s reading - Mt 1.1-17

12/16/10

Lectio: Mt 1.1-17

Meditatio: “Salmon the father of Boaz whose mother was Rahab. Boaz became the father of Obed whose mother was Ruth. Obed became the father of Jesse. Jesse the father of David” Mt 1.5, 6a

Oratio: "O God, You knew men would dominate in society but made sure that women would be the heart.

I remember Jesus’ family tree included five women, four of whom were foreigners - a complete surprise to have them acknowledged in His genealogy for inheritance was only true the male - but a wonderful message for all; i.e., women play an important role in salvation history and salvation was for all.

Grant that I may attentively listen to the proclaimed words of scripture and act upon 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 my attitude towards women - Do I give them the respect and honor they are due? May I always remember their souls, like Mary’s, proclaim the greatness of the Lord and like Mary, they are very important in God’s plans

Tomorrow’s reading - Mt 1.18-25

12/14/10

Lectio: Lk 7.18b-23

Meditatio: “At that time he [Jesus] cured many of their diseases, sufferings and evil spirits; he also granted sight to many who were blind.” Lk 7.21

Oratio: "O God, You know it is hard for us to accept things on faith alone; and You did not leave us in our quandary.

I remember Jesus worked spectacular miracles to show His authority for His teachings.

Grant that when doubts arise about my faith, I may recall Lk 7.21 and banish this evil spirit.

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 many miracles Jesus worked and the many He continues to work down through the ages and especially through His mother; and then rejoice in the solid foundations of the Catholic faith and God’s confirmation of its truths even to this day.

Tomorrow’s reading - Lk 7.24-30

12/13/10

Lectio: Mt 21.28 -32

Meditatio: “When John came to you (religious leaders) in the way of righteousness, you did not believe him; but tax collectors and prostitutes did. Yet even when you saw that, you did not change your minds and believe in him.” Mt 21.32

Oratio: "O God, You gave us a way to test those who claim to speak for You - by the fruits that result from listening to them.

I remember John the Baptist call to reform received a positive response from tax collectors and prostitutes - the worst of sinners in the public’s mind in those times; yet the religious leaders whose roles were to lead people to You did not respond in the face of the obvious - how sad for them.

Grant that I may always recognize the prophets in my midst

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 who are the prophets that are helping to shape me in God’s ways. Rejoice and be thankful for them.

Tomorrow’s reading - Lk 7.18b-23

12/11/10

Lectio: Mt 11.2-11

Meditatio: “And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me.” Mt 11.6

Oratio: "O God, some people do not believe in You and take offense at those who do believe in You.

I remember Jesus told the disciples of John the Baptist that blessed are those who take no offense at Him - and they and indeed all of us were greatly blest by Jesus for we are blest with new hope, with new horizons, with a new freedom.

Grant that I may always rejoice in the blessings that Your Son has given 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: Reflect on the hope, the horizons, the freedom I enjoy because of Jesus and then give Him thanks and praise.

Tomorrow’s reading - Mt 25.1-13

12/11/10

Lectio: Mt 11.2-11

Meditatio: “And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me.” Mt 11.6

Oratio: "O God, some people do not believe in You and take offense at those who do believe in You.

I remember Jesus told the disciples of John the Baptist that blessed are those who take no offense at Him - and they and indeed all of us were greatly blest by Jesus for we are blest with new hope, with new horizons, with a new freedom.

Grant that I may always rejoice in the blessings that Your Son has given 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: Reflect on the hope, the horizons, the freedom I enjoy because of Jesus and then give Him thanks and praise.

Tomorrow’s reading - Mt 25.1-13

12/09/10

Lectio: Mt 11.16-19

Meditatio: “To what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplace and calling to one another.” Mt 11.16

Oratio: "O God, we are a perverse but You are so patient with us.
I remember Jesus compared us to children sitting and calling to one another to play and they would not and they simply were being difficult for the sake of being difficult.

Grant that I may set aside my childish behavior and relate to You as a grown child.

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 relationship with You and with others. Do I reflect Christ in me? How? Could I do it better.

Tomorrow’s reading - Mt 17.9a, 10-13

12/10/10

Lectio: Mt 17.9a, 10-13

Meditatio: “He (Jesus) said in reply, ‘Elijah will indeed come and restore all things’.”
Mt 17.11

Oratio: "O God, You make known what is important for us even if it veiled and not readily recognized by us.

I remember Jesus pointed out to His disciples that Elijah had indeed come in the person of John the Baptist and he is the Elijah foretold in scripture.
Grant that I may always read scripture as God’s word and seek His meaning and not mine.

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 John, the Baptist, of the New Testament, is the Elijah foretold in the Old Testament.

Tomorrow’s reading - Mt 11.2-11

12/08/10

Lectio: Mt 11.11-15

Meditatio: “Amen, I say to you, among those born of women, there is none greater than John, the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom is greater than he.” Mt 11.11

Oratio: "O God, what greatness You have in mind for all of us.
I remember Jesus proclaimed that the least in Your kingdom is greater than John, the Baptist, who had the great privilege of being the precursor for Jesus - How You must cherish us!

Grant that I may live as a true child of Yours and make You proud.

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 great dignity God has in mind for me and then give Him thanks and praise for being so good to me and to all of us.

Tomorrow’s reading - Mt 11.16-19

12/07/10

Lectio: Lk 1.26-38

Meditatio: “...for nothing will be impossible for God’.” LK 1.37

Oratio: "O God, You are all powerful and You use Your power for our benefit.

I remember You brought about a miraculous conception of Your Son by having Your Spirit overshadow Mary, a virgin, so her Son would be truly the Son of God who alone could redeem us. How spectacular! How gracious! How wonderful for us!

Grant that I may always remember that You are all-powerful and all-loving and that I am a great beneficiary of Your power and Your 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 God is all-powerful and all-loving and identify when He recently showed forth His power and His Love to me and through whom?

Tomorrow’s reading - Mt 11.11-15

12/06/10

Lectio: Mt 18.12-14

Meditatio: “In just the same way, it is not the will of your heavenly Father that one of these little ones be lost.” Mt 18.14

Oratio: "O God, Your love for us is beyond belief.
I remember Jesus told the parable of the good shepherd leaving 99 sheep in search of one that strayed to illustrate God’s great concern for all and the joy it brings when the one who is lost is found for it is not Your will that anyone be lost.

Grant that I may always remember Your great love for me and allow it to penetrate to the core of my being.

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 great love God has for me and allow myself to bask in that love with joy and then give thanks to God for loving me so.

Tomorrow’s reading - Lk 1.26-38

12/05/10

Lectio: Lk 5.17-26

Meditatio: “Then astonishment seized them all and they glorified Godl, and struck with awe they said, ‘We have seen incredible things today’.” Lk 5.26

Oratio: "O God, You do awesome things from time to time to bring us to faith - but we are so fickle and we so easily forget.

I remember hte religious leaders saw Jesus cure a paralytic to show He had the powe to forgive sins and they were filled with awe and said that they had “seen incredible things today” and yet in a short time they would urge Pilate to crucify him - how sad and terrible.

Grant that I may keep the many miracles You have performed for us since Jesus’ time in mind and always give You thanks and praise for them and their help to bring me to a stronger faith.

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 those miracles that God has performed and which under-gird my faith and give thanks and praise to God for showing His power and His glory and His love to me.

Tomorrow’s reading - Mt 18.12-14

12/04/10

Lectio: Mt 3.1-12

Meditatio: “Produce good fruits as evidence of your repentance.”Mt 3.8

Oratio: "O God, You give us this life as a gift but You expect us to use it if we wish to have the gift of eternal life.

I remember John the Bapist, the precursor of Jesus, made it clear when he told the crowds to ‘produce good fruits as evidence of (their)
repentance’.”

Grant that people may know that I am a Christian by my love expressed in good works.

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 how I express sorrow for my sins. Resolve to do a good work that is the opposite of the sin I commit as a true and effective sign of my repentance.

Tomorrow’s reading - Lk 5.17-26

12/03/10

Lectio: Mt 9.35-10.1, 5a, 6-8

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

Oratio: "O God, You want us to believe and so You show Your power.

I remember Jesus went not only proclaiming the Good News but He cured “every disease and illness” - a clear showing of Your pwer so that people should accept Him.

Grant that I may be award of Your power at work in the world and rejoice in the fact that Your Son has saved 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: Reflect today on where God is at work in the world and store this reflection to reinforce my faith in times of doubts.

Tomorrow’s reading - Mt 3.1-12

12/02/10

Lectio: Mt 9.27-31

Meditatio: “Then he touched their eyes and said, ‘Let it be done for you according to your faith’.” Mt 9.29

Oratio: "O God, faith - a confident hope in things not seen - is the key to our relationship with You and with others.

I remember Jesus emphasized the importance of faith when he cured two men of their blindness who said that they be believed He could do it - What a reward for a faith which was obviously the result of simply hearing what Jesus was doing.

Grant that I may always approach You with great faith for You have manifested Your power in many ways to me.

I ask this of You, who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirst, one God, forever.
Amen.”

Contemplatio: Keep silence and remain in recollection for a few minutes.

Operatio: Reflect today on the many ways God has manifested His power to me and then let this exercise reaffirm and strengthen my faith.
Tomorrow’s reading - Mt 3.1-12

12/01/10

Lectio: Mt 7.21, 24-27

Meditatio: “Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock.”Mt 7.24

Oratio: "O God, You have made it simple for us to come back to You.

I remember Jesus simply said to listen to him and act on His words and that is the way to heaven.
Grant that I may always base my actions on the words of Your son.

I ask this of You, who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirst, one God, forever.
Amen.”

Contemplatio: Keep silence and remain in recollection for a few minutes.

Operatio: Reflect today on the words which sum up what Jesus said: “Love - God, others, self” and rejoice in having been given the road map to heaven.
Tomorrow’s reading - Mt 16.15-20