5/31/13  Mk 11.27-33                                                                   

Meditatio: “and [religious elite] said to him [Jesus], ‘By what authority are you doing these   things? Or who gave you the authority’?” Mk 11. 28             

Oratio: “O God, You know our pride at times  gets in our way of acknowledging You.

I remember the religious elite had seen and heard of the miracles Jesus worked but in their pride they would not accept the obvious - that You were at work in Him. How sad for them!

Grant that I may be as docile as a child when it comes to approaching You and Your works for that will enable me to readily recognize that You are at work and no other.

 I ask these and all things through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with the  Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

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

Operatio: reflect on "who gave...authority”; source of it; miracles a clear sign of source; in prayer thank God for giving us such clear signs that Jesus was from Him and the greatest sign - Jesus resurrection through which He conquered death for us and through whom we live and have our being. Seek the grace to be as docile as a child when it comes to matters of faith for then the obvious will not be missed and we will be greatly blest..

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 9.11b-17           

5/30/13    Lk 1.39-56                                                      

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

Oratio: “O God, You know our need for good example to guide us on the right path and You gave us the best role model in Mary.

I remember Mary didn’t just visit Elizabeth in her pregnancy; but stayed and helped her - for three months! How generous! How caring!

Grant that I may imitate Mary in her generosity, her love and her trust so that my life may also magnify that You are at work through me.

 I ask these and all things through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with the  Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

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

Operatio: reflect on "Most blessed...fruit of your womb”; Elizabeth’s greeting to Mary; Mary was pregnant with Jesus; St. Augustine declared that Mary was more Blessed for believing what God had said to her would be so if she said “Yes!” than for her conceiving and thus Mary is a role model for us - a role model of trust and she did so out of love and so we can imitate her in that as well.

Tomorrow's reading: Mk 11.27-33           

5/29/13     Mk 10.46-52                                        

Meditatio: “Jesus said to him [Bartimaeus] in reply, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ the blind man replied to him, ‘Master, I want to see’.” Mk 10.51

Oratio: “O God, You want us to seek You in our needs;                                           

I remember Jesus asked the blind Bartimaeus what he wanted and Jesus gave him his sight - how amazing! How wonderful! How inviting!

Grant that I may always remember God is there for me in good times and in times of need and always turn to him with praise, thanksgiving and requests.

 I ask these and all things through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with the  Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

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

Operatio: reflect on "blind...see”; an invite; a petition, a miracle needed, a miracle of restored sight granted; in prayer ask for the faith of Bartimaeus and pray at all times with confidence knowing the Jesus wants only what is best for us and allow Him to make that judgment.

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 1.39-56  

5/28/13     Mk 10.32-45                                        

Meditatio: “whoever wishes to be first among you will be your servant.” Mk10.44

Oratio: “O God, Your ways are wonderful and should be imitated by us for our happiness. 

I remember Jesus declared that if we want to be great, serve others and do not lord it over others - how counter to our natural tendencies!

Grant that I may have the grace to apply the wisdom of Jesus to my way of living for through His ways I will achieve my true greatness.

 I ask these and all things through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with the  Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

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

Operatio: reflect on "first...slave of all”; prestige; greatness through service; that is Jesus’ way. In prayer seek the grace to make service of others my way, too; and paradoxically it will satisfy my psychological need to achieve.

Tomorrow's reading: Mk 10.46-52

5/27/13     Mk 10.28-31                                        

Meditatio: “But many that are first, will be last, and [the[ last will be first.” Mk10.31

Oratio: “O God, You know how our self-importance often works against our true importance.

I remember Jesus declared that those who are first will be last. He was referring to the religious elite who should have been the first to accept Him but it was the people who accepted Him first and one would have expected that they would be the last.


Grant that I may with the help of Your grace be humble of heart and willingly accept You and Your ways.

 I ask these and all things through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with the  Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

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

Operatio: reflect on "first...last”; a priority that was forfeited by the religious elite and accepted by the common folk. How tragic for the elite! How great for the ordinary people! In prayer ask for the graces to know who I am and to whom I owe my allegiance and my first love.

Tomorrow's reading: Mk 10.32-45

P.S. A happy Memorial Day to all and do remember in your prayers all who gave their lives for our country so that we could all continue to enjoy our basic freedoms.

5/26/13     Mk 10.17-27                                        

Meditatio: “It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of the needle than for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” Mk 10.25

Oratio: “O God, You know how fickle we are and how easily we a distracted by the things of this world and especially by wealth.

I remember Your Son warned us that those who are rich will have a difficult time entering the Kingdom - why? Because I am sure they will be distracted by what riches can do for them in the here and the now and neglect to live in accordance with Your great Law of Love.


Grant that I may always accept your grace to use the things of this world, including and riches, in accordance with Your desire that we love and reflect in how we use the good things of this life for that is what You want of us; and we can count on You to bring us to Your kingdom.

 I ask these and all things through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with the  Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

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

Operatio: reflect on "camel...eye of needle”; a tight spot; fit through only if camel is unloaded; an idiom which reminds us that riches are a burden and most be off-loaded as a guiding principle for how we live; in prayer ask for the graces to use things of this world as aids to love and not as ends in themselves and if we do, any riches we come by, will not prevent our entering the kingdom of God.

Tomorrow's reading: Mk 5.1-12a

5/25/13          Jn 16.12-15                       

Meditatio: “But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth.” Jn 16.13a

Oratio: “O God, You know how feeble and limited in our knowledge we are so You did not leave us to flounder.

I remember during the OT You guided the people with Your wisdom; and with the NT first Your  Son and then  until the end of time with Your Spirit.

Grant that I may always accept thy truths proclaimed by the Church for the Spirit is the guardian of the truth when the Pope declares a matter infallibly.

 I ask these and all things through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with the  Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

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

Operatio: reflect on "guide...truth”; to show; to enlighten; the truth of the cross; the truth of Jesus death and resurrection, the truth of forgiveness of sins; the truth of eternal life; in prayer always turn to the Holy Spirit and ask Him to enlighten you, guard you, guide you and bring you to eternal life and He will - what a gift!

Tomorrow's reading: Mk 10.17-27                                

5/24/13            Mk 10.13-16

Meditatio: “The he [Jesus] embraced them and blessed them, placing his hands on them.” Mk 10.16

Oratio: “O God, You know our natural instinct is to reach out with love to our children because You have the same affection and love for them.

I remember Your Son made it clear that this is Your way for He embraced and placed His hands on the children who came to Him.

Grant that I may always let You be God and me be me and relate to You as Your child for that is what I am and there is where my happiness lies.
                  
 I ask these and all things through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with the  Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

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

Operatio: reflect on "embraced”; an affectionate gesture towards another; unthinkable for a busy Rabbie to even be bothered with children yet alone show love and affection for them.In prayer seek the attitude of a child when I approach God in prayer or adoration for it reflects who I am and my total dependance on Him;  and I, in turn, will be greatly blest by God who is my Father.

Tomorrow's reading: Jn 16.12-15    

5/23/13  Mk 10.1-12        
                                                                                                                     
Meditatio: “Therefore what God has joined together, no human being must separate.”
Mk 10.9
      
Oratio: “O God, You know how important if is for us to have stable and lasting relationships.

I remember Your Son declared that from the beginning You created man and woman to enter lasting relationships and that no human being should separate them.

Grant that I may always revere and uphold the permanence of marriage and pray for those whose marriages have gone awry so that they may still embrace life for what life has to offer.
                  
 I ask these and all things through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with the  Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

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

Operatio: reflect on "God joined...no human separate”; a clear declaration by Jesus of the permanence of  marriage; in prayer thank God for decreeing the permanence of marriage and for the great benefit for the couple as well as for children born to them; and seek God’s help for those couples whose marriages have broken down, that they may  find their way through life in a wholesome way.

Tomorrow's reading: Mk 10.13-16                         

5/21/13  Mk 9.38-40
                                                                                                                             
Meditatio: “For whoever is not against us is for us.” Mk 9.40
      
Oratio:  "O God, You know how easy it is for us to be jealous; but that is not Your way.

I remember Your Son warned His disciples against exclusiveness.

Grant that I may embrace all who strive to serve You or Your Son even though they do not adhere entirely to our ways.
                  
 I ask these and all things through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with the  Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

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

Operatio: reflect “against...for”; indirect way of determining allies; separateness is not the answer; in prayer seek the grace to be open to others who strive to serve You or Your Son even though they are not part of our faith community.

Tomorrow's reading: Mk 9.41-50 

5/20/13

 Mk    9.30-37                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

Meditatio: “Then he [Jesus] sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, ‘If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be last of all and the servant of all’.” Mk 9.35
      
Oratio:  "O God, Your ways are not our ways but they make so much sense!

I remember when the disciples argued about greatness, Jesus simply told them if you want to be first, serve all - simple but so profound!             

Grant that I may set aside ambition and be content to serve for that is the way of wisdom and Your way.
                  
 I ask these and all things through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with the  Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

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

Operatio: reflect “first...servant”; Jesus came as a the Good Shepherd, He was the greastest; He was the epitome of service; in prayer seek the grace to imitate the shepherd role of Jesus and that will be enough for us.

Tomorrow's reading: Mk 9.38-40

5/19/13

 Mk 9.14-29                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
Meditatio: “Jesus said to him, ‘If you can,’ Everything is possible to one who has faith.”
 Mk 9.23
      
Oratio:  "O God, how You want us to believe in You and Yours!

I remember Jesus responded to the plea ‘if you can’, by healing the boy possessed by a demon and declared that all is possible to one with faith.”

Grant that I may turn to You in all my needs and readily declare that I believe in You and help my unbelief and that will be enough faith to allow You to act.
                  
 I ask these and all things through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with the  Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

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

Operatio: "reflect "you can"; question of ability; Jesus had the ability of God but He required faith if He were to act; even just a little faith; in prayer in time of doubt, do not focus on the doubt but simply declare that you believe and help your lack of faith and that will be enough faith for Jesus to save You.

Tomorrow's reading: Mk 9.30-37

5/18/13  Jn 14.15-16, 23b-26      
                                                                                                                                                                                                      
Meditatio: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” Jn 14.15
      
Oratio:  "O God, Your ways are impossible for us to know and capture completely - but You give us enough for our salvation.

 O God, You have identified clearly what You want of us - You want our love.

I remember Your Son told His disciples at the Last Sipper that keeping His commandments is way we show our love.

Grant that I may ever give my will to You as it is in the will that love abides and thrives.
                  
 I ask these and all things through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with the  Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

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

Operatio: "reflect "keep ...commandments";  Jesus teachings are summed up in the great law of love. Doing the will of another is at the center of love; in prayer ask for the grace to love God above all and others as myself, so that I truly love Jesus as He wishes

Tomorrow's reading: Mk 9.14-29

5/17/13  Jn 21. 20-25                                                                                                                                                                                                
Meditatio: “There are also many other things that Jesus did, but if these were to be described individually, I do not think the whole world could contain the books that would be written.”  Jn 21.25                                                                 
                                                                                                                           
Oratio:  "O God, Your ways are impossible for us to know and capture completely - but You give us enough for our salvation.

I  remember the Evangelist, John, concluded his Gospel by stating there were many other things that Jesus did but that he did not describe -  but what John did write was more than enough to give us the way to salvation.             

Grant that I may be ever in awe at Your majesty and infiniteness; and be ever grateful for the pointing our for us the way back to You.        
                  
 I ask these and all things through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with the  Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

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

Operatio:  reflect on "whole world...contain”; hyperbole, a reminder that the life of a person can not be described fully in writing; rather he or she  must be experienced. In prayer thank the Heavenly Father for the Eucharist for when we receive, we receive Jesus in a real, personal and loving way and we are filled with divine live.

Tomorrow's reading: Jn 14.15-16, 23b

5/16/13
 Jn 21.15-19
                                                                                                                                                                               
Meditatio: “He said to him a third time, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love me?’ Peter was disheartened that he said to him a third time, ‘Do you love me?’ and he said to him, ‘Lord, you know I love you.’ [Jesus] said to him, ‘feed my sheep’.” Jn 21.17
                                                                                                                           
Oratio:  "O God, You know we are weak and we fail you at times but You do not hold that against us.

I  remember Peter denied he knew Your Son three times, but You did not hold that against him and Peter was reconciled with Your Son and simply told to lovingly serve others in His name - how generous and gracious and merciful!

Grant that when I fail, that You will give me the grace to reconcile and to lovingly serve others in Your Son’s name.                               
                  
 I ask these and all things through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with the  Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

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

Operatio:  reflect on "feed...sheep"; feed - the word of Jesus, the Good News; sheep - the flock we are responsible for - our family, our neighbors, our faith community; in prayer seek the grace to feed those whose lives I touch and for whom I am in anyway responsible, with the good news and with love.

Tomorrow's reading: Jn 20-25

5/15/13    Jn 17,20-26                                                                                                                                                                      
Meditatio: Meditatio: "I pray not only for them, but also for those who will believe in me through their word."  Jn 17.20
                                                                                                                           
Oratio:  "O God, Your Son, like you, is concerned about all, present and future believers-how fortunate for us!

I  remember Your Son made His concern quite clear in His prayer to You at the Last Supper when He prayed for all future believers.

Grant that I may be ever grateful to those through whom I received His word, and may I live the word so that Jesus prayer for me bears fruit
                  
 I ask these and all things through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with the  Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

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

Operatio:  reflect on "believe...through"; accept as true on the testimony of another; faith in Jesus because the Apostles and their successors handed on what they had seen and heard; the subject of Jesus' prayer.

Tomorrow's reading: Jn 21.15-19

5/14/13   
Jn. 17.11b-19                                                                                                                                     

Meditatio: “Holy Father, keep them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one just as we are.” Jn 17.11b

Oratio: "O God, You created us to be with You and not separated from You.

I remember Your Son prayed that You would keep His disciples so they would be one with You as He is one with You - how wonderful for us, for we are His disciples, too!

Grant that I may always realize the unity I have with God and with one another through the Eucharist for in that unity is my great destiny.
                  
 I ask these and all things through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with the  Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

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

Reflect: “may be one”; unity; integral part; one - a prime number that cannot be divided; in prayer thank God for creating me to be one with Him and the Trinity; and seek the grace to live in this world in the spirit of unity with which I have been blest.

Tomorrow's reading: Jn 17,20-26 

5/13/13
Jn 15.-17                                                                                                                                             

Meditatio: “This is my commandment: love one another as I love you.” J n 15.12

Oratio: "O God, You so much want us to be like You.

I remember Your Son made it clear that we would be like you if we simply love others as Your love us.

Grant that I may strive to love the other with an unconditional love for that is most pleasing to You and it is also what You ask of us.
                  
 I ask these and all things through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with the  Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

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

Reflect: “love”; an affection; an act of the will which seeks the good of the other for the other’s sake and not for what you might get out of it; this is the love that God has for us; this it the love we should have for others. Seek the grace to be a selfless lover.

Tomorrow's reading: Jn 17,11b-19

5/12/13   Jn 16.29-33                                                                                                                                 
Meditatio: “Behold the hour is coming and has arrived when each of you will be scattered to his own home and you will leave me alone.” Jn 16.32a        

Oratio: "O God, You know how fickle we are.        

I remember just after Jesus’ disciples said they believe in Him, He declared that they would all scatter and leave Him. 

Grant that I may never rely on myself but only on You to persevere in faith and be ever grateful for signs that make it easier to assent to things revealed by Your Son and proclaimed by His Church.
                  
 I ask these and all things through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with the  Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

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

Reflect: “scattered”; flee; abandon, leave in a lurch;  in prayer thank God for the gift of faith and for the many signs He has given us through out the ages to make it easier for us to believe such as the appearance of Our Lady at Fatima in 1917 and the day the sun danced as the sign She gave that She was there.                                         

Tomorrow's reading: Jn 15.9-17  

5/11/13 Jn 17.20-26                                                                                                                     

Meditatio: “I [Jesus] made known to them your name, and I will make it known, that the love with which you love me may be in them and I in them.” Jn 17.26

Oratio: "O God, how fortunate we are that You sent Your Son among us to reveal You as a loving Father and not as a distant, self-absorbed creator.

I remember Jesus declared that You love us as a Father - one can’t ask for a greater relationship than that of love.

Grant that I may always bask in Your love by doing Your will for that is how Your Son told us to relate to You.
                  
 I ask these and all things through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with the  Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

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

Reflect: “name”; your personal identity; God’s name is Father - Abba; a name that not only identifies Him but describes a close relationship when we use it or reflect upon it; in prayer thank God for loving us so and who allows us to call upon Him as our Daddy and be ever respectful and joyful for having such a wonderful God.

Tomorrow's reading: Jn 16.29-33 

5/10/13:  Jn 16.23b–28                                                                                            

Meditatio: “For the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have come to believe that I came from God.” Jn 16.27

Oratio: "O God, wonderfully You are a God who has drawn close to us and not an impersonal God.         

I remember Jesus declared that You love us as the Father - one can’t ask for a greater relationship than that of love.

Grant that I may cherish Your love and respond as a loving child to Your wishes.
                  
 I ask these and all things through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with the  Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

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

Reflect: “love”; precious; cherish, a great affection for another,  amore, agape; in prayer thank God for loving us so and ask for the grace to respond with love to Him and to those whose lives we touch in His name.

Tomorrow's reading: Jn 17.20-26 

5/09/13:  Jn 16.20-23                                                                               

Meditatio: “So you also are now in anguish. But I will see you again,  and your hearts will   rejoice and no one will take your joy away from you.” Jn 10;.22

Oratio: "O God, You know how we would miss Your Son after He ascended to You gave us the antidote.

I remember Jesus declared that we would see Him again and we will experience joy - a joy that no one can take away.

Grant that I may be glad of heart because Jesus lives in me and among us..
                  
 I ask these and all things through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with the  Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

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

Reflect: “anguish”; sadness, sorrow; in prayer thank Jesus for ascending so one day we too will ascend and be with Him forever and rejoice   in the fact that He is present to us even now in those amongst us and He dwells in us.

Tomorrow's reading: Jn 16.23b–28

5/08/13: Lk 24.46-53                                                                  

Meditatio: “As he blessed them, he parted from them and was taken up to heaven.” Lk 24.51  

Oratio: "O God, You brought Your Son back to You once His earthly mission was over..

I remember Luke, the Evangelist, recorded that as Jesus blest His disciples, He was taken up to heaven - how deserving for Him! How prophetic for us!

Grant that I may always readily believe in the Ascended Lord as He is among us and dwells within us and He continues to love us very much.
                  
 I ask these and all things through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with the  Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

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

Reflect: “heaven”; a physical reality - the galaxies, the sky, the stars; a spiritual reality; God’s presence; He is everywhere and He is especially among us and dwells within us; in prayer thank Jesus for always being here for us and let us seek the grace to do His will as our way of saying thanks.      

Tomorrow's reading: Jn 16.20-23

5/07/13: Jn 16.12-15                                                      

Meditatio: “But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth.” Jn 16.13a 


Oratio: "O God, You sent Your Spirit to be with us after Your Son returned to You and to guide us on this earthly journey back to You - how important and necessary the gift of Your Spirit.
.
I remember Jesus said that the Spirit would do just that for us and it was His way of assuring us that we would not be alone until He came again.

Grant that I may be ever mindful of Your presence and allow the Holy Spirit to enlighten me, strengthen me, guide me and guard in my way back to You for it is the assured way.
                  
 I ask these and all things through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with the  Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

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

Reflect:  "truth”; that which is; God is All-Truth; the opposite of false; in prayer thank God for sending His Spirit to us so that we might know those things that are needed for our salvation and then to be guided by the truth that is revealed to us and especially that is revealed to us through the Church.

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 24.46-53 

5/06/13: Jn 16.5-11                                           

Meditatio: “But I tell you the truth, it is better for you that I go. For if I do not go, the Advocate will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.” Jn 16.7

Oratio: "O God, how wonderfully You provide for us.                                        
.
I remember after You sent Your Son as one of us and it was time for Him to return to You, You had Him send the Holy Spirit to be Your continuing presence to us. .

Grant that I may be ever mindful of Your presence and allow the Holy Spirit to enlighten me, strengthen me, guide me and guard in ways that are everlasting.
                  
 I ask these and all things through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with the  Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

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

Reflect:  "Advocate”; the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity; God’s presence in the world; seek the grace to always pray: “Come Holy Ghost, creator blest, and in our hearts take up thy rest. Come with thy grace and heavenly aid to fill the hearts which thou has made.” And then allow the Holy Spirit to have full sway in my life.

Tomorrow's reading:  Jn 16.12-15

5/05/13: Jn 15.26-16.4a                            

Meditatio: “They will expel you from the synagogue; in fact, the hour is coming when everyone who kills you will think he is offering worship to God.” Jn 16.2

Oratio: "O God, without Your revelation we would definitely go astray.                     
.
I remember Jesus foretold that His disciples would be thrown out of the synagogue and martyred and those doing it will perversely think they are doing You worship.

Grant that I may be ever grateful for revealing through Your Son what You want of us and especially how You want us to give You thanks and praise.
                  
 I ask these and all things through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with the  Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

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

Reflect:  "expel”; to cast out; to punish by banishing; in prayer ask for the grace to always give thanks and praise to You in the manner You desire and deserve and always be mindful that the other may not yet know You or Your will and refrain from judging them.

Tomorrow's reading:  Jn 16.5-11

5/04/13:

Jn 14.23-29                

Meditatio: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you. ” Jn 14.27a

Oratio: "O God, how great You treat us with among Your gifts is the gift of peace.
.
I remember Jesus, at the Last Supper, gave the gift of peace to His disciples and through them to all who believe in Him.                  

Grant that I may live always in the spirit and peace of Christ - two of Your great gifts to us.
                  
 I ask these and all things through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with the  Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

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

Reflect:  "peace”; not a worldly one; not simply a cessation of hostilities; but a gift of loving concern for the needs of the other above one’s own concerns; and living a life a selfless love; therein lies the Peace of Christ and the source of lasting joy for all of us.

Tomorrow's reading:  Jn 15.26-16.4a

5/03/13:

Jn 15.18-21

Meditatio: “If the world hates you, realize it hated me first.” Jn 15.18

Oratio: "O God, You know that if we are forewarned, we will be prepared.
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I remember You Son told us we will be hated because He was hated - but don ‘t be discouraged for is a sign we have been called by You.

Grant that I may respond to hatred with love for that is Your way and love will ultimately overcome all.
                  
 I ask these and all things through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with the  Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.


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

Reflect:  "World... hates you”; secularism and religious are at times in conflict; presently the institution of marriage is under attack by the secularist who see marriage with only one primary purpose - the good of the couple and not a dual purpose - the good of children. In prayer thank God for loving all of us so even those who on the surface do not love Him or even deny Him for we all His children and He will never abandon us nor stop loving us.

Tomorrow's reading:  Jn 14.23-29 

5/02/13:

Jn 15.18-21

Meditatio: “If the world hates you, realize it hated me first.” Jn 15.18

Oratio: "O God, You never promised that this life would be easy - yet You did provide a wonderful remedy - Your Son.
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I remember Jesus declared that we would experience hatred for following Him.

Grant that I may imitate Jesus and respond to hatred with love as that is the most effective way of dealing with hatred.
                  
 I ask these and all things through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with the  Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

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

Reflect:  "hates”; despises; looks down upon the other; treating the other as if they were dirt; in prayer seek the grace to love those who hate me for that is the best way of saying thanks to Jesus for all He has and continues to do for me.

Tomorrow's reading:  Jn 14.23-29

5/01/13:

Jn 15.9-11

Meditatio: “If you  keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and remain in his love." Jn 15.10

Oratio: "O God, You want us to be joyful and You provided the way.
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I remember Your Son told us to remain in His love and our joy would be complete -what a simple formula but what a challenge and what a reward!

In prayer I ask for the grace to love Jesus always and to reflect that love in my love of others.

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

Reflect:  "remain...love";  to be; a state of being; to be for the other for the other's need; in prayer thank Jesus for loving us so and for the joy we receive for loving others

Tomorrow's reading:  Jn 14.6-14