9/30.13

Lectio: : Lk 9.51-56       
                     
Meditatio: “When the disciples James and John saw this they asked, ‘Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them’?” Lk 9.54         

Oratio: O God, how merciful You are to us!                                

I remember Jesus’s disciples wanted to rain down fire upon the Samaritan village, because they would not welcome Jesus out of religious  prejudice - but Jesus rebuked them for such an attitude.

Grant that I may be ever grateful that You are so kind and merciful and patient with us so that even when we reject You, You continue to give us more and more opportunities all the days of our life. Why? Because You so much want us to return to You and our heavenly home.

I ask this and all things in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You
and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

Contemplatio: spend some time in silence and meditate on the selected passage and hear what
God is saying to you.

Operatio: reflect on "call down fire...consume”; even if we receive an unwarranted rejection, we should never use our power to take revenge; in prayer ask for the grace to remember revenge is the Lord’s and He is kind and merciful and He alone knows the heart and the future. Thank God our lives our in His hands.

Tomorrow's reading: Mt 18.1-5, 10

9.29.13

Lectio: : Lk 9.46-50       
                     
Meditatio: “An argument arose among the disciples about which of them was the greatest.”
Lk 9.46          

Oratio: O God, how petty we are at times!                                 

I remember Jesus’s disciples, almost immediately after  hearing of Jesus’ prediction for the second time of His Passion, had only one concern - who among them is the greatest.

Grant that I may be ever humble like a child and allow what honors come my way is not something I seek but come of their own accord, for honor and glory belong to the Lord.

I ask this and all things in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You
and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

Contemplatio: spend some time in silence and meditate on the selected passage and hear what
God is saying to you.

Operatio: reflect on "argument... greatest”; how sad that the disciples at the time when Jesus was perhaps most in need of their support, were concerned about positions of honor. In prayer ask for the grace to be like a child, one who has no rights and who is totally dependent on others with respect to honors which may come my way in life; knowing that all that I am and all that I may become is a gift of God to me.

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 9.51-56      

9.28.13

Lectio: Lk 16.19-31                                        

Meditatio: “Then Abraham said, ‘If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded if someone should rise from the dead’!” Lk 16.31

Oratio: O God, how stubborn and unbelieving we can be!                                 

I remember Jesus told us in His parable about the rich man and the poor man, that people would not believe even if that person should rise from the dead.

Grant that I may be ever open to what Jesus taught for He has risen and He will come again and He is the Way, the Truth and the Life.

I ask this and all things in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You
and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

Contemplatio: spend some time in silence and meditate on the selected passage and hear what
God is saying to you.

Operatio: reflect on "neither...persuaded...rise...dead”; the sad state of affairs predicted by Jesus Who rose from the dead for many will not accept HIs Good News; in prayer seek an increase in faith for myself and for those whose lives I touch so that Jesus’ message of love may be our guiding principle through this life and our key to everlasting life.

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 9.46-50       

9.27.13

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 9.43b-45          





Lectio:  Lk 9.43b-45                           

Meditatio: “Pay attention to what I am telling you. The Son of Man is to be handed over to men.” Lk 9.44    

Oratio: O God, at times even the obvious is not obvious to us!                                 

I remember Jesus predicted His passion very clearly saying that He would be handed over to men, but we are told His disciples did not understand it.

Grant that I may be open to what You reveal to me and not let my desires determine Your message.

I ask this and all things in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You
and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

Contemplatio: spend some time in silence and meditate on the selected passage and hear what
God is saying to you.

Operatio: reflect on "Pay attention...handed over”; Jesus predicted His passion and yet, His disciples heard but did not hear; why? Perhaps because they had their own view of the future for Jesus and one of glory and not one of failure; in prayer seek to be open to what God wishes to reveal to me and not what I simply want God to do for me.

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 16.19-3

9.26.13

Lectio:  Lk 9.18-22                            

Meditatio: “Then he [Jesus] said to them [disciples], ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Peter said in reply, ‘The messiah of God’.”Lk 9.21    

Oratio: O God, how dense we are at times!                                                      

I remember Jesus came proclaiming the Kingdom of God is at hand and worked all kinds of miracles and yet most did not recognize who He is.

Grant that I may be like Peter and always recognize Jesus for Who He is and especially when He is present in the poor, the oppressed and the marginalized                               

I ask this and all things in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You
and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

Contemplatio: spend some time in silence and meditate on the selected passage and hear what
God is saying to you.

Operatio: reflect on "Who....Messiah”; each of us must answer this question who Jesus is and  our response to Him and His message must reflect our answer. In prayer seek the grace to always accept Jesus as our Lord, God and Savior and Brother and put His message into practice in the way we live.

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 9.43b-45          

9..25.13

Lectio:  Lk 9.7-9                              

Meditatio: “But Herod said, ‘John I beheaded. Who then is this about whom I hear such things?’ And he kept trying to see him.” Lk 9.9

Oratio: O God, You continue to search for us even when we have done very wrong things.

I remember Herod was attracted to Jesus even though Herod had beheaded John, the Baptist, out of cowardice and simply to save his face.

Grant that I may avoid judging others regardless of the adverse notoriety which is put out there about them for God in His infinite mercy will seek them to the end of his or her days.

I ask this and all things in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You
and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

Contemplatio: spend some time in silence and meditate on the selected passage and hear what
God is saying to you.

Operatio: reflect on "Who....kept trying to see”; in prayer seek the grace of see others through the eyes of mercy and compassion for that is God’s way and as His children, it should be our way, too.

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 9.18-22           

9.24.13

Lectio:  Lk 9.1-6                              

Meditatio: “He [Jesus] said to them, ‘Take nothing for the journey, neither walking stick, nor sack, nor food, nor money, and let no one take a second tunic’.” Lk 9.3

Oratio: O God, You want us to rely entirely upon You in doing Your will.

I remember Jesus instructed the Twelve when He sent them out on their missions to take nothing with them - in short to rely strictly on God to provide through others when doing His work.

Grant that I may always strive to utterly detached from reliance on my talents and my treasure in serving You and rely strictly on You to see me through Your mission for me.

I ask this and all things in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You
and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

Contemplatio: spend some time in silence and meditate on the selected passage and hear what
God is saying to you.

Operatio: reflect on "take nothing”; absolute reliance on those to whom you are sent by God to provide for your temporal needs; in prayer seek the grace of detachment which is not easy but which gives great honor and glory to God when  we totally trust Him and not ourselves to accomplish His mission using us as His instruments.

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 9.7-9             

9.23.13

Lectio:  Lk 8.19-21                            

Meditatio: “He [Jesus] said in reply, ‘My mother and brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it’.” Lk 8.21

Oratio: O God, what wonderful news to learn that we are all  invited to be members of Your family!

I remember Jesus declared that His family is not based on biological relationships but on doing Your will - what a privilege He made known to us.

Grant that I may always strive to do Your will so that I may be a member of Your family forever.

I ask this and all things in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You
and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

Contemplatio: spend some time in silence and meditate on the selected passage and hear what
God is saying to you.

Operatio: reflect on "mother and brothers...hear...act”; we become members of Jesus’ family by listening to the word of God and acting on it. We are so fortunate for to know Jesus is to know the Word of God; in prayer seek the grace to always do what Jesus would do and our Brother will be delighted with us.

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 9.1-6             

9.22.13

Lectio:  Lk 8.16-18                            

Meditatio: “No one who lights a lamp conceals it with a vessel or sets it under a bed; rather. He places it on a lampstand so those who enter may see the light.” Lk 8.16

Oratio: O God, You want all to hear and heed the Good News that Your Son proclaimed.

I remember Jesus told the parable of the lamp and the point is that the message received is to be made known and not hidden and that has been the mission of His followers ever since.

Grant that I may make known the Good News by the life I live so that to the best of my ability I manifest Christ to others.

I ask this and all things in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You
and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

Contemplatio: spend some time in silence and meditate on the selected passage and hear what
God is saying to you.

Operatio: reflect on "lamp...conceal...; lampstand”; lamp symbolizes our faith; it is to shine forth and not be kept under wraps so that more and more will come to know the Good News and abide by it; in prayer seek the grace to spread the Good News by word and especially by deeds so that others will come to know Christ’s saving message.

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 8.19-21

9.21.13

Lectio:  Lk 16.1-13                            

Meditatio: “No servant can serve two masters. He will either hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.” Lk 16.13

Oratio: O God, You desire our whole self in our response to You.

I remember Jesus told the parable about a dishonest steward and He made it clear that we cannot be servants of money and servants to You for You want and we need to give You are wholehearted commitment for Your honor and our ultimate happiness.

Grant that I may be ever mindful of the dangers of wealth and seek the grace of dependence only on God and not on what I have accumulated in this life.

I ask this and all things in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You
and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

Contemplatio: spend some time in silence and meditate on the selected passage and hear what
God is saying to you.

Operatio: reflect on "serve God...mammon”; Lasting Wealth versus temporal wealth; the choice is easy when put in terms of opposition for the desire of God is for our whole heart, our whole soul and our whole strength and to have complete reliance on Him and not on wealth. In prayer seek the grace to let God be God and to give God what He desires - our total love.

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 8.16-18           

9.19.13

Lectio: Lk 8.1-3         

Meditatio: “Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, Susanna, and many others who provided for them out of their resources.” Lk 8.3         

Oratio: O God, how You hold Your creatures in great respect!

I remember Jesus in His missionary work allowed women to come with Him and His disciples - contrary to the culture of His time.            

Grant that may always be respectful of all of God’s creation and remember that God has made all equal in His eyes.

I ask this and all things in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You
and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

Contemplatio: spend some time in silence and meditate on the selected passage and hear what
God is saying to you.

Operatio: reflect on "many...provided...resources”; women were important to the spread of Good News in its infancy for they provided the material support for Jesus’ itinerant ministry; in prayer thank God for giving all His creatures a place in His eternal Kingdom and always show respect and gratitude for the unsung but important roles which women played in the initial spread of the Good News and in the important roles that they continue t play for we all beneficiaries of them.

Tomorrow's reading: Mt 9.9-13            

9.18.13

9.18.13

Lectio: Lk 7:36-50

Meditatio: “He (Jesus) said to her, 'Your sins are forgiven'.  The others at table  said to themselves,  'Who is this, who even forgives sins'?"Lk 7.48-49

Oratio: O God, how kind and merciful You show us You are!

I remember Jesus declared in front of all the dinner guests that the woman's sins were forgiven so she did not have to hope they were.

Grant that may always be grateful that Your Son gave us the sacrament of reconciliation for through it we are given a clear sign that we have been forgiven of our sins.

I ask this and all things in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You
and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

Contemplatio: spend some time in silence and meditate on the selected passage and hear what
God is saying to you.

Operatio: reflect on "Who...forgives sins"; only God and God's ordained have this power for the latter were given this power that first Easter Sunday evening; in prayer seek the grace to use the sacrament of Penance whenever I have the misfortune to commit a serious offense for I can then continue on my journey to the Heavenly Father knowing that I am right with Him.

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 8.1-3

9.17.13

Lectio: Lk 7.31-35

Meditatio: “Then to what shall I [Jesus] compare the people of this generation? What are they like? They are like children who sit in the marketplace and call to one another, ‘We played the flute for you, but you did not dance. We sang a dirge, but your did not weep’.” Lk 7.31-32a

Oratio: O God, You know how fickle we are and how dense at times - but You are so patient with us and so much want us to successfully journey back to You.

I remember Jesus told a parable about the attitude of us and that we are like two groups of children  who want to play but who do not respond to the wants of the others and He made it clear that the point of His parable is that John the Baptist called them to reform but they ignored him and similarly He called them to reform and they ignored Him - yet happily for us Jesus continued to minister to them and we are the great beneficiaries.

Grant that may always listen to Your word as proclaimed by the Church for She issues the call and gives us the right guidance for the journey of life.

I ask this and all things in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You
and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

Contemplatio: spend some time in silence and meditate on the selected passage and hear what
God is saying to you.

Operatio: reflect on "played flute...sand dirge”; children playing a wedding.. playing a funeral; complete opposite play. John the Baptist’s message was somber while Jesus message was one of joy but both called us to engage effectively the journey to the Father. In prayer I ask for the grace to always listen to our Mother Church and to do what is asked of me on the journey to the Father.

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 7.36-50        

9.16.13

Lectio: Lk 7.11-17

Meditatio: “He [Jesus] stepped forward and touched the coffin, at this the bearers halted, and he said, “Young man, I tell you, arise!” The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother.” Lk7.14-15                          

Oratio: O God, You watch over us with loving care and You are mindful of us in our grief and not only are You always there for to share our burden but at times You do marvelous things for us.      

I remember Jesus raised from the dead the only son of the widow of Nain for He was mindful of her grief and also for the loss of the only source of help in this life as there was no Social Security in those days and the son was expected to help his parents.

Grant that may always have recourse to Jesus in my need knowing that He is always there for me and He will always share with me my burdens and in the sharing, the carrying of the burdens will be lighter.

I ask this and all things in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You
and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

Contemplatio: spend some time in silence and meditate on the selected passage and hear what
God is saying to you.

Operatio: reflect on "touched the coffin...arise!”; a gesture and a command and the most amazing result; a resuscitation of the only son of the widow of Nain; in prayer seek the grace to always to turn to Jesus in Your need and then do what you are able and allow Him to do the rest; whether He will work a miracles is up to Him but in a real sense a miracle has already occurred in Your turning to Him with confidence in Your need.

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 7.31-35 

9.15.13

9/15/13

Lectio: Lk 7.1-10 

Meditatio: “Therefore, I [the centurion] did not consider myself worthy to come to you; but say the word and let my servant be healed.” Lk 7.7      

Oratio: O God, You know our innate goodness and You respond to those who seek You.

I remember Jesus healed the servant of the centurion (a Gentile) because the centurion’s faith in Jesus even though he was not a follower and Jesus did so by word alone.

Grant that may always have recourse to Jesus in my need knowing that if my desires are in accordance with His will, He will answer me as He answered the centurion.

I ask this and all things in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You
and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

Contemplatio: spend some time in silence and meditate on the selected passage and hear what
God is saying to you.

Operatio: reflect on "not...worthy; word...healed”; none of us is worthy but that does not matter to Jesus, if we approach Him with the faith of the Centurion, He will act on our behalf and respond with what He knows is best; in prayer seek the grace to always go prayer with the faith of the centurion and allow Jesus to answer them as He knows best and on His timetable.

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 7.11-17 

9/14/13

Lectio: Lk 15.1-32

Meditatio: “In just the same way, I [Jesus] tell you, there will be rejoicing among the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”Jn15.10     

Oratio: O God, You know we are often morally weak and often lose our Way - yet You continually seek us.

I remember Jesus told two parables - one about a lost coin and the other about a lost sheep - and the underlying message was that He had come for sinners and there will be great rejoicing when they are found and return to the right way.

Grant that might heart and mind may be always open to You and that I may have the grace to hear Your voice if I become lost through sin so that I may return to You and be part of Your fold.

I ask this and all things in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You
and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

Contemplatio: spend some time in silence and meditate on the selected passage and hear what
God is saying to you..

Operatio: reflect on "rejoicing...one sinner repents”; the message of Jesus’ parables about the Lost Coin and the Lost Sheep for He seeks the lost - the sinners - and great rejoicing occurs in heaven because of their return to the fold; in prayer seek the grace to always listen to the voice of Jesus and for the grace of repentance if I should sin, so that I may once again be part of His flock.

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 7.1-10  

9.13.13

Lectio: Jn 3.13-17

Meditatio: “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.” Jn 3.17

Oratio: O God, You desire that all come back to You and You provided the Way.

I remember You sent Your Son into the world so that the world might be saved through Him; and while here, Jesus declared that He is the way, the truth and the life and that all who believe in Him though they die shall live.

Grant that I my always grateful for Your love and for sending Your Son to guide us back to You and for  Your gift of eternal life.

I ask this and all things in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You
and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

Contemplatio: spend some time in silence and meditate on the selected passage and hear what
God is saying to you..

Operatio: reflect on "condemn...saved”; Jesus divine mission was to carry out the will of His Father that He should not lose anyone for whom He was sent, but that He should bring them to eternal life (Jn 6.39). What a gift! What a savior! How fortunate we are to be His brothers and sisters through baptism for we can be confident that the Heavenly Father would have sent Jesus for His siblings; so rejoice and be glad and show gratitude by living in accord with the Great Law of Love.

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 15.1-32

9.12.13

Lectio: Lk 6.39-42

Meditatio: “No disciple is superior to his teacher, but when fully trained, every disciple will be like his teacher.” Lk 6. 40

Oratio: O God, Your Son gave us radical teachings for His day - love your enemies, lend without expecting repayment, the Golden Rule - and He also gave us a the help to live them - among other help, His disciples.

I remember He declared that every disciple will be like his teacher when they are fully trained - and down through the ages His disciples have been trained so that His followers will know and be guided in the ways of truth.

Grant that I always strive to impart to  others the truths in which I have been trained, so that they too may become true brothers and sisters of the Lord.

I ask this and all things in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

Contemplatio: spend some time in silence and meditate on the selected passage and hear what
God is saying to you..

Operatio: reflect on "trained...like teacher”; a disciple is taught by His master and learns well the truths but he always remains a student who is called to teach others; grant that I may always have the grace to remember the truths in which I have been trained so that I can impart them to those whose lives I touch and who are seeking the right path so that they my be blest..

Tomorrow's reading: Jn 3.13-17

9.11.13

Lectio: Lk 6.27-38

Meditatio: “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” Lk 6.31

Oratio: O God, Your Son gave us a simple but profound way to treat others.

I remember He proclaimed the Golden Rule was to be our guiding principle.

Grant that I always strive to do for others as I would want them to do to me and I will be relating and treating others rightly.

I ask this and all things in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

Contemplatio: spend some time in silence and meditate on the selected passage and hear what
God is saying to you..

Operatio: reflect on "Golden Rule"; treat others as You wish to be treated; we all know how we want others to do for us; in prayer seek the grace to always follow the a Golden Rule and we will be blest and the other will, too.

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 6.39-42

9.10.13

Lectio:  Lk 6.20-26                                                                                                       

Meditatio: “And raising his [Jesus} eyes toward his disciples he said,
                      ‘Blessed are you who are poor, for the kingdom of God is yours’.” Lk 6.20

Oratio: O God, Your Son showed very clearly His and Your concern for the poor.

I remember not only did He announce when He began His public ministry that He had come to proclaim a year of favor for the poor; but in His Sermon on the Mount which He opened with the Beatitudes, the first one’s mentioned are the poor - and His blessing was for all who are poor - economically as well as spiritually.

Grant that I always strive to be poor in spirit for all that I have is a blessing and none of what I have can I hold onto; but I can always hold onto a blessing from You and it is the only wealth which lasts.

I ask this and all things in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

Contemplatio: spend some time in silence and meditate on the selected passage and hear what
 God is saying to you..

Operatio: reflect on "Blessed...poor”; a state of happiness; poor - a state of economic distress; a blessing for those who suffered economically as well as those who our spiritually poor; and may I always use rightly material goods that come into my possession or control knowing they are means and not ends and that only the blessing of the Lord is everlasting.

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 6.27-38            

9.09.13

Lectio:  Lk 6.12-19                                                                                                       

Meditatio: “When day came, he [Jesus] called his disciples to himself, and from them he chose Twelve, whom he also named apostles.” Lk 6.13       

Oratio: O God, Your Son showed very clearly the importance of prayer.

I remember before He chose the Twelve, he spent the night in prayer - in this He showed how important prayer is for it puts us in intimate touch with You - our loving and caring God.

Grant that I always strive to say my daily prayers, beginning with the Morning Offering, so that my entire day is a prayer to You, who are All Good and deserving of all my love.

I ask this and all things in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

Contemplatio: spend some time in silence and meditate on the selected passage and hear what
 God is saying to you..

Operatio: reflect on "Twelve....apostles”; the 12 selected were with Jesus from the beginning and at His Ascension they would receive the great commission to go out and bring the Good News to all the nations and in this they  earned the title that Jesus gave to them when He called them; and may I always rejoice in the fact that we have an unbroken chain of successors to these apostles to this very day to assure us of the revealed truths that are so important to us for our salvation.

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 6.20-26    

9.08.13

Lectio:  Lk 6.6-11                                                                                                        

Meditatio: “On another sabbath he went into the synagogue and taught, and there was a man there whose right hand was withered.” Lk 6.6        

Oratio: O God, Your Son came to reveal what You want of us and not what men over the ages thought you wanted.

I remember Jesus healed a man on the sabbath in front of the religious leaders in a synagogue and made it clear that their man-made rule that curing or healing on a sabbath was work and forbidden to do on the sabbath was not God’s way or rule.

Grant that I always strive to learn and apply the way that God wants me to act and interact and to always remember that all of His Laws and all that His prophets revealed are summed up in the Great Law of Love and thus I have an easily understood frame of reference for acting in times of doubt.

I ask this and all things in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

Contemplatio: spend some time in silence and meditate on the selected passage and hear what
 God is saying to you..

Operatio: reflect on "taught...withered”; Jesus had the authority and used it in His teachings for our good and sad to say the ones who should have welcomed it, the religious leaders, resented it; grant that I may always be opened to God’s ways and especially as it is revealed in my following the Great Law of Love in my daily life; for then, I will be given God what He desires and deserves

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 6.12-19                  

9.07.13

Lectio:  Lk 14.25-33                                                                                                         

Meditatio: “In the same way, everyone of you who does not renounce all his possessions cannot be my disciple.” Lk 14.33  

Oratio: O God, Your Son made it very clear what the requirements of discipleship are - a total commitment to Him!

I remember Luke recorded a very hard saying of Jesus regarding the demands of being a follower - no one, father, mother, wife, children, brother or sister - can come before Jesus.

Grant that I may always keep my priorities straight -  God, others and then self so that I may begin to meet the requirements of being a follower of Jesus who is my life, my love, my source of all that is good.

I ask this and all things in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

Contemplatio: spend some time in silence and meditate on the selected passage and hear what
 God is saying to you..

Operatio: reflect on "renounce all”; give up and no longer consider my possessions - mine so that Jesus has first claim on me before even  my family. In prayer may I have the grace and accept the grace to follow Jesus more nearly, know Him more clearly, and love Him more dearly, day by day and I will begin to meet the demands of discipleship which I so much desire to do His will.

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 6.6-11                   

9.06.13

Lectio:  Lk 6.1-5                                                                                                            

Meditatio: “Jesus said to them in reply, ‘Have you not heard what David did when he and those who were with him were hungry’?” Lk 6.3    

Oratio: O God, You provided Your commandments to us for our spiritual and temporal good and welfare but You also expect to realize when they apply and when they do not.

 I remember You commanded us to keep holy the Sabbath and we do so by abstaining from servile work; but that is not an absolute command and the demands of charity such as responding to the hunger and sickness takes precedence and Jesus made this clear in His response to the Pharisees when they criticized His disciples for picking grain on the Sabbath.

Grant that I may rejoice in Your great concern for our well being and the guidance to attain it  in the Commandments You gave us.

I ask this and all things in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

Contemplatio: spend some time in silence and meditate on the selected passage and hear what God is saying to you..

Operatio: reflect on "David did...hungry”; a good example for the Pharisees ; David is the lead figure for them and for all and a very good example of why the prohibition of work on the Sabbath is not an absolute.  In prayer may I always remember that the requirements of charity and works of mercy take precedence in following Your Commandment to keep holy the Sabbath for that is how I best serve You.                  

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 14.25-33          

9.05.13

Lectio:  Lk 5:33-39                                                                                                          

Meditatio: “Jesus answered them [the disciples of John], ‘Can you make the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them?” Lk 5.34
Oratio: O God, how obstinate we are!

 I remember Jesus reminded the disciples of John the Baptist that the purpose of fasting - to hasten the coming of the Messiah - and by His answer declared that He was the Messiah - but they missed the point.

Grant that I may rejoice that Jesus, is the Messiah, and to fast periodically until He comes again at the end of time or the end of my life time for that is the purpose of fasting.

I ask this and all things in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

Contemplatio: spend some time in silence and meditate on the selected passage and hear what God is saying to you..

Operatio: reflect on "guests....fast”; unthinkable; and so is it unthinkable for one to fast since Jesus is the bridegroom - Messiah- and He was with them; in prayer may I be aware that Jesus is present to us in a variety of ways and may I willingly serve Him and recognize Him in the other.                  

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 6.1-5  

9.04.13

Lectio:  Lk 5:1-11                                                                                                           

Meditatio: “ After he (Jesus) had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into the deep and lower your nets for a catch'." Lk 5.4

Oratio: O God, how You seek us!

I remember Jesus told Peter to put out into the deep waters, and he did and he caught an enormous amount of fish even though Peter had been fishing all night and caught nothing!

Grant that I may realize when I am being asked to put out in the deep to catch souls and do so even though I feel it will be useless for God alone knows the depths of the hearts.

I ask this and all things in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

Contemplatio: spend some time in silence and meditate on the selected passage and hear what God is saying to you..

Operatio: reflect on "deep....catch"; a place of potential - danger -fruitful; The Lord knows where the seeds have been sown and fishers and farmers are needed to nurture the growth and bring in the harvest; may I accept the grace to do my part to bring about the desired harvest and go wherever God prompts me.

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 5:33-39

9.03.13

Lectio: Lk 4. 38-44                                                                                             

Meditatio: “He stood over her, rebuked the fever, and it left her [Peter’s mother-in-law]. She got up immediately and waited on them.” Lk 4.38
       
Oratio: O God, what great power You allowed Jesus to use so that we might believe!

I remember Jesus simply spoke and the severe fever left Peter’s mother-in-law; and the normal weakness we experience as we recover from a major illness she did not experience for she was able to immediately act with hospitality.

 Grant that I may be ever in awe at Jesus’ word both to heal the body and the soul and always have recourse to Him in need.  I ask this and all things in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

Contemplatio: spend some time in silence and meditate on the selected passage and hear what God is saying to you.

Operatio: reflect on "rebuked...fever”; Jesus simply spoke and a major fever was cured - a compassionate sign of Jesus’ divinity. In prayer thank Jesus for coming to us and for being our savior and our brother;  and in prayer seek the grace to live as our brother Jesus wishes us to live - life’s of selfless love.
   
Tomorrow's reading: Lk 5.1-11          

9.02.13

Lectio: Lk 4. 31-37                                                                                             

Meditatio: “They were all amazed and said to one another, ‘What is there about his word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirit, and they come out’.” Lk 4.36
       
Oratio: O God, how easy You made it for us to believe!

I remember Jesus spoke and acted with authority over the demons in front of the crowds and they were amazed.

 Grant that I may be an avid reader of Scripture so as to be aware of the many ways You revealed Yourself and Your Son to us so that we would believe and have eternal life.  I ask this and all things in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

Contemplatio: spend some time in silence and meditate on the selected passage and hear what God is saying to you.

Operatio: reflect on "word...power”; Jesus spoke and even the demons responded to His words and commands - a clear sign of His authority and credibility. In prayer thank God for allowing His Son to act with such power so that we would believe and in prayer seek the grace to live the way Jesus commanded we should.

Tomorrow's reading: Lk  4.38-44     

9.01.13

Lectio: Lk 14. 16-30                                                                                             

Meditatio: “They [the Nazarenes] rose up, drove him [Jesus] out of town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which the town had been built, to hurl him down headlong.” Lk 14.29
       
Oratio: O God, how fickle we are! The Nazarenes first marveled at Jesus and His words and His reputation but  because He mentioned that it was to Gentiles that Elijah and Elisha had worked two great miracles - one feeding the widow of Zarepath  for a year despite a famine; and the other curing a leper from Syria; they attempted to kill him by taking Him to the brow of the hill with the intention of throwing Him down.

Grant that I may realize that You are the God of all and not simply the God of Christians and You desire all to come to Your kingdom and have provided the best way - the Way of Your Son.  I ask this and all things in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

Contemplatio: spend some time in silence and meditate on the selected passage and hear what God is saying to you.

Operatio: reflect on "drove...hurl”; hostile actions; clear signs of rejection; only wanted to hear good things about themselves or good things for themselves and not for outsiders; in prayer thank God for being God of all creation and all human beings; and pray for the grace  that I may do my part to spread the Good News that Jesus is the Son of God who suffered and died for all so that all might have eternal life and for the grace to always rejoice in such a gracious God.

Tomorrow's reading: Lk  4.31-37