4.30.12 Lectio: Gn 1. 26-2.3 Meditatio: “God created man in his own image, kin the divine image he created him; male and female he created them.” Gn 1.27 Oratio: O God, How You love us! I remember You created both male and female in your image - and what an image it is for Your are Love! Grant that I may love You and others in the image You made me - with selfless love; for that is the only way I can really thank 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 "God’s image”; “God is love and he who abides in Love abides in God” 1 Jn 14.6 Tomorrow's reading: Acts 11.19-26

4.29.12 Lectio: Acts 11.1-18 Meditatio: “When they heard this, they stopped objecting and glorified God saying, ‘God has then granted life-giving repentance to the Gentiles, too’.” Act 11.18 Oratio: O God, You have chosen all to be Your people. I remember You made this known through Peter testimony that the Holy Spirit was given to the Gentile household in Caesarea and this overcame the early Jewish-Christian followers of the New Way who did not believe the New Way was anyone except the Jews. Grant that I may be ever grateful for Peter testifying otherwise I may never had heard the Good News and would never have been graced with life-giving repentance. 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 "life giving repentance”; reconciliation with God; the sacrament of Penance; confession with absolution; resurrected life at the end of this life. In prayer thank God for sending the Holy Spirit on the Gentiles, too, so that through them I have received the Good News that life-giving repentance is there for me, too. Tomorrow's reading: Acts 11.19-26

4.28.12 Lectio: Acts 4.8-12 Meditatio: “There is no salvation through anyone else, nor is there any other name under heaven given to the human race by which we are to be saved.” Acts 4.12 Oratio: O God, You so want us to be with You forever! I remember You sent Your Son so that we would know the Way, the Truth and the Life that leads to You. Grant that I may be ever grateful for Jesus and have Your grace to always believe in Him so that I may have resurrected life with 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 "salvation”; rescued, Jesus; meant for all; eternal life with God; in prayer thank God for giving us Jesus so we might be all saved by being persons of love for all. Tomorrow's reading: Acts 11.1-18

4.27.1 Lectio: Acts 9.31-42 Meditatio: “This [Peter raising Dorcas from the dead] became known all over Joppa, and many came to believe in the Lord.” Acts 9.42 Oratio: O God, why do some not accept Your Son and His message? ! I remember Your raised Jesus from the dead and Peter raised Dorcas from the dead, yet not all believed. Why? What more did they want? What more did they need? Grant that I may be open to the many ways You have revealed Yourself and Your Son and be ever grateful for the gift of 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 on "Faith”; a gift; a confident hope in something not yet seen or at hand that it will be; an openness to human testimony and the reasonableness to rely on it; in prayer than God for the many ways He revealed Himself and His Son to us in the beginning and down though the ages; and be ever thankful for the gift of faith. Tomorrow's reading: Acts 4.8-12

4.18.12

Lectio: Acts 5.27-33

Meditatio: “The God of our ancestors raised Jesus though you had him killed by hanging him on a tree.” Acts 5.30

Oratio: O God, You have provided witnesses to the Good News down through the ages.

I remember Your Son testified to the Good News by His life, death and resurrection and His apostles witnessed and defied the Sanhedrin’s order to stop - a disobedience that warranted a death sentence - how brave of the Apostles! How fortunate for us!

Grant that I may be ever grateful to my ancestors in faith and their witnessing to the Good News of Jesus Christ.

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 "Witness”; testify, relate what was seen and/or heard; in prayers thank the Apostles for witnessing to Jesus’ words, deeds and resurrection so that we could come to faith and through faith in Jesus enjoy resurrected life with Him.

Tomorrow's reading: Acts 5.34-42

4.17.12

Lectio: Acts 5.17-26
Meditatio: “We [ the court officers] found the jail securely locked and the guards stationed outside the doors but when we opened them, we found no one inside.” Acts 5.23

Oratio: O God, You so much want all to accept Your Son’s message of salivation and You went to great lengths to convince people.

I remember You not only had the Apostles work miracles in His name but your miraculously freed them from the jail and yet the religious elite did not accept even this miracle - how sad and tragic for them!

Grant that I may always rejoice in the greatest and on-going miracle - the real presence in our Eucharist - and proclaim when it is raised at Mass - ‘My Lord, and My God!”

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 "obstinacy; stubborn, convinced; holding onto an opinion in the face of clear evidence to the contrary; in prayer ask for the grace to be docile so that my mind and heart may be ever open to Your will.

Tomorrow's reading: Acts 5.27-33

4.16.12

Lectio: Acts 4.32-37
Meditatio: “The community of believers was of one heart and mind.” Acts 4. 32a

Oratio: O God, You are One in the Trinity and You desire us to be one, too.
I remember the first Christian communities were one in heart and mind and they thrived because of this unity.

Grant that I may be one in the Body of Christ and a member be a source of encouragement for 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 "one”; unity; indivisible; prime; in prayer thank God for His desiring that we all be one in Christ and that unity will incorporate us into the Unity and Trinity of God - how awesome for us!

Tomorrow's reading: Acts 5.17-26

4.15.12

Lectio: Acts 4.23-31
Meditatio: “as they prayed, the place where they gathered shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit.” Acts 4. 31

Oratio: O God, You are ever present to us and are always faithful even if we are unfaithful.

I remember Your Son sent the Holy Spirit - Your Spirit and His Spirit - to be with us following His earthly death.

Grant that I may be filled with Your Spirit and proclaim the Good News by the life I live.
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 "place...shook”; earthquake; biblical symbol for God’s presence; miraculous signs; in prayer thank God for not leaving us orphans when His Son left this earthly domain of ours because we put Him to death - how terrible a deed on our part; how magnanimous a deed on God’s part!

Tomorrow's reading: Acts 4.32-37

4.14.12

Lectio: Acts 4.32-35
Meditatio: “With great power the apostles bore witness to the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great favors was accorded all.” Acts 4. 33

Oratio: O God, You made sure that he greatest sign of Your Son - His resurrection, would be accepted.

I remember You gave His apostles the power to work miracles as they preached their eye witness of His resurrection after His cruel death so that others would readily believe their testimony and they did.

Grant that I may be ever grateful for their testimony and for Your endorsing it with miracles so that belief in the resurrection would accepted as it is the our faith in His resurrection that is why we are gifted with the same prospects.

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 "great power”; extraordinary, beyond the natural ability; miraculous power; In prayer thank God for the many miracles at the beginning and down through the ages so that faith in the Good News and Jesus’ resurrection may be readily accepted.
Tomorrow's reading: Acts 4.23-31

4.13.12

Lectio: Acts 4.13-21
Meditatio: “What are we to do with these men? Everyone living in Jerusalem knows that a remarkable sign was done through them, and we cannot deny it.” Acts 4. 16

Oratio: O God, You know we are slow to understand and accept things particularly when they pertain to You and Your salvific acts.

I remember the religious elite of Your chosen people rejected the many miracles of Jesus and then of His followers following Jesus’ death even though everyone in Jerusalem was aware of the miracle that Peter performed in curing the paralytic in the name of Jesus.

Grant that I may always be open to the many signs of Your love and presence which You continually manifest for us and then live in accordance with the Good News announced by Your Son.

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 "sign”; indicator; a pointer; a miracle. In prayer thank God for the many miracles He has worked for us so that we would believe and especially for the on-going daily miracle of the Eucharist and then respond by being Eucharist for others.

Tomorrow's reading: Acts 4.32-35

4.12.12

Lectio: Acts 4.1-12
Meditatio: “There is no salvation through anyone else, nor is there any other name under heaven given the human race by which we are to be saved.” Acts 4.12

Oratio: O God, You created us for our good and You redeemed us for our everlasting good.
I remember Peter proclaimed that salvation is through the name of Your Son, whom we crucified.

Grant that I may always rejoice in the goodness of God and in the redeeming love of Jesus.
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 "saved"; rescued; redeemed by Jesus; in prayer thank God for wanting us to be with Him forever; and ask the Holy Spirit for the grace to do my part to make Jesus’ known to those whose lives I touch so that they may experience His redeeming love and accept it.

Tomorrow's reading: Acts 4.13-21

4.11.12

Lectio: Acts 3.11-26

Meditatio: “ For Moses said: 'A prophet like me will the Lord, your God, raise up for you from among your own kinsmen; in him you shall listen in all he may say to you'." Acts 3.22


Oratio: O God, You have watched over us from of old and even when our ancestors in faith were living during their exodus from Egypt.

I remember told them that You would send another prophet like him - and You did and One who would be like Moses and so much more-Your Son!

Grant that I may always be confident in the fact that You watch over us and be ever grateful that You sent Your Son so that all may have life with 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 "prophet"; one who speaks to other about God the things they should know about God for their salvation. May I always speak about Jesus and His message of salvation for it is the Good News!

Tomorrow's reading: Acts 4.1-12

4.10.12

Lectio: Acts 3.1-10

Meditatio: “Peter [said], ‘I have neither silver nor gold, but what I do have I give to you: in the name of Jesus Christ, the Nazorean, [rise and] walk’.” Acts 3. 6

Oratio:"O God, what power Your Son gave to his disciples so that all might more readily believe.

I remember Peter healed a cripple by simply saying in the name of Jesus rise and walk and the man did - how amazing! How powerful the name of Your Son!

Grant that I may rejoice in the power His words still have for they are the words of eternal life for all.

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 Word”; Jesus’ personified; the Primal Word that brought the universe into existence; the Personal Word that brings us into everlasting existence. In prayer thank God for sending His Son to us as His Word in such power.

Tomorrow's reading: Acts 3.11-26

4.09.12

Lectio: Acts 2.36-41

Meditatio: “Peter [said] to them, ‘Repent and be baptized, everyone of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Oratio:"O God, You are so loving and generous to us.

I remember not only did You give us Your Son as our savior but You also gave us baptism so we could become Your children and then most generously gave us Your Holy Spirit - wow!

Grant that I may always show my gratitude by being a good 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 "Holy Spirit”; the third person of the Blessed Trinity; God’s presence in to the world; fullness of the Trinity. In prayer say the beautiful prayer to the Holy Spirit. “Come Holy Ghost, creator blest, and in our hearts take up thy rest. Come with thy grace and heavenly aid, to fill the hearts that Thou hast made. To fill the hearts that Thou has made.”

Tomorrow's reading: Acts 3.1-10

4.08.12

Lectio: Acts 2.14, 22-33

Meditatio: “But God raised him up, releasing him form the throes of death, because it was impossible for him to be held by it.” Acts 2.24

Oratio:"O God, You gave us an unmistakable sign for our faith so we could believe with confidence in Your Son.

I remember You raised Him from the dead on the third day.

Grant that I may always rejoice in this most wonderful sign and I am most grateful that Your Son shared His victory over death with us.

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

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

Operatio: Reflect on "resurrection”; to rise after death; not resuscitation; Jesus rose and spent 40 days on earth so His disciple could say they saw and ate with Him. In prayer thank God for His Son’s mission and His Son’s victory over death for Him and for us.
Tomorrow's reading: Acts 2.36-41

Happy Easter everyone! And may the peace, joy and love of the Risen Lord be with you and yours not only today but everyday.

4.07.12

Lectio: Acts 10.34a, 37-43

Meditatio: “This man [Jesus] God raised [on] the third day and granted that he [Jesus] be visible.” Acts 10.40

Oratio:"O God, how gracious You are in reinforcing our faith in Your Son in a spectacular way.

I remember that on the third day after His death, You raised Him from the dead and there were many eyewitnesses to His being alive and on this earth for another 40 days.

Grant that I may always rejoice in the foundation for my faith in Your Son and His message for You have given Your Son and unequivocal stamp of approval.

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 "raised”; lift up; bring up; restore to life after death; the resurrected Christ. In prayer thank God for giving us the resurrection of Christ as His stamp of approval of His message of salvation and for the grace to accept it in all ways.

Tomorrow's reading: Acts 2.14, 22-33

4.06.12

Lectio: Gn 1-2.2

Meditatio: “God created man in his image; in the divine image he created him, male and female he created them.” Gn 1.27

Oratio:"O God, You created all things but mankind was Your special creation.

I remember that the ancient writers proclaimed that not only did You create human beings but You created them in Your own image - how wonderful!

Grant that I may reflect in my life the image that You have impressed on 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 on "image;” picture; duplicate; reflection; God’s image is Love; in prayer ask for the grace to continual live selfless love for that is the image of my very being for God is love.

Tomorrow's reading: Acts 10.34a, 37-43

4.05.12

Lectio: Is 52.13-53.12

Meditatio: “But he was pierced for our offenses, crushed for our sins.” Is 53.5a
Oratio:"O God, how much You love us despite our faithlessness at times.

I remember the suffering servant of Isaiah was pierced and crushed for our sins - how terrible for him! How loving of You for us!

Grant that I may be always grateful that Your Son willingly took on the role of the Suffering Servant so that we might have life eternal with You - how wonderful!

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 "crushed;” pulverized; made into a pulp; the 40 lashes given to Jesus for our salvation; in prayer thank God for loving us so and for wanting us to be with Him for all eternity.

Tomorrow's reading: Gn 1-2.2

4.04.12

Lectio: Ex 12.1-8, 11-14

Meditatio: “This day shall be a memorial for you, which all generations shall celebrate with a pilgrimage to the Lord, as a perpetual institution.” Ex 12. 14

Oratio:"O God, in Your kindness You have given us a clear sign of our salvation.

I remember You gave Your chosen people the feast of Passover to make present to them Your saving them from slavery in Egypt.

Grant that I may realize that I may ever rejoice and be grateful that You gave us the Eucharist as a daily memorial of our salvation.

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 "memorial;” a commemorative; a to make the past present; a sacrament; in prayer thank Jesus for the Eucharist - the living memorial of our salvation.

Tomorrow's reading: Is 52.13-53.12

4.03.12

Lectio: Is 50.4-9a

Meditatio: “I gave my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who plucked my beard; my face I did not shield from buffets and spitting.” Is 50.6

Oratio:"O God, You did not promise us a rose garden here on earth for those who do Your will.

I remember the suffering Servant of Isaiah experienced beatings, insults and coarse treatment in carrying out the mission You gave him.

Grant that I may realize that suffering is part of the human condition and to offer the sufferings and crude treatment that comes my way to You and thanks giving and knowing You can and will redeem 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 " plucked my beard;” a grave insult according to the biblical comment; how much more to be spitted upon! I prayer thank Jesus for loving us so as to endure all the suffering of that Isaiah suffering servant bore and then so much more- all so that we might have eternal life and happiness, peace and joy forever - how much Jesus loves us!

Tomorrow's reading: Is 61.1-3a, 6a, 8b-9

4.02.12

Lectio: Is 49.1-6

Meditatio: “Yet my reward is with the Lord, my recompense with my God.” Is 49.4b
Oratio:"O God, all You want is Your people to turn to You and serve You.
I remember for this great privilege of serving You, You reward us with life without end - how super generous of You!

Grant that I may serve You always with love and devotion.

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

Operatio: Reflect on " recompense;” reward, consideration; a benefit for a benefit; in prayer thank God for His generosity and for not making this life the end, but a transition to eternal life with Him.

Tomorrow's reading: Is 50.4-9a

4.01.12

Lectio: Is 42.1-7

Meditatio: “I, the Lord, have called you for the victory of justice. I have grasped you by the hand." Is 42.6

Oratio:"O God, You So much want us to do what is right, for that is what gives joy to You for Your goodness.

I remember Your Suffering Servant was sent with the mission to bring victory of justice.

Grant that I may produce with my life the fruits of that victory so as to please You.

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

Operatio: Reflect on " justice." right relationship; with God, others, self. In prayer thank God for sending Jesus so that we might know the right way- Your way; and for the grace to do my part so that His victory of justice will be achieved.

Tomorrow's reading: Is 49.1-6