10.31.13

Lectio:  Mt 5.1-12a                                                                                                                           

Meditatio:”Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”  Mt 5.10       

Oratio: O God, You know that we will be treated badly by the world for doing Your will.

I remember Jesus in listing special blessings acknowledged this and assured those who suffer for doing what is right, will one day be part of Your kingdom forever. What a great reward for doing so little or putting up with others who do not see or live the way You wish.

Grant that I may be ever mindful of Jesus assurance when I experience the suffering from the world for doing Your will knowing that their judgment has no lasting effect but to the contrary their very mistreatment opens for me the gate to Your kingdom..
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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: "persecuted  ... righteousness”; physical or mental suffering imposed by those in this world who do not ascribe to the principles and priorities of the Lord. In prayer seek to live in accord with the Beatitudes and seek the right attitude about things and people that God desires we have.

Tomorrow's reading: Jn 6.37-40

10.30.13

Lectio:  Lk 13.31-35                                                                                                       

Meditatio:”He [Jesus] said to them in reply, ‘Do you think that because these Galileans suffered tn this way they were greater sinners than all the Galileans? By no means! But I tell you, if you do not repent, you will all perish as they did’!” Lk 13.2-3

Oratio: O God, You sent Your only Son to call us to repent and He was very clear that is what we must do.

I remember Jesus compared those who do not repent will suffer in a fatal way just as the Galileans did whose very blood was mingled with blood of sacrifices made to gods; what a terrible fate for a Jew! What a terrible fate for us for it means whatever we thought of our worth, is good for nothing and we will suffer  eternal damnation. .

Grant that I may be ever mindful of Jesus’s call to repent and seek the grace to turn my life to the direction of the Lord’s Way and then live in accord with His truths; and then I will find a glorious way at the end of my days -eternal life with the Lord..
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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: "Galileans suffered ... greater sinners”; physical suffering is not an indication of immorality. Sin is what I chose to do that is contrary to God’s way - the Way of the Golden Rule. In prayer respond to the grace of respond to  Jesus’s call to repent; and do so, while there is yet time for He so much wants all of us to be with Him for all eternity.

Tomorrow's reading: Mt 5.1-12a  

10.29.13

Lectio:  Lk 13.22-30                                                                                                        

Meditatio:”Someone asked him [Jesus], ‘Lord will only a few be saved’?” Lk 13.22

Oratio: O God, it Your will that all be saved and You sent Your Son to make that possible, but it does require a response by us.

I remember Jesus was asked whether only a few would be saved and His response was to try to enter by the narrow gate; meaning don’t think you can just do nothing; but rather as He told us elsewhere, He is the way, the truth and the life.

Grant that I may be ever mindful that Jesus’s Way is the Way of Selfless Love and seek the grace to live with this as my guiding principle and I will live by His truth and I will come to  eternal life.
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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: "few...saved”; salvation is not a number game but living by the Way Jesus asks of us; in doing so one will reach heaven. In prayer respond to the grace of living as Jesus asks, so that one day one will be with the Prince of Peace forever.
   
Tomorrow's reading: Lk 13.31-35 

10.28.13

Lectio:  Lk 13.18-21                                                                                                  

Meditatio:”Then he [Jesus[ said, ‘What is the kingdom of God like? To what shall I compare it’?” Lk 13.18

Oratio: O God, You have granted great growth to Your kingdom here ib earth as a result of the preaching and miracles of Your Son when He came among us as one of us.
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I remember Jesus, himself compared the kingdom to a tiny mustard seed that became a large bush and to a yeast that leavened all - making it clear that by His coming and His efforts great growth has and will continue to take place.

Grant that I may be ever mindful that Jesus continues to build up the kingdom of God here on earth and He uses us as His hands, His feet, His touch, His smile to continues its growth; and then allow Him to use us as His instruments.
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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: "kingdom...compare”; God’s kingdom is His reign in our hearts in this life and our resurrected presence with Him as our King in Heaven in the next; growth of the kingdom is the initial coming of Jesus and His public ministry; the fruit of His public ministry brought  about magnificent and lasting results for His ministry lives on all who accept Him as their Lord and Savior; in prayer seek the grace to allow Jesus to use me as His instrument to continue the spectacular growth of the Kingdom here on earth so that His “kingdom will come  on earth as it is in heaven.”

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 13.22-30                                                                                 

10.27.13

Lectio:  Lk 6.12-16                                                                                       

Meditatio:”In those days he [Jesus] departed the to the mountain to pray, and he spent the night in prayer to God.” Lk 6.12

Oratio: O God, You have are so accessible to us but we have to turn to You in prayer.
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I remember Jesus, Your Son, showed us the importance of prayer for He often spent the night in prayer and especially before important undertakings such as selecting the 12 Apostles.

Grant that I may be ever mindful of the importance that Jesus placed on prayer and pray always for all those who are near and dear to me and for all those whom I am called to serve.
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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: "pray...spent night”; lifting up your heart and mind to God is the essence of prayer; Jesus spent the whole night in prayer showing us its importance. Grant that I may have the grace to always pray the Morning Offering so that my whole life that day becomes a prayer and God will be pleased with His child.

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 13.18-21

10.26.13

Lectio:   Lk 18.9-14                                                                           

Meditatio:”I [Jesus ] tell you, the latter went home justified, not the former; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”Lk  8.14

Oratio: O God, You have one requirement if we wish to approach You - humility!
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I remember Jesus told a parable about two men who went up to the Temple to pray and concluded by saying, ‘the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” In doing so He made it clear that it is not our status but our disposition which is important when we come to God in prayer.

Grant that I may be ever mindful and imitate the attitude of the tax collector and pray as a humble sinner that I am.                          
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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: "exalts himself...humbles himself”; exalt means to puff oneself up,  while humble means to recognize who one is; in prayer remember how the tax collector prayed and seek the grace to pray like him always for then our God will be greatly pleased and we will be blest.

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 6.12-16  

10.25.13

Lectio:   Lk 13.1-9                                                                 

Meditatio:”He said to them in reply, ‘Sir, leave it for this year also, and I shall cultivate the ground around it and fertilize it; it may bear fruit in the future. If not, you can cut it down’.” Lk 13. 8-9

Oratio: O God, You are so patient with us; yet we often procrastinate to Your call that we reform our lives.
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I remember Jesus told a parable about a barren fig tree that was given ample time to produce but did not; yes  the gardener persuaded the owner to give it one more chance to bear fruit and he would do his best to see that it did - so much like You who call and continues to call and continues to give us more time so that we will not perish - BUT we can’t procrastinate forever or we will be the big losers.

Grant that I may use Your gift of grace to me and do what You want of me so that my life bears the fruit of selfless love that You so much desire.            
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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: "bear fruit...cut..down”; the point of the parable is that we are given ample time to reform and often a final opportunity; but if we don’t respond, we will perish like the 18  in Siloam who perished when a tower fell upon them. In prayer seek the grace to reform my life so that not matter what physical disaster may fall upon me, it will not be fatal to my immortal soul.

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 18.9-14                                                    

10.24.13

Lectio:   Lk 12.54-59                                                    

Meditatio:”You hypocrites!  You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky; why do you not know how to interpret the present time?” Lk 12.56

Oratio: O God, You give us the ability to discern;  yet we don’t always use it as we should.    
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I remember Jesus told the crowd of His disappointment that they could interpret weather and the like but could not interpret the signs, the miracles He was working, as to their meaning - a clear sign that they should accept His message - the kingdom of God is at hand! Reform your lives!    

Grant that I may use Your gift to me of my intellect and discern with the eyes of faith the truths that You have revealed and proclaim through the Church.
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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: "interpret...present time”; discern its meaning; the ‘present time’ was the time  of the Messiah but the religious leaders failed to discern His signs, His miracles for what they meant and they failed to reform. In prayer, ask for the grace of humility and discernment so that the signs of Jesus’ presence, as He is in many ways, will not be misunderstood by me and that I may respond to His presence and do what He wants of me.

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 13.1-9     

10.23.13

Lectio:   Lk 12.49-53                                        

Meditatio:”Do you think that I [Jesus] have come to establish peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division.” Lk 12.51

Oratio: O God, You are the source of Peace -  yet Your Son’s coming is a source of division.
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I remember Jesus declared very clearly He would be a source of division even within families. Why? Because many would not accept His call to reform and to live in accord with His message. 

Grant that I may readily accept Jesus’ call to reform and to live in accord with the Great Law of Love - for only then will I experience true Peace - Jesus alive and active in my heart.
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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: "peace...division”; Jesus is the Prince of Peace; yet His coming causes division because many prefer their way and reject His way which is the way of Peace. In prayer seek the grace to be always responsive to Jesus’ way so that I may be an instrument of His peace rather than a cause of division.

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 12.54-59   

10.22.13

Lectio:   Lk 12.39-48                            

Meditatio:”That servant who knew his master’s will but did not make preparations nor act in accord with his will shall be beaten severely.” Lk 12.47

Oratio: O God, You ask so little of   us but You do ask us to do Your will.
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I remember Jesus told the crowds that those who knew Your will and failed to act accordingly will be severely punished.

Grant that I may always keep in mind who I am and who You are and act according to the tenets You have revealed for that is all You ask of me if I wish to be with You for all eternity - so little, for so much!
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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: "knew...will, not act”; we can easily know God’s will for Our Lord has revealed His will for us through the prophets and the apostles and their successor; in prayer seek the grace to be ever faithful to God’s will which is summarized and made known in the Great Law of Love.

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 12.49-53                                              

10.21.13

Lectio:  12.35-38                 

Meditatio:”Blessed are those servants whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival. Amen, I say to you, he will gird himself, have them recline at table, and proceed to wait on them.” Lk 12.37

Oratio: O God, You know how important it is for us to be vigilant as to those matters that really are important.
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I remember Jesus stressed vigilance to the crowds telling them if they were vigilant and ready for His coming (His second coming), they would be greatly blest for He would be their servant and they would be treated as the guests at the heavenly banquet.

Grant that I may pray always keep the end of this life in mind and use this time to prepare for the coming of the Lord, whether at the end of time or at the end of my life, for that is the vigilance that Jesus wants of me and my goal is, with His grace,  to please Him for His honor and glory.

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: "master...vigilant.  gird...wait”; Our Lord wants us to be ever alert for His coming and if we are, He will grace us as guests in Heaven; in prayer seek the grace to be ever mindful of the end and purpose of this life and seek the grace to be ever ready to meet the Lord.

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 12.39-48                                              

10.20.13

Lectio: Lk 12.13-21   

Meditatio:”Then he  [Jesus] said to the crowd, ‘Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one’s life does not consist of possessions’.” Lk 12. 15

Oratio: O God, You know how easy it is for our hearts to be divided and You warned us about this.
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I remember Jesus declared to the crowd to avoid against all greed for He knew our hearts would place our trust in things rather than in Him and it would not profit us in the end!

Grant that I may pray always avoid greed in all its form; and seek the grace to trust in God so that all my actions my be pleasing to Him; and that all my thoughts and desires may also be in harmony with Him for then all that I am and all that I may be will profit me at my end.

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: "greed...life... not... possessions”; an acquistive spirit is the basis of greed and undermines our trust in God; in prayer seek the grace to trust God in small things and not just in big things for trust in the foundation of faith and a faith that is active is what will profit us in the end.

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 12.35-38 

10.19.13

Lectio: Lk 18.1-8   

 Meditatio:”I  [Jesus] tell you, he will see to it that justice is done for them speedily. But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” Lk 18.8

Oratio: O God, You so much want us to come to you and seek our needs and Your love.
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I remember Jesus made this clear when He told a parable about a widow who persisted in asking a reluctant judge to render a just decision for her and he finally did; and Jesus wants us to persist in prayer not only for what we truly need but also so that we keep the faith.

Grant that I may pray always knowing that You always listen and will grant me what I truly need but on Your timetable and knowing, too,  that by persisting in prayer I will be strengthening my faith, a faith  that Jesus so much wants of all of us when He comes again.

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: "Son of Man...find faith”; Jesus fears that we might lose our faith and apostasy if we fail to persist in prayer; in prayer seek the grace to pray always and do so especially by saying the Morning Offering so that everything I do throughout the day is a prayer and it will help me to increase my faith.

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 6.12-16   

10.18.13

Lectio: Lk 12.8-12  

 Meditatio:”I  [Jesus] tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before others, the Son of Man will acknowledge before the angels of God.” Lk 12.8

Oratio: O God, You ask so little of us; but You do require that we at least show others that we believe in You and accept You as our God and Savior.
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I remember Jesus made this clear when He told the crowd who were following Him that if they acknowledge Him, He would acknowledge them before the angels of God - what a boon for so little on our part!

Grant that I may always proclaim that Jesus is my Lord, my God, my All; and then show my sincerity by living a life that reflects that acknowledgment.

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: "acknowledge .... angels of God”; to affirm a truth; THE truth is that Jesus is our God and  our Savior; angels are God’s messengers ; they will take our acknowledgment before the eternal God Head. In prayer thank Jesus for coming as the Son of Man and the Son of God for our salvation and always give Him thanks and praise through the lives we live.

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 18-1-8                                      

10.17.13

Lectio: Lk 10.1-9   

 Meditatio:"He [Jesus] said to them, ‘The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest’.” Lk 10.2

Oratio: O God, You intended that we be Your hands, Your feet, Your touch, Your eyes, Your love for others so that they may come to know You, love You and serve You and be with You forever.
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I remember Jesus urged His first followers to pray that there would be enough who would willingly go out and proclaim the Good News so that the great multitude may come to You.

Grant that I may pray always for vocations so that the laborers Jesus needs for the harvest will be there in great numbers and meanwhile do my part to proclaim the Good News with the life I live.

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: "harvest...laborers”; the people of the world, who need to hear the Good News;  and the missionaries, both domestic and international, who proclaim the Good News; sadly they are presently few in numbers but continual prayer for vocations will yield in God’s time the laborers He wants to harvest the many who would accept the Good News if they only had it proclaimed to them.

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 12.8-12          

10.16.13

Lectio: Lk 11.47-54

Meditatio:"Woe to you, scholars of the law! You yourselves did not enter and you stopped those trying to enter." Lk 11.52

Oratio: O God, You give us knowledge so that others will come to know through us.
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I remember Jesus upbraided the scholars of the law because they not only failed to use their knowledge for their own salvation but they did not use it for others.

Grant that I may always use the gifts God gives me for my salvation and for the good of 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: "Woe...scholars”; Jesus’ castigated the lawyers for their failure to use their knowledge for their good and for the good if others. In prayer seek the grace to be ever mindful of my gifts and use them for the purpose they were given to me by God.

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 10.1-9  

10.15.13

Lectio:   Lk 11.42-46                   
           
Meditatio:"And he [Jesus] said, ‘Woe to you scholars of the law! You impose on people burdens hard to carry, but you do not lift one finger to touch them’.” Lk 11.46

Oratio: O God, You detest legalism and desire above all love!
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I remember Jesus upbraided the lawyers [probably the Scribes] for imposing rules on the  people but offering no help to them so that they could adhere to them.

Grant that I may learn that it is love You desire and not sacrifices; and strive to be a person of love for that is how I best image You, my Creator and Redeemer.

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: "Woe...scholars”; Jesus’s warning to the religious leaders for imposing burdens but failing to show love to those they were called to serve; in prayer seek the grace to be a person of love for it is in the image of All-Love that we are created.

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 11.47-54                                    

10.14.13

Lectio:   Lk 11.37-41                   
           
Meditatio:"You fools! Did you not the maker of the outside also make the inside?” Lk11.40

Oratio: O God, You want us to be persons of integrity.
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I remember Jesus reminded the Pharisees that merely washing one’s hands does not make for righteous. Rather, what is inside needs to be kept clean and that really counts.

Grant that I may respond and be a person of integrity so what I do externally is congruent with my internal posture.

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: "outside...inside”; Jesus calls us to be true to ourselves so what we are is what is what we convey to others; seek the grace to give of one’s self and one’s possession to others as a way of disciplining oneself so as to become a person of integrity for mortification and almsgiving are the keys.

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 11.42-46                                    

10.13.13

Lectio: Lk k 17: 29-32
           
Meditatio:"Just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so will the Son of Man be to this generation." Lk 17.30    

Oratio: O God, You so much want us to return to You and You have always given us the call to reform our lives so that we would be able to return to You.

I remember You did this through the prophets of old through their preaching and You did it in a most spectacular way when You sent Your Son to preach as a sign to His generation as Jonah was a sign to the Ninevites;  and then through His passion, death and resurrection He would be a sign for all generations.

Grant that I may respond to the call to reform and to show my response by striving to live in accordance with the Great Law of 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: "Jonah...sign"; Jonah was a powerful preacher; Jesus was a powerful preacher and so much more; so people should have seen in Jesus’ preaching, a sign that the Spirit of God is on Him and calling them back through Him. In prayer seek the grace to reform as Jesus calls me to do.

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 11.37-41                                    

10.12.13

Lectio: Lk k 17: 11-19
           
Meditatio:"And one of them, realizing he had been healed, returned, glorifying God in a loud voice; and he fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked him.  He was a Samaritan." Lk 17.15,16

Oratio: O God, You so much want us to be grateful!

I remember Jesus not only confirmed the healing of the leper who was a Samaritan, but He also granted him salvation because he expressed his gratitude.

Grant that I may always have a grateful heart for You have given me so much but most of all - faith!

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: "thanked ... Samaritan"; 10 were healed - 9 Jews and 1 foreigner; the gratitude of the one showed that Jesus had come to save all; what a blessing! In prayer seek the grace of gratitude for my many blessings; may I never take my gifts for granted but use them to serve The Lord.

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 11.29-32                                    

10.11.13

Lectio: Lk 11.27-28                                                                                                               
                     
Meditatio: “He replied, 'Rather, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it'," Lk 11.28

Oratio: O  God how you want us for your own.

I remember that Jesus declared those who put Your words into practice are so important that they are ‘blessed’ in Your eyes,

Grant that I may always listen to Your words as revealed by the Catholic Church for my greater good and as the best way to please You who are all good and deserving of all my love.
God, how fixed in our opinions we are at times.

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: "hear...practice"; a dual response; listen and obey with a grateful heart for we are graciously blest for doing do so.

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 17.11-19      

10.10.13

Lectio: Lk 11.15-26                                                                                               
                     
Meditatio: “Some of them said, ‘By the power of Beelzebul, the prince of demons, he [Jesus] drives out demons’.”  Lk 11:15  

Oratio: O God, how fixed in our opinions we are at times.

I remember certain witnesses (probably the religious elite) to Jesus’ power of exorcism attributed it to the power of the devil and Jesus rightly pointed out how ridiculous such an opinion is for the devil’s kingdom would then be divided against itself.

Grant that I may ask for the spirit of openness to the Word of God and accept it at its face value for that is why it has been given.

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 "power of Beelzebul”; Beelzebul was not only known as the prince of demons but also derisively as the Prince of Flies; in prayer seek the grace to discern and then to trust the Word of God as made known and preserved through the Catholic Church for the Word of God and my putting it into practice is my strong defense against the power of evil.

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 11.27-28                                    

10.09.13

Lectio:  Lk  11:5-13                                                                                  
                     
Meditatio: “And I tell you, ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." Lk 11:9

Oratio: O God, You want us to come to you in prayer and ask for what we truly need.

I remember Jesus made it clear that we should pray and persist in it.

Grant that I may pray with confidence knowing that You always listen and give me what I truly need and when I  need it.

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 "ask...seek...knock"; words of persistence; we must persist in prayer and ask for all things in accord with God's will and be content how God answers and when He answers knowing He loves us.

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 11.15-26   

10.08.13

Lectio:  Lk 11.1-4                                                                           
                     
Meditatio: “Give us each day our daily bread.” Lk 11.3                                                                  
Oratio: O God, we owe every thing to You and it is right that we should acknowledge it.

I remember when Jesus taught His disciples to pray, one of the petitions specifically acknowledged our dependence on You for our daily bread; that is for our daily needs.

Grant that I may be ever grateful for all You have done, all You do,  and all You continue to do for us, for it is only right that we should give You thanks and praise for Your loving care for 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 "give...daily bread”; bread symbolizes all we need for our sustenance; it is God’s love and care for us that prompts Him to give it to us; in prayer seek the grace of a grateful heart for all that we are, all that we can be, and all that we will be is a gift of God to us to be used in accordance with His will.

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 11.5-13   

10.07.13

Lectio:  Lk 10. 38-42                                                                        
                     
Meditatio: “As they continued their journey he [Jesus]  entered a village where a woman whose name was Martha welcomed him.”  Lk 10.38         

Oratio: O God, You made hospitality a primary obligation of Your chosen people.

I remember the much maligned Martha, is the one who showed the epitome of hospitality for not only did she prepare a dinner for Him but she was the one who first welcomed Him in keeping with the best of traditions of the chosen people.

Grant that I may be ever mindful of others and, like Martha, be sure to extend a hospitable reception to them and may I always  be welcoming of Jesus who comes among us in many ways and under many disguises.

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 "Martha...welcomed”; to make a person, whether a friend or a stranger, who comes into one’s presence welcomed  is the height of hospitality and Martha displayed it not only on this occasion but also when Jesus came to Martha and Mary’s place after their brother Lazarus had died; in prayer seek the grace to imitate Martha and always be hospitable to others and do so without complaining about the actions of others.         

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 11.1-4

10.06.13

Lectio:  Lk 10. 25-37                                                                        
                     
Meditatio: “Which of these three, in your opinion, was neighbor to the robber’s victim? He answered, ‘The one who treated him with mercy.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Go and do likewise’.”  Lk 10.36,37

Oratio: O God, You call us to love our neighbors as our selves and you made it clear that being  neighbors has nothing to do with how close we live to them.

I remember Jesus in His parable about a man falling among robbers, made it clear that even those whom society considers not one of us, is still our neighbor for anyone in need of mercy is a neighbor of ours and we are to treat all in need as our neighbor and show them compassion..

Grant that I may be ever alert to the needs of others and respond to them with empathy and with steps that will be helpful for that is how God wants me to treat everyone, even a so-called stranger or a so-called outsider of our society.
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 "neighbor...victim”; Samaritans were considered outsiders to the Jews of Christ’s time; yet Jesus used the Samaritan to bring home His definition of a neighbor and I am sure He shocked His audience with His point; but how wonderful His definition of a “neighbor” - anyone who is in need of our mercy; in prayer seek the grace to always show compassion to those who are in need for that is how God wants me to fulfill His command to love my neighbor as myself.

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 10. 38-42                           

10.05.13

Lectio:  Lk 17.5-10                                                             
                     
Meditatio: “So should it be with you. When you have done all you have been commanded, say: ‘We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do’.” Lk 17.10

Oratio: O God, Your ways are not our ways.                              

I remember Jesus told His disciples not to expect any reward for doing their duty; yet that is our natural instinct that a reward should be given when we do our duty. What are we to make  of this?                                        

Grant that I may be ever mindful that I cannot duty so well as to place God in my debt but wonderfully, He gives me more than I could ever earn - His mercy and forgiveness!

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 "done...commanded...unprofitable servants”; a stark reminder that we have a duty to God and to others because of all the good that  God has and continues to do to enrich us as children; in prayer seek the grace to always show my gratitude to God by doing my duty to Him and to others for they are my brothers and sisters in Christ.

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 10. 25-37      

10,04.13

Lectio:  Lk 10.17-24                                                
                     
Meditatio: “For I [Jesus] say to you, many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it.” Lk 10.24

Oratio: O God, how You have privileged us!                                   

I remember Jesus told of the privilege of being His disciples for as His disciples we see and hear what prophets and kings longed to see and hear but did not see nor hear - what a great blessing for simply being a disciple of Jesus.

Grant that I may be ever mindful of my discipleship and proclaim the Good News especially by the life I live so that more and more people will come to know the Lord and become disciples. And they, too, shall be richly blest!

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 "see...hear...but did not”; to experience the Son of God first hand is the privilege of discipleship and we best experience Him today in the sacraments and especially in the Eucharist; in prayer seek the grace to always remain faithful to my calling as one of His disciples and to reflect that faithfulness in living a life in accordance with the Gospel.

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 17.5-10                

10.03.13

Lectio:  Lk 10.13-16                                                
                     
Meditatio: “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty deeds done in your midst had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would long ago have repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes.” Lk 10.13

Oratio: O God, You have made it clear that You want us to repent.            

I remember Jesus told the major towns in which He called the people to repent that it would go badly for them if they did not for they had seen great signs of His authority and they ought to  listene.

Grant that I may be ever mindful of God’s call to repent and for the grace to use the sacrament of Reconciliation as it is the best way to acknowledge my sinfulness and to experience God’s forgiveness.

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 "Woe...mighty deeds...repented”; Jesus through His miracles gave clear signs of His authority and those who failed to do respond to His call to repent would have a fate worst than the people of the pagan towns of old. In prayer seek the grace to daily examine my conscience and to the extent that there is anything in my life that shows I am in need of repentance to immediately ask God’s forgiveness and help to change and then go to the Sacrament of Penance and obtain the grace to amend.

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 10.17-24               

10.02.13

Lectio:  Lk 10.1-12                                                 
                     
Meditatio: “Whatever town you enter and they do not receive you, go out into the streets and say, ‘The dust of your town that clings to our feet, even that we shake off against you’. Yet know this: the kingdom of God is at hand.” Lk 10.10-11

Oratio: O God, how graciously You treat us and how patient You are with us

I remember Jesus told His disciples to say to those towns that do not welcome them that even the dust from the feet they shake off  - a clear sign that His disciples had rejected them  BUT God has not for they were also  told to say that the Kingdom of God is at hand - thus giving them something very important consider and hopefully motivate them to reform their lives.

Grant that I may be ever mindful of God’s patience with us in our journey back to Him and take to heart that the Kingdom of God is at hand and strive to act accordingly.

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 "dust clings...shake off”; a clear sign in the ANE that you did not want any part of the town that did not welcome you; in prayer seek the grace to be ever mindful of that the kingdom of God is at hand and strive to put into practice the Great Law of Love for that is the response that Jesus wants of us and He will bring us to the eternal kingdom and we will always be welcomed by Him.

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 10.13-16               

10.01.13

Lectio:  Mt 18.1-5, 10                           
                     
Meditatio: “See that you do not despise one of these little ones; for I [Jesus] say to you that their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father.” Mt 18.10                     

Oratio: O God, how wonderfully You have provided for us in this life!     

I remember Jesus told us that all the children have angels in heaven who are mindful of the children and who have access to the Father - the beautiful doctrine of guardian angles flows from this and what a comfort for all of us.

Grant that I may be ever mindful of my guardian angel, to whom God commits to us, to watch, to guard, to rule and guide as the ancient prayer goes and to be truly open to my guardian angel’s promptings.

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 "little ones...their angels”; all have guardian angels not only when they are biologically children but always since God created us as His children; in prayer seek the grace to be ever mindful of my guardian angel and do what my angel prompts me to do and avoid doing anything which would make my guardian angel ashamed.

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 10.1-12