5/08/12 Acts 15.1-6 Meditatio: "The apostles and the presbyters met together to see about this matter.” Acts 15.6 Oratio: "O God, in Your great wisdom You provided a method for resolving matters of faith and morals. I remember when some of the Pharisees who converted to the Way insisted that all believers in the Way had to also comply with circumcision and the Mosaic Law, the apostles and presbyters met to resolve this dispute and with the guidance of Your Spirit they did. Grant that I may willingly accept the pronouncements of Ecumenical Councils and when the Pope speaks infallibly on matters of faith and morals for it is Your way of guiding 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 “conflict resolution;” some by arbitration; some by majority vote; but God’s way is by Councils of Church leaders or by the Pope as head of the church; in prayer thank God for giving us sure guidance in matters of faith and morals and ask for a humble and accepting spirit for this guidance is for the salvation of all. Tomorrow's reading: Acts 15.7-21