10/31/11

Lectio: Mt 5.1-12a

“Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.” Mt 5.12a
“O God, You want us to have the right attitude when things are hard.

I remember Jesus gave us the Beatitudes so we could have the right attitude towards things that hard in life.

Grant that I may live the Beatitudes so I may have the right attitude You want from Your children.

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

Operatio: Reflect on “the Beatitudes” - blessings, right attitudes; great reward - heaven; Magna Cart of Christian life. Resolve to develop with God’s grace the attitudes reflected in the Beatitudes.

Tomorrow’s readings: Jn 6.37-40

10/30/11

Lectio: Lk 14.12-14

“Blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you. For you will be repaid in the resurrection of the righteous.” Lk 14.14

“O God, You are most concerned for the anawin - the poor, the outcast, the crippled, the blind, the lame.

I remember Jesus said that the anawin are the ones with whom you should share hospitality because they can’t repay you - but the Lord can and He will.

Grant that I may have a compassionate and generous concern for the poor and the handicapped for that is that is righteous and pleasing to You.

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

Operatio: Reflect on “the resurrection of the righteous” - life after death with the Lord; te destiny of those who live this live with love for all; these are the righteous. Resolve with the help of God’s grace to have a generous heart and a non-judgmental one so that I may give to those in need with respect to their dignity.

Tomorrow’s readings: Jn 6.3-9

10/29/11

Lectio: Mt 23.1-12

“Whoever exalts himself, will be humbles, but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” Mt 23.12

“O God, You created is all eq and equal for all of us our Your children - no more, no less.
I remember Jesus warned against the spirit of superiority and urged humility on the part of His followers.

Grant that I may seek to honor only You in all I do as a grateful child.

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

Operatio: Reflect on “humility” - truth; unpretentious, integrity, all our equal in essence; no one is superior in God’s eyes - nor in our eyes; we are all one in the Lord.

P.S. The retreat went well at San Alfonso in Long Branch, NJ. Except for Wednesday the weather was great and I was privileged to see the sun rise over the ocean on every day except Wednesday. All of you were remembered in my prayers.

Tomorrow’s readings: Lk 14.12-14

10/24/11

Lectio: Lk 13.19-21

“Again he [Jesus] said, ‘To what shall I compare the kingdom of God’?” Lk 13.20

“O God, You confront the wise and speak plainly to the ordinary people.
I remember Jesus used two parables that the people of His day readily understood to describe Your kingdom - a mustard seed, a yeast.’

Grant that I may allow the gift of my faith enliven my whole being and be a source of good for others.

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

Operatio: Reflect on “mustard seed” and on “yeast” - two tiny things; great potential; great results; beneficial to others; Jesus’ public ministry; Jesus’ death and resurrection; 1 Cor 2.9. In prayer thank God for the gift of faith and ask for the grace to use this gift for the benefit of others.

Tomorrow’s readings: Lk 13.22-30

P.S. I will be leaving on retreat this morning and I will be returning Friday afternoon. I will resume Lectio on Saturday. I will also remember all of you and yours in my retreat. May the Lord be praised!

10/23/11

Lectio: Lk 13.10-17

“This daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has bound for eighteen years; ought she not to have been set free on the Sabbath from this bondage?” Lk13. 16

“O God, You abhor interpretations of Your commands that preclude love as a response to a sad or dire human condition.

I remember Your Son cured a woman on the Sabbath who had suffered for eighteen years even though it was the then interpretation of Your law of keeping holy the Sabbath as work.

Grant that in all cases of need to let “love” be my guide in making a right response.

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

Operatio: Reflect on “interpretation” - one’s considered judgment; the opinion of one learned in the subject; the Holy Spirit as the ultimate source of meaning. Pray to know what to do and seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance and always let “love” be the controlling principle as to what to do.

Tomorrow’s readings: Lk 13.18-21

10/22/11

Lectio: Mt 22.34-40

“The whole law and the prophets depend on these two commandments.” Mt 22.40

“O God, we tend to make things complicated; yet You make it simple for us to know what You want of us.

I remember Jesus told a scholar of the law that all the prophets and all the law depended on love of God and love of our neighbor as our self - how simple and understandable!

Grant that I may in all things do what love requires knowing this is pleasing to You.
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 Will” - expressed by the many prophets, enshrined in His laws and in the teachings of Jesus; summed up in one word, “love.” Pray for the grace to love God and others selflessly and generously.

Tomorrow’s readings: Lk 13.10-17

10/21/11

Lectio: Lk 13.1-9

“It [fig tree] may bear fruit in the future. If not you can cut it down.” Lk 13.9

“O God, You are so patient with us for our ultimate good.

I remember Your Son told a parable about a fig tree which stood for the people of Israel , who did not heed your many calls to repent, yet they were given even more time to do so.

Grant that I may heed the call to repent and show it by living the life of the Spirit You gave me at my baptism.

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

Operatio: Reflect on the “life in the Spirit” - a life conformed to Christ; a selfless lover of others; WWJD and then doing it.

Tomorrow’s readings: Mt 22.34-40

10/20/11

Lectio: Lk 12.54-59

“You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearances of the earth and sky; why do you not know how to interpret the present times?” Lk 12.56

“O God, You have given us an intellect so we can know - but we often do not use it.

I remember Jesus was upset with the crowds who were following Him for not interpreting what He was doing -curing the sick, raising some from the dead, preaching with authority–
that He was the promised Messiah!


Grant that I may use the gift of my intellect to know You and in turn to love You for being so gracious.

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

Operatio: Reflect on “signs of Jesus” - historical miracles; resurrection; His appearances to some down through the ages; His presence in the sacraments; His Eucharistic presence on our altars and His Eucharistic miracles . In prayer thank God for the gift of my intellect but most especially for the gift of His Son whom You sent to save us.

Tomorrow’s readings: Lk 13.1-9

10/19/11

Lectio: Lk 12.49-53

“Do you think I have come to establish peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division.” Lk 12.51

“O God, You know how perverse we can be.

I remember Jesus declared that His announcement that the Kingdom of God is at hand for all and for now and forever would be rejected by some even within one’s household.

Grant that I may be ever grateful for the Good New and with your grace be loyal to Your kingdom here on earth regardless of what others do.

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

Operatio: Reflect on “division” - lack of the whole; cause of conflict; lack of peace; lack of unanimity; resolve to pray for the acceptance of Your kingdom here on earth and do my part to help bring about this acceptance.

Tomorrow’s readings: Lk 12.54-59

10/18/11

Lectio: Lk 12.39-48

“You also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.” Lk 12.40

“O God, only You know when our day to come to You will be.

I remember Jesus warned His followers to be prepared for that hour.

Grant that I may live always in accordance with Your will so that I will not have to worry or fear that final moment here in this world.

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

Operatio: Reflect on “Son of Man’s coming” - historical, second coming, coming at the end of my life; I know of the first; but I do not know the when of the second and third but I do know Jesus will come on both occasions. Pray for the grace to remain always in God’s grace.

Tomorrow’s readings: Lk 12.49-53

10/17/11

Lectio: Lk 10.1-9

“He [Jesus] said to them, ‘The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few, so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest’.” Lk 10. 2

“O God, You created all for You and You want all to return to You.

I remember Jesus told His disciples to pray to You for more people to spread the Good News for so many need to truly know You.

Grant that I may do my part to spread the Good News and remember to pray always for more laborers to do the same.

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

Operatio: Reflect on “laborers” - priests, deacons, religious brothers and sisters - certainly; but lay people most importantly for they are in all the corners of the world and can spread the Good News so that all will come to know and love God.
Tomorrow’s readings: Lk 12.39-48

10/16/11

Lectio: Lk 12.13-21

“Then he [Jesus] said to the crowd, ‘ Take care to guard against greed, for though one may be rich, one’s life does not consist of possessions’.” Lk 12.15

“O God, You know are attraction for things of this world can lead us away from you and our final destiny.

I remember Jesus warned against greed of all kinds saying, ‘one’s life does not consist of possessions’.

Grant that I may keep my desires focused on You as my end and see and use the goods of this world as means to that end.

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

Operatio: Reflect on “life’s goal” - since this life always ends in death, our goal must be to attain to unending life promised by Jesus. A good principle to follow is that of St. Ignatius of Antioch who proclaimed: “Faith is the beginning, love is the end. The union of both together is God.” Pray that I may keep the end in mind as I live in the present.

Tomorrow’s readings: Lk 10.1-9

10/15/11


Lectio: Mt 22.15-21

“They replied, ‘Caesar’s.’ At that he [Jesus] said to them, ‘Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.’” Mt 22.21

“O God, You want us to be good members of the society in which we live.

I remember Jesus made this clear when He replied to the question about paying taxes.

Grant that I may be a good citizen of the United States and also a good citizen of God’s kingdom here on earth by giving to God what belongs to God - my life, my love.

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

Operatio: Reflect on “belongs to God” - our life, our gifts, our talents. Pray for the grace to practice routinely the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy so that I may render to God what belongs to God while I am here on earth.

Tomorrow’s readings: Lk 12.13-21

10/14/11

Lectio: Lk 12.8-12

“Every one who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven; but the one who blasphemes against the holy Spirit will not be forgiven.” Lk 12.10

“O God, You are All-Merciful but!

I remember Jesus said that those ‘who blaspheme against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.’ Why?

Grant that I may never attribute to the Evil One a power or a deed that You alone could or do - for that is the essence of blasphemy.

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

Operatio: Reflect on “blaspheme against the Holy Spirit” - attributing to Satan a power that belongs to God alone and signifying a closing off of one to God. In order to be forgiven we need to be open to God’s power to forgive and our being closed to God makes it impossible for us to receive His mercy.

Tomorrow’s readings: Mt 22.15-21

10/13/11

Lectio: Lk 12.1-7

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

“O God, You have given us our emotions as a gift and You have provided us with guidance for the use of these gifts.

I remember Jesus admonished His followers and told them not to fear even in the face of persecutions for You are always mindful of them and no everlasting harm can come to them.

Grant that in fearful times to always turn to You with confidence knowing You will protect me from the greatest evil - Satan and his minions.

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

Operatio: Reflect on “emotions” - unthinking; Gold given; give us the energy to respond. Resolve to pray always when my emotions are aroused and reflect on the actions being prompted and only do what Love would do so that my God-given gifts of my emotions will always be used rightly.

Tomorrow’s readings: Lk 12. 8-12

10/12/11

Lectio: Lk 11.47-54

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

“O God, You know we must use our hearts and not just our minds as we go through life.
I remember Jesus reprimanded the scholars of the law for interpreting the laws that prevented rather than helped the people to come to you.

Grant that in all things that my heart will also inform my mind as You intend.

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

Operatio: Reflect on “scholars of the law” - the Pharisees and the Scribes who took only the literal meaning as God’s meaning and allowed the people to carry the burdens with out help from them. Resolve in ministry to interpret all requirements in the context of love for that is God’s will and that is the uplifting way for those whom I serve.

Tomorrow’s readings: Lk 12. 1-7

10/11/11

Lectio: Lk 11.42-46

“And he [Jesus] said, ‘Woe also to you scholars of the law! You impose on people burdens hard to carry, but you yourselves to not lift one finger to touch them.”

“O God, You know we need teachers but You want them to be compassionate in their instructions.

I remember Jesus condemned the scholars of the law for imposing burdens on the people without helping them to carry them.

Grant that I may teach others about Your ways so that they may come to learn that You are gentle, kind, and full of mercy.

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

Operatio: Reflect on “compassionate teaching” - setting forth truths but always in the context that we have a God who is full of love, kind and merciful and who understands are weaknesses and who desire that one day we come home to Him. Pray for the grace to be such a teacher.

Tomorrow’s readings: Lk 11.47-54

10/10/11

Lectio: Lk 11.37-41

“But as to what is within, give alms, and behold, everything will clean for you.” Lk 11.41

“O God, external expressions of piety are pleasing to You but what we are in our hearts is more important.

I remember Jesus told the Pharisees with whom He was dining and who were upset because He did not do the prescribed ritual of washing His hands before the meal, that ‘what is within, is what counts.’

Grant that I may do all things out of love so as to please You.

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

Operatio: Reflect on “alms”- gifts for the poor; generosity of the giver; most precious if the giver is moved by love to make the gift;. Pray for a loving heart for the ‘whole law is summed up in love.’ Rm 13.10

Tomorrow’s readings: Lk 11.42-46

10/09/11

Lectio: Lk 11.29-32

“Just as Jonah became a sign for the Ninevites, so will the Son of Man be for this generation.” Lk 11.30

“O God, You know we need signs that it is You at work among us.

I remember Jesus told the crowds gathered around Him that He will be the sign to them just as Jonah was the sign to the Ninevites - how? - His preaching and His resurrection. .
Grant that I may be always grateful for the many signs that You have given us that the Catholic Church, the Church founded by Christ, is the true church.

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

Operatio: Reflect on “God’s signs”- a divine stamp of approval; something beyond the capacity of a mere human; for me, some of the best signs are: Our Lady’ appearance at Fatima, Our Lady of Guadalupe; St. Faustina and the many Eucharistic miracles including the one at Lanciano. Pray always in thanksgiving for these signs that make it easy for me to believe that the Catholic Church is the true Church of Christ.

Tomorrow’s readings: Lk 11.37-41

10/08/11

Lectio: Mt 22.1-14

“The kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son.” Mt 22.2

“O God, what an ending You have prepared for all of us if we simply do Your will here on earth.

I remember Jesus likened heaven to a wedding feast that a king gives for his son - what a joyful analogy that nevertheless pales in comparison with what Your kingdom is really like.

Grant that I may be always strive to do Your will and in doing so accept Your invitation to Your kingdom.

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

Operatio: Reflect on “God’s kingdom” - a King’s wedding feast; a wonderful vineyard, a place of joy and happiness, a great place we cannot conceive according to St. Paul; a place that is pure gift from our God to us; Pray for the grace to do God’s will and accept God’s gift to us.

Tomorrow’s readings: Lk 11.29-32

10/07/11

Lectio: Lk 11.27-28

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

“O God, You have planted within us a desire for happiness and provided us with the means to work towards it.

I remember Your Son gave us the best way to do so - doing Your will as made known by Him through His preaching and through Your prophets and through those who exercise legitimate authority over us.

Grant that I may be always attentive to Your words and put them into practice so that I may one day come to that state of blessedness You desire for all.

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

Operatio: Reflect on “blessedness” - a state of being; a listening to and doing God’s will; not always easy but always worthwhile; our destiny. Resolve to pray for the grace to observe God’s words and put them into practice in my daily life for thereby I will come to the destiny God wants for me.

Tomorrow’s readings: Mt 22-1-14

10/06/11

Lectio: Lk 11.15-26

“If I [Jesus] drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your own people drive them out?” Lk 11.17

“O God, You know we are obstinate even in the face of the obvious.
I remember Jesus cast out demons which obviously requires divine power, yet the people who saw this refused to accept Your power at work.

Grant that I may be always open to the many ways in which You manifest Yourself and rejoice in these ways in which You bless us.

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

Operatio: Reflect on “exorcism” - the driving out of evil spirits; a power beyond human power; the only power more powerful than the power of evil is the power of God. Pray continually for the grace to stay on the side of good so that evil will not prevail in my life.

Tomorrow’s readings: Lk 11.27-28

10/05/11

Lectio: Lk 11.5-13

“And I [Jesus] tell you, ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock at the door it will be opened to you.” Lk 11.9

“O God, You want us to pray to You with confidence.
I remember Jesus said that when we pray, to ask, to seek, to knock and You will respond.

Grant that I may always turn to You in my need and in thanksgiving for You are a gracious God.

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

Operatio: Reflect on “prayer” - lifting up ourselves to God; in our hearts, in our minds, in our words; to ask; to seek; to praise; to thanks. Resolve to pray often throughout the day and allow God to respond in His way and on His time and that will be enough for me.

Tomorrow’s readings: Lk 11.15-26

10/04/11

Lectio: Lk 11.1-4

“He [Jesus] said to them, ‘When you pray, say:

‘Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come.’ Lk 11.2

“O God, You are so majestic that we would not approach You except for the fact Your Son taught us how to do so.

I remember Jesus taught us to pray the ‘Our Father.’

Grant that I may never hesitate to approach You with this beautiful prayer.

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

Operatio: Reflect on “the Our Father” - a prayer of praise to the Father; a prayer for our needs, a prayer to live rightly by forgiving others. Resolve to not only say the “Our Father” but to live its meaning for this is how we best give praise to the Father and how best to attain life for ourselves.

Tomorrow’s readings: Lk 11.5-13

10/03/11

Lectio: Lk 10.38-42

“As they continued on their journey, he [Jesus] entered a village where a woman named, Martha, welcomed him.” Lk 10.38

“O God, a friend of Your Son’s is a friend of Yours.

I remember when Jesus entered Bethany, it was Martha who welcomed Him and because of her hospitality Jesus accepted her welcome.

Grant that I may always remember Your Son’s words that anyone who receives Him receives the One who sent Him; namely You. How great for us!

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

Operatio: Reflect on “hospitality” - a welcoming attitude but more than words; a reaching out for the visitor for his or her comfort; a marked sign of a good person in Judaism; but a marked sign of a good person in any culture; offered without expectation of any reward; but also rewarded by our Heavenly Father. Resolve to make ‘hospitality’ a habit.

Tomorrow’s readings: Lk 11.1-4

10/02/11

Lectio: Lk 10.25-37

“He [Jesus] said in reply, ‘You shall love the Lord, Your God, with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself’.” Lk 10.27

“O God, You made it so easy for us to know how we should live in this life so as to attain to eternal life with You.

I remember Jesus answered a lawyer of the Mosaic Law that can be summed up in one word, ‘Love.’

Grant that I may truly love You and others with compassion as the Good Samaritan of Your Son’s parable did.

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

Operatio: Reflect on “compassion” - mercy, treatment of others beyond what fairness requires; doing of others and not simply feeling for others. In prayer ask for the grace to be a true lover towards all as God wants.


Tomorrow’s readings: Lk 10.38-42

10/01/11

Lectio: Mt 21.33-43

“Jesus said to them,’Did you never read in scriptures, (Ps 118.22, 23) ‘The stone that the builders rejected, has become the cornerstone. By the Lord has this been done and it is wonderful in our eyes’?” Mt 21.42

“O God, despite our depravities, You continue to show us mercy.

I remember Jesus told a parable in which the tenants of a vineyard killed those whom the owner sent to obtain His share of the produce and even killed his son. Yet Your Son would rise from the dead and He is the very source of our salvation - How merciful of You!

Grant that I may be ever grateful for Your great kindness and merciful love - a love that is Your free gift to us.

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

Operatio: Reflect on “cornerstone” - it is the key component of a structure; it is the sign of our spiritual rock; it is a sign of the resurrected Christ through whom we have salivation and everlasting life. It is the reason that we should be most grateful for God’s kindness and mercy to us.

Tomorrow’s readings: Lk 10.25-37