7.31.11

Lectio: Mt 14.22-36

“During the fourth watch of the night he [Jesus] came toward them walking on the sea.” Mt 14.25

"O God, how slow we are to accept You - but You are so patient with us.

I remember Jesus fed five thousand with five loaves and two fish and then He walked on the sea during the fourth watch (3 Am to 6 AM) to their boat and finally they realized that He was Your Son.

Grant that I may be always open to the many ways You manifest Your presence and especially Jesus in the Eucharist.

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

Operatio: Reflect on the “God’s presence” - Wherever we find selfless love, God is there for God is love - in the love of a spouse, in the love of a friend, in the boundless love of Jesus found in the Eucharist. In prayer thank God for His multifaceted ways in which He continues to be with us during our journey here on earth.

Tomorrow’s readings: Mt 15.21-28

7.30.11

Lectio: Mt 14.13-21

“And he [Jesus] ordered the crowd to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he said the blessing, broke the bread and gave them to the disciples, who in turn gave them to the crowds.” Mt 14.19

"O God, You know we need food to live and love to make life worth living.

I remember Jesus came and satisfied our basic need for food when He miraculously fed the 5000 and by His gestures that preceded the feeding of looking up to heaven, blessing the bread and fish, breaking the bread and distributing it, was a foreshadowing of His instituting the Eucharist by which He would not satisfy their need for food but for love for it is the bread from heaven and Jesus is present in it and thereby they receive boundless love.

Grant that I may receive the Eucharist frequently so that I may never go hungry for food that satisfies my deepest longings.

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

Operatio: Reflect on the “Eucharist” - In it Jesus is present in a real, personal and loving way and He calls us to share Him with others so that they, too, will come to His table and have their basic needs satisfied. Resolve to be Eucharist for others which we best do by being a person of selfless love.

Tomorrow’s readings: Mt 14.22-36

7.29.11

Lectio: Mt 14.1-12

“The king [Herod] was distressed, but because he gave his oath and the guests who were present, he ordered that it [John the Baptist’s head on a platter] be given [Herodias’ daughter.]

"O God, oaths are solemn promises to tell the truth or to do something - they should ordinarily be kept.

I remember Herod gave an oath to Herodias’ daughter that he would give her anything she asked and he kept his solemn promise when he should not for respect for life is a higher duty than keeping one’s oath.

Grant that I may remember Jesus’ words recorded in Mt 5.37 and let my ‘Yes’ mean ‘Yes’ and my ‘No’ mean ‘No’ and refrain from taking oaths unless one is demanded by a properly constituted authority.

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

Operatio: Reflect on resolving conflicts in one’s duties - a negative commandment generally trumps a positive duty so the commandment to not kill trumps the positive commandment to keep one’s oaths. When in doubt as to what to do, and there is no one whom you can readily consult who may be able to resolve your dilemma, ask the question: ‘What would Jesus do?’ and then do it.

Tomorrow’s readings: Mt 14.13-21

7.28.11

Lectio: Jn 11.19-27

“And everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” Jn 11.26
"O God, death is our major enemy but You have provided a wonderful remedy for our fear.

I remember Jesus declared that those who live and believe in Him will never die - wow!

Grant that I may always have the gift of faith so as to live in You as I ought.

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

Operatio: Reflect on “never die” - through baptism I became God’s child and I was given divine life and immortality for to live forever is one of the characteristic of divinity - But I retained my free will and I can live as a child of God and death will simply be a blip in my history and mark the beginning of enjoying the fullness of life with You. Pray always for the grace to be faithful to Christ and His ways so that death will be what You intended it to be - the door to Your eternal kingdom.

Tomorrow’s readings: Mt 14.13-21

7.27.11

Lectio: Mt 13.47-53

“And throw the [wicked] into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping, wailing and gnashing of teeth..” Mt 13.50

"O God, You don’t want us to be complacent and lackadaisical in our journey to You.

I remember Jesus gave all a wake up call when He taught at the end the evil and the wicked will sorted out and thrown into a fiery furnace.

Grant that I may always strive to do Your will and stay on the path that leads back to You.

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

Operatio: Reflect on “eternal life” - a fiery furnace connotes excruciating pain but the real pain of eternal punishment is an eternity without love and especially without God’s love - a very painful and devastating and hopeless existence.

Tomorrow’s readings: Jn 4.7-16

7.26.11 ERRATA for today’s Lectio

The citation for tody of Jn 3.1-2 should have been 1 Jn 3.1-2.

7.26.11

Lectio: Mt 13.44-46

“The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field, which a person finds and hides again, and out of joy goes and sells all he has to buy that field.” Mt 13.44

"O God, You know that if something appeals to us, we will seek it; and so You made known Your place and our place of final abode in a very appealing way to us.
I remember Jesus in a parable made Your kingdom by likening it to knowing there is buried treasure in the field that one is able to buy at a price that does not include the value of the treasure - what a joy, what a bargain!.

Grant that I may always keep my final destiny You want for all of us in mind and do all that I can with Your grace to attain to it.

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

Operatio: Reflect on “heaven” - The core is seeing God as He is and being like him.Jn 3.1-2. How awesome a destiny for all of us! In prayer thank God for being so generous and kind to us and ask for the grace to always keep our destiny in mind and make right choices as His children here on earth.

Tomorrow’s readings: Mt 13.47-53

7.25.11

Lectio: Mt 23.26-43

“Just as weeds are collected and burned [up] with fire, so will it be at the end of the age.” Mt 23.40

"O God, You want us to know that actions have consequences.
I remember Jesus in His explanation of the parable of the wheat and weeds made it clear that You deal with us patiently giving us a life time to produce good fruit; but if we live a life of evil or cause others to do evil; then in the end we will not enter His kingdom but suffer eternal punishment.

Grant that I may use each day by striving to become the child of Yours that You want me to be and Your mercy will be mine.

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

Operatio: Reflect on how to produce the fruit God wants from m e - Love is the answer and I must strive to do what love dictates and rely on God’s grace to do so. In prayer thank God for being so gracious to us and for wanting us to be with Him for all eternity.

Tomorrow’s readings: Mt 13.44-46

7.24.11

Lectio: Mt 20.20-28

“But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant.” Mt 20.26

"O God, You want us to achieve and use the talents You gave us to become great and You gave us a simple but profound way.

I remember Jesus told the sons of Zebedee that to be great means to serve others - which we all can do.

Grant that I may always embrace the ministry of service for therein lies my fulfillment.
I ask this of You who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.

Operatio: Reflect on “the ministry of service” - How well do I do it? How well do I embrace it? Do I see that my greatness lies in it? In prayer thank God for calling me to serve others.
Tomorrow’s readings: Mt 13.36-43

7.23.11

Lectio: Mt 13.44-52

“Again the kingdom of heaven is like a net thrown into the sea, which collects fish of every kind.” Mt 13.47

"O God, You want all to return to You and be with You.
I remember Jesus told a parable that likened Your kingdom to a fish net which collects all kinds of fish - making it clear the universality of Your kingdom here on earth- but the continuation of the parable makes it also clear that only those who strive to be good will be part of Your kingdom forever.

Grant that I may always strive to do Your will so that I may be gathered into Your loving arms at the end of my time in Your earthly kingdom.

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

Operatio: Reflect on “the net full of fish” - what can I do to insure it is a catch filled with good fish for that is what God wants? Resolve to do what I can to help change the DNA of the bad fish to DNA of good fish so that all whose lives I touch may live as true children of God here in His kingdom on earth.

Tomorrow’s readings: Mt 20.20-28

7.22.11

Lectio: Mt 13.24-30

“He proposed another parable to them. ‘The kingdom of heaven may be likened to a man who sowed good seed in his field’.” Mt 13.14
"O God, You only want the best for us.
I remember Jesus planted good seeds - His word - into the good soil, for you made us good and You would not jeopardize our growth by having weeding done during our growing time lest we be destroyed before we had a time to come to full growth.

Grant that I may respond to Your Son’s preaching and produce the results You desire.
I ask this of You who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.

Operatio: Reflect on “wheat” and “weeds” - If we are honest, at times we may be both but God does not destroy us when we become what He does not want but He gives us the opportunity to repent and transform our lives and become the wheat He wants. In prayer thank God for being so kind and gracious and merciful.

Tomorrow’s readings: Mt 13.44-52

7.21.11

Lectio: Jn 20.1-2, 11-18

“Jesus said to her [Mary of Magdala], ‘Stop holding on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am going to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God’.” Jn 20.17

"O God, how generous of You to be so close to us!
I remember Jesus revealed that You are not only His Father but our Father, too, one cannot have any closer of a relationship!

Grant that I may always live in a manner that is pleasing to You as my Father.
I ask this of You who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.

Operatio: Reflect on “God as my Father” - Protector, defender, provider, beloved - In prayer tel God how you love and how grateful you are that He is not only your God but your Father, too. .
Tomorrow’s readings: Mt 13.24-30

7.20.11

Lectio: Mt 13.10-17

“But blessed are your eyes, because they see, and your ears, because they hear.” Mt 13.16

"O God, You revealed Yourself to us through Your Son.
I remember Jesus declared blessed those who see and hear what He did and proclaimed and who You are.

Grant that I may readily accept what I see in the actions of our Holy Father and what I hear him proclaim for he is Jesus’ vicar and the Father’s emissary.

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

Operatio: Reflect on “seeing” and “hearing” in faith - it means being able to hear and see rightly what Jesus has proclaimed and which has been handed down to us through the infallible teaching authority of the Pope and the bishops united with him.
Tomorrow’s readings: Jn 20.1-2, 11-18

7.19.11

Lectio: Mt 13.1-9

“But some fell on rich soil, and produced fruit a hundredfold or sixtyfold or thirtyfold.” Mt 13.8

"O God, You expect us to respond to Your ways and in a pro-active manner.
I remember Jesus said that His word should produce in us much fruit if we are open to Him.

Grant that I may be always keep the soil of my soul rich and produce the results that Jesus wants and deserves from me.

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

Operatio: Reflect on “rich soil” of my soul - How do I best fertilize my soul? Frequent reception of the Eucharist and Reconciliation and doing the ascetical practices of prayer, fasting and almsgiving are the tried and true ways. Resolve to make these a permanent part of my spirituality.

Tomorrow’s readings: Mt 13.10-17

7.18.11

Lectio: Mt 12.46-50

“For whoever does the will of my heavenly Father is my brother, my sister, and my mother.” Mt 12.50

"O God, You desire all to have a close relationship to You and so You invite us to be members of Your family.

I remember Jesus said that if we do Your will, we are as close as a brother, a sister, a mother to Him and by implication very close to You - what a privilege!

Grant that I may be always do Your will so as to remain a member of your family as a good member.

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

Operatio: Reflect on what it means to be a member of Jesus’ family - Do you relate to Him as a brother? Why? If you don’t, why not? Resolve with God’s grace to do God’s will always so as to remain a member of Jesus’ family and privileged to enjoy a familial relationship with Him and the rest of His family.
Tomorrow’s readings: Mt 13.1-9

7.17.11

Lectio: Mt 12.38-42

“Then some of the scribes and pharisees said to him, ‘Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you’.” Mt 12.38

"O God, You manifest Yourself in so many ways - yet we are often blind to them.

I remember certain scribes and Pharisees saw Jesus cast out demons from people but they saw such actions as the power of Satan and not your power at work - how obtuse on their part!

Grant that I may be always open to the signs of Your presence and rejoice in being granted the privilege of seeing them.

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

Operatio: Reflect on recent signs of God’s presence - on the pilgrimage we saw His presence in Lourdes, in Liseux, in the faith displayed - In prayer thank God for revealing Himself and thank Him for giving His grace to be open to signs of His being present.
Tomorrow’s readings: Mt 12.46-50

7.16.11

Lectio: Mt 13.24-30

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

"O God, You are so patient and kind to us!

I remember Jesus taught that we should not pull up the weeds during the growing season lest we upright the wheat. His message is puzzling until we realize the word for weed that he was using - ‘darnel’ - is a poisonous weed which resembles wheat in its initial stage of growth. When we realize this, His message is clear - judgment is not ours but Yours and only You can determine the good from the bad and You give all a lifetime to become what we ought.

Grant that I may refrain from judging others and pray that all will open to saving will.
I ask this of You who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.

Operatio: Reflect on your spiritual DNA - Are you wheat? Are you weed? Not matter what you are God gives you the opportunity in this life to become configured to Christ - Pray for the grace of conversion and openness to His will and in the end your spiritual DNA will be what God wants it to be.

Tomorrow’s readings: Mt 12.38-42

7.15.11

Lectio: Mt 12.14-21

“When Jesus realized this, he withdrew from that place. Many [people] followed him and he cured them all.” Mt 12.15

"O God, You know that at times we will be attacked because we serve You and You showed us through Jesus how to handle conflicts.

I remember Jesus withdrew from an area when He realized the Pharisees were going to have him arrested - but He did not withdrew from ministry and continued to reach out to those who followed Him.

Grant that I may imitated Jesus in the face of conflict, withdrawing from it if possible, but not withdrawing from serving others in His name.

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

Operatio: Reflect on how I handled conflicts with others. Resolve to handle situations of conflict at Jesus did, to withdraw if possible, but to continue my duties despite the threat or actual conflict.

Tomorrow’s readings: Mt 13.24-30

7.14.11

Lectio: Mt 12.1-8

“If you knew what it meant, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned these innocent men.” Mt 12.7

"O God, You know that at times we will have to make choices where there are conflicts in our duties and You have provided us with clear guidance.

I remember Jesus said that moral conflicts are resolved by remembering You want mercy and not sacrifice.

Grant that I may always let love of the person I see be my guide as the best way of serving You whom I do not see.

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

Operatio: Reflect on “mercy.” Its heart is love. It cannot be demanded. It is not a duty. But it is certainly is the best guide in resolving conflicts in moral choices. Resole to not only to let mercy be my guide but practice it at all times.

Tomorrow’s readings: Mt 12.14-21

7.06.11

Lectio: Mt 10.7-15

“As you go, make this proclamation,’The kingdom of heaven is at hand’.” Mt 10.7
"O God, You know we are often anxious about the future but You want us to live in the present.

I remember Jesus proclaimed the kingdom of heaven, which is our hearts’ deepest longing, is at hand.

Grant that I may always live in the present knowing I am where You want me to be at this time.

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

Operatio: Reflect on heaven - How is it here and now? Love! God is love and the selfless love which abounds all around is where He is and where He is the heart of heaven. I am indeed blest with His presence and my heart is content.

Tomorrow’s readings: Mt 10.16-23

7.05.11

Lectio: Mt 10.1-78

“As you go, make this proclamation,’The kingdom of heaven is at hand’.” Mt 10.7
"O God, You know how slow we are to accept good news even when it is for our benefit.

I remember Your Son sent His 12 closest disciples to the people of Israel to proclaim the kingdom of heaven is at hand and He gave them miraculous powers to show their credibility - but we all know the tragic ending of Your Son’s life.

Grant that I may be more open to people and less incredulous for they may be the very ones You have sent for my benefit.

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

Operatio: Reflect on my faith in people - What criteria do I use as a condition precedent to accepting what they say? Are they too rigid? Pray for an open mind and a non-judgmental attitude towards all who impact on my life.

Tomorrow’s readings: Mt 10.7-15

7.04.11

Lectio: Mt 9.32-38

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

"O God, You know us and our needs and You respond to us and sometimes even spectacularly.

I remember Jesus visited all the towns and villages in Galilee and preached the good news and healed the sick through the power of His word.

Grant that I may be ever grateful for God’s providential care of me which He gives me everyday through those who have allowed Him to use them as His instruments.

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

Operatio: Reflect on Divine Providence - Who especially in my life is Jesus’ hands, His feet, His touch, His smile for me? What about undeserved suffering? Resolve not to let the unanswerable questions of life distract and deter me from acknowledging the compassionate care that God shows me through others and which is so clearly manifested in the planet He provided for all of us.

Tomorrow’s readings: Mt 10.1-7

P.S. Happy Fourth of July! What a gift God has given us in this land of the free! Thank Him today for our founding fathers and for all who have worked and died to keep us free since July 4, 1776.

7.03.11

Lectio: Mt 9.18-26

“He said, ‘Go away! The girl is not dead but sleeping.’ And they ridiculed him.” Mt 9.24
"O God, You often respond in a generous way to faith.
I remember Jesus raised up the young daughter because of the faith of her father; and He cured a woman suffering many years because she believed that if she just touched the tassel of His cloak, she would be cured.

Grant that I may be given the grace of the father and the woman.

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

Operatio: Reflect on faith - God watches over us and He does intervene in our lives when we approach Him. Sadly, we do not always give Him credit for the good He does for us but often lament when our prayers are not answered as we want. Resolve to always approach God with faith and allow God to be God in His response and our God, who is a God of surprises, will treat us quite well.

Tomorrow’s readings: Mt 9.32-38

7.02.11

Lectio: Mt 11.25-30

“Come to me, all you who labor and our burdened and I will give you rest.” mt 11.28
"O God, You know how weary we can become on our journey back to You and so You gave us a real and effective tonic.

I remember Jesus invited us to come to Him when we are burdened and He will give us rest.

Grant that I may always realize that I am one with others in the Mystical Body of Christ and through that Oneness Jesus Himself shares my burden and with in that sharing in my burden, it is made lighter.

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

Operatio: Reflect on the Mystical Body of Christ - What does it mean to be one with others with Christ as our head? Resolve to keep this unity in mind especially when I feel burdened for Christ and my brothers and sisters in Christ are there for me, and then give praise and thanks to God for it as it is the remedy that will make the burdens of this life lighter.

Tomorrow’s readings: Mt 9.18-26

7.01.11

Lectio: Lk 2.41-51

“He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them, and his mother kept all these things in her heart.” Lk 2. 51

"O God, You want us to know how much You love us and how we are to love You.
I remember You gave us Your Son’s mother heart to reveal to us Your Son’s early life for us and how we are to act as Your children.

Grant that I may always emulate the love Mary’s heart reveals and do Your will.
I ask this of You who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.

Operatio: Reflect on Mary’s heart - Obedient to God’s will defines it - Submitting one’s will to another’s for the good of the other is the essence of love. Pray to see that obedience does not mean servitude but love and resolve to be obedient to all whom I am subject and especially to my God.

Tomorrow’s readings: Mt 11.25-30