23.30 & 12.31.14

12.30.14

Lectio: Jn 1.1-18

Meditatio: "But to those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God, to those who believe in his name." Jn 1.12

Oratio: O God, You generous You are!

I remember for accepting Your Son and believing in Him You adopted us as Your children with the full inheritance of the kingdom. In prayer may I always give a You thanks as my gracious Father and to Jesus, my brother, too!

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:"accept...become children ...believe"; faith enables us to believe and accept; and faith itself is a great gift! Who are we that God loves us so? Seek the grace to live as His children as that is the best way to show and give thanks.

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 2.12-21


12.31.14

Lectio:Lk 2.16-21

Meditatio: "And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart." Lk 219

Oratio: O God, what a wonderful and glorious thing You did when You selected Mary to be the Mother. Of Your Son.

I remember when the shepherds visited Your Son shortly after His birth in the stable, they told Mary all that the angels had told them about the baby, and Mary kept and pondered them in her heart for she was in the initial phase of her understanding what it meant to be the Mother of God and as He grew and carried out His role she would learn fully what it meant - its joys and sorrows. In prayer thank Jesus for giving us Mary as our mother,too, for we are richly blest to have her as our own.

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:"Mary...reflecting...her heart"; Mary was graced to learn over time what it meant to be the Mother of Jesus and she accepted both the joys and the sorrows.  Seek the grace to always seek Mary, both in good time and in bad, and you will be graced to find her fir she is your MOTHER!

Tomorrow's reading: Jn 1.19-28

12.29.14

 Lectio: Lk 2.36-40                                                                        

 Meditatio: "And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.” Lk 2.38

 Oratio: O God, You gift many who do Your will.                                                                          

I remember Anna, a daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher, who spent almost her entire adult life in the Temple in prayer and fasting, came upon the Holy Family when they were presenting the child in the Temple and consecrating Him to God as prescribed by the law. She immediately recognized Him as the savior and proclaimed this to all who were in ear-shot; and Anna, became the first evangelist of the Good News. In prayer thank God for the many, many evangelists down through the ages who followed the example of Anna for we are the wonderful beneficiaries of their work.

 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:"she...spoke...child... redemption”; Anna coming on the scene completed the factual aspects of the fourth joyful mystery of the Rosary - the Presentation. She made known for all ages, as did Simeon. that Mary’s child was the Messiah. Seek the grace to do one’s part to spread the Good News and so fulfill our Baptismal responsibilities and do so especially by the life you live.

Tomorrow's reading: Jn1.1-18  

12.28.14

 Lectio: Lk 2.22-35                                                          

 Meditatio: "and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, ‘Behold this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted’.” Lk 2.34

 Oratio: O God, You knew not all would accept Your Son but nevertheless You sent Him out of love for all of us.          

I remember Simeon, a righteous and devout man, who recognized Your Son, when He was p resented in the Temple, as the Messiah. He also  recognized Your Son would be a sign of contradiction; i.e. He would be accepted by some and rejected by others; He would divide even households; but He would be the source of salvation for all who accepted Him. In prayer thank God for sending His Son and may I always give Him honor and praise for coming.

 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:"child...sign....contradicted”; Jesus would unite; but He would also divide for not all would accept Him; but for those who accepted Him, He gave eternal life. Seek the grace of a strong faith and a strong sense of gratitude for without Him, we would be doomed.

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 2.36-40

12.27.14

 Lectio:  Lk 2.22-40                                                  

 Meditatio: "And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.” Lk 2.38

 Oratio: O God, You know  the importance of spreading the good news so that salvation is made known and offered to all.

I remember Anna, who was a widow, and who never left the temple but spent each day in prayer and fasting, recognized the baby Jesus as the Messiah. She did not keep the news to herself but immediately made it know to others, thus becoming the first evangelist and showing it is not you age that counts but the light of faith and a willingness to share it. In prayer ask the Lord to be an effective evangelizer both in word and in deed. 

 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:"she...spoke....child....all”; at the heart of evangelization is faith and a willingness to share with others and then doing so.  The testimony of both Anna and Simeon about the infant Jesus when he was brought into the temple,  shows clearly that age is not a barrier to being an evangelist. Seek the grace to share the good news with others so that they, too, may be wonderfully blest.

 Tomorrow's reading:Lk 2.22-35

12.26.14

 Lectio:  Jn 20.2-8                                        

 Meditatio: "Then the other disciple also went in, the one who had arrived at the tomb first, and he saw and believed.”Jn 20.8

 Oratio: O God, You know that the eyes of faith can see so much more of what is really important.         
 I remember John the beloved disciple, entered the empty tomb after Peter and saw the burial cloths all rolled  in a separate place and he believed that Your Son had risen. And so He had to our great joy and gain! In prayer seek an active faith so that things which really matter will not escape our notice and we will be greatly enriched by such insight.

 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:"went in....saw...believed”; seeing is believing but seeing with the eyes of faith gives rise to seeing so much more. Seek the grace to see all things in the light of faith and you will never be disappointed.                                                 

 Tomorrow's reading:Lk 2.22-40

12.25.14

 Lectio:  Mt 10.17-22                            

 Meditatio: "When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say, You will be given at that moment what to say.” Mt 10.19

 Oratio: O God, You knew the Good News would not be seen as such by many with earthly powers.             
 I remember Your Evangelist, Matthew, warned his Christian community that they could expect persecution but not to worry about their defense for You would provide them with what to say. This certainly was the case with deacon, Stephen, the first adult martyr for the faith. In prayer seek to develop a deep trust in the Lord so that in the words of St. Theresa,  nothing may frighten me, northing disturb me, to realize all things are changing, that God alone is unchanging and my refuge and support.

 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:"hand....over...what...to speak”; God is our defender and protector and when we are persecuted for our belief in Him, He will give us what we to say to our accusers. Seek the grace to trust God in all things for He is All Trust.                            

 Tomorrow's reading: Jn 20.2-8

Happy Christmas!  May the spirit of Christmas which is peace and the gladness of Christmas which is hope and the heart of Christmas which is love be yours and your loved ones, today and everyday.

12.24.14

 Lectio: Lk 2.1-14                   

 Meditatio: "The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear. The angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for behold, I proclaim to you good news o f great joy to all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is the Messiah and Lord.” Lk 2,9-11

 Oratio: O God, You respond most readily to the unlearned but simple and strong in faith in wonderful ways.

 I remember You sent an angel to the shepherds to announce the birth of Jesus and to tell them who He is - savior and Messiah. In prayer seek the  faith of the poor and unlearned so like the shepherds, I will be open and aware of the many graces God bestows on me and be ever grateful for them.        

 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:"angel...said...savior born....Messiah”; the angel interpreted the true meaning the mystery of the  Nativity - the Messiah was born who will save the people from everlasting death. Seek the grace to give thanks and glory to God for this most wonderful gift - His Son.

 Tomorrow's reading:Mt 10.17-22

12.23.14

 Lectio: Lk 1.67-79

 Meditatio: "He has raised up a horn for our  salvation within the house of David his servant." Lk 1.69

 Oratio: O God, You are most kind and merciful.

 I remember You did not leave us to the fate of our first parents but sent us a redeemer. And not just anyone bout Your Son with power for that us the meaning of 'horn. In prayer thank God for being so kind and merciful and for the power He gave tomHis Son to bring about our redemption.

 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:"raised...horn...salvation"; God gave us His Son with power and majesty to save us out of love. Seek the grace to return that love by living in accord with the Gospel of Love.

 Tomorrow's reading: Lk 2.1-14

1.22.14

 Lectio: Lk 1.57-66                                                                         

 Meditatio: "He asked for a tablet and wrote, ‘John is his name., ‘ and all we amazed. Immediately his tongue freed and she spoke blessing God.” Lk 1.63-54

 Oratio: O God, Your love is without end.                       
 
 I remember when John the Baptist was given his name, his father, Zechariah, who was mute at the time, wrote John, and his tongue was freed. All were amazed but all realized what a great favor, what a great love God showed Zechariah. In prayer thank God for loving us so.

 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:"John...name....tongue free”; by giving his son the name that God wanted for him and not what the world wanted for him, Zechariah made amends for his initial lack of faith and God showed His love for him and gave him back his speech. Seek the grace to appreciate God’s great love for us for without it, we would all perish.

Tomorrow's reading:Lk 1.67-779

12.21.14

 Lectio: Lk 1.46-56                                        

 Meditatio: "His mercy is from age to age to those who fear him.” Lk 1.50

 Oratio: O God, You mercy is without limit and without end.
 
 I remember when Mary recited her canticle, she proclaimed that Your mercy was from age to age and so it is and so we are blest. Pray that we may always be in reverential awe of God for that is what is meant by fearing the Lord. And His mercy will be ours.

 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:"mercy...fear him”; God’s mercy is without limit to time or place or to people and all that He asks is that we be in reverential awe of Him. Seek the grace to be merciful to others as God is merciful for that is the sure way of receiving His mercy.

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 1.57-66

12.20.14

 Lectio: Lk 1.26-38                             

 Meditatio: "And the angel said to her in reply,’The holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore, the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God’.” Lk 1.35               

 Oratio: O God, You ways are not our ways nor could they be; and You bring about marvelous results for our good.
 
 I remember when Mary asked how she could conceive a child since she had no relations with a man;  the angel replied that it would be through the Holy Spirit; and Gabriel’s answer must have seemed incomprehensible to Mary; but when she said ‘Yes’, it came to be and Jesus was conceived who ended lasting death for us. In prayer thank Mary for her role in salvation history for it is immeasurable.

 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:"Spirit....upon you..overshadow you...Son of God”; The Incarnation could not have taken place without Mary’s consent; and she gave it not because she understood how, but that she was assured that nothing is impossible with God. Seek the grace to place my total trust in the Lord for He can and does accomplish great things for us for our good or for the good of others as a pure gift.

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 1.46-56

12.19.14

 Lectio: Lk 1.26-38                             

 Meditatio: "He will go be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father.” Lk 1.32                                                                            

 Oratio: O God, You wanted Your Son to be take the throne of David and He did.                                  
 I remember the Angel Gabriel declared to Mary that the child to be born to her will be the Son of the Most High and will take the throne of David. And David was his father through patrimony for a child takes his or her patrimony from the father; and Joseph was a direct descendant from David. In prayer thank God for the  fulfillment of  His plans so that they become even more believable.       

 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 the Most High...throne...David”; Jesus is the Son of God and an earthly king of t he Dravidic line. Seek the grace to proclaim that the word of God was fulfilled with Jesus and that all should take their lead and guidance from Him for He alone has the way to eternal life..

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 1.26-38

 12.18.14

 Lectio: Lk 1.5-25                   

 Meditatio: "He will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah to turn the hearts of fathers toward children and the disobedient to the understanding of the righteous, to prepare a people fit for the Lord.” Lk 1.17

 Oratio: O God, You sent prophets to prepare the people for the unfolding of Your breaking into our history.

 I remember the Prophet Malachi had foretold that Elijah would prepare the people for the coming of the Messiah.  and John the Baptist came in the spirit and power of Elijah to prepare the way of the Lord as foretold by the angel Gabriel and confirmed by Jesus Himself.  In prayer thank God for being so solicitous for us so that we would be open to His plan of salvation for our 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:"before...Elijah...prepare a people”; John the Baptist is the spirit and has the power of Elijah and he did his best to restore all things for the Lord. Sadly, not all accepted him, chiefly the religious leaders, to the detriment of those they served. Seek the grace to be docile when it comes to God’s teachings and ways as proclaimed by the Church formy good and for the good of those whose lives I touch..

Tomorrow's reading:Lk 1.26-38

12.17.14

 Lectio: Mt 1.18-25

 Meditatio: "This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about.  When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit." Mt 1.18

 Oratio: O God, what a marvelous way Your Son broke of into our history!

 I remember Mary was found with child through the Holy Spirit - a miraculous conception but not the Immaculate Conception - rather the mystery of the Incarnation. May I always rejoice in Jesus' coming and be ever grateful for Hus coming which provided the Way back to the Father.

 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:"how...birth...Jesus...Mary...Holy Spirit"; God provided for the way for Hus Son to break into our history and become one of us so we could be God's children. Seek the grace to live in accord with the divine ways for that is how we have been wonderfully reborn through Baptism.

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 1.5-25

12.16.14

Lectio:  Mt 1.1-17                                            

Meditatio: "The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David” ... “Thus the total number of generations from Abraham to David is fourteen generations; from David to the Babylonian exile, fourteen generations; from the Babylonian exile to the Messiah, fourteen generations.” Mt 1.1, 17

Oratio: O God, You words are truth and the promised Messiah was  of the House of David.
      
I remember Matthew the Evangelist gave us the genealogy of Jesus to show that He was of the House of David. He also used a subtle but very effective way of emphasizing that Jesus was of David’s lineage  for the He brew letters that make up fourteen also spell out David.  In prayer give thanks for the Evangelists for preserving the key elements of our faith so that we more readily believe.

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: "genealogy....Jesus Christ...son of David” the whole purpose of the long genealogy is to show that Jesus is the son of David and secondarily to show that he is a direct descendant of Abraham, our father in faith for all nations. Thus Jesus is the fulfillment of our deepest longings. Seek the grace of gratitude for the faith we have and its foundation that have been handed on to us.                         

Tomorrow's reading: Mt 1.18-25 

12.15.14

Lectio:  Mt 21.28-32                                

Meditatio: "Which of the two did the father’s will?  They answered, ‘The first.’ Jesus said to them, ‘Amen, I say to you, tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the Kingdom of God before you...’.” Mt 21.31

Oratio: O God, You so much wanted all to accept Your Son but You did not force them.              
I remember Jesus told the parable of the two sons to bring home Your offer and the refusal of some to accept it. In prayer seek the grace to say ‘Yes’ to God’s will and then do it for therein is how we place ourselves in a position to accept His gift of the kingdom.                                                   
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: "tax collectors...prostitutes .entering...before you”: we cannot count on the fact that we are Catholics that the kingdom of God will be given to us. Rather it s for those accept Jesus and do His Fathers’s will that will result in the Kingdom being given to us. Discern God’s will and then do it living in accord with Gospel values for that is all that God asks of us and He will gift us with His Kingdom.

Tomorrow's reading: Mt 1.1-17

12.14.14

Lectio:  Mt 21.23-27                    

Meditatio: "When he had come into the temple area, the chief priests and elders of the people approached him as he was teaching and said, ‘By what authority are you doing this things? And who gave you this authority’?” Mt 21.23

Oratio: O God, those who should have accepted Your Son first, the religious leaders, did not.

I remember the religious leaders were the first to question His obvious authority for His teaching -  You!  It would be to their detriment and sadly to the people they were called to serve. Pray to readily accept the teaching authority of the Church for it has been given to it by Jesus.

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: "what authority...An who gave”; the religious leaders questioned Jesus as to His authority but He exposed their lack of sincerity when He in turn said He would answer their question if they would answer by whose authority was John, the Baptist, teaching. Seek the  grace of a believing heart in all matters of faith and morals proclaimed by the Catholic Church.

Tomorrow's reading: Mt 21.28-32         

12.13.14

Lectio: Jn 1.6-8, 19-28
                                               

Meditatio: "A man named John was sent from God. He came for testimony to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to testify to the light.” Jn 1.6-8

Oratio: O God, You wanted all to accept Your Son, the Messiah.                    

I remember You sent a powerful preacher to testify to the Messiah and to prepare the people for Him. Sadly, many refused to believe and reform their lives despite the cry of John the Baptist.  In prayer testify to others about Christ especially by how you live your 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: "John...testify....light”; the light in the Gospel of John is Jesus. John testified that he was not the Messiah and his role was to prepare the people for the coming of Light of the World.  Seek the grace to be a light for those whose live you touch and who have not found Christ for He wants all to be saved.

Tomorrow's reading: Mt 21.23-27

12.12.14

Lectio: Mt 17.9a,10-13                                 

Meditatio: "but I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him but did to him whatever the pleased. So also will the Son of Man suffer at their hands.” Mt 17.11

Oratio: O God, You so much wanted all things to be restored for the coming of Your son.

I remember You sent John the Baptist, the Elijah that was to come, to restore all things. Sadly not all responded and You do not force people. Tragically the leaders, who should have believed, made him suffer and  they put Jesus to death as well.    In prayer seek to be open to God’s will for me; and the grace to do it for His will is what is best for me and His will can always be trusted.

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: "Elijah... come....nor recognize”; the Jewish scribes and many of the people believed that Elijah must come to prepare the people for the Messiah. But they did not recognize that John the Baptist was the Elijah that had come and many ignored him to their loss. Seek the grace to turn to the Lord in all things and He will not be found wanting and you will be richly blest.

Tomorrow's reading: Jn 1.6-8, 19-28

P.S. Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us especially today, your feast day.

12.11.14

Lectio: Lk 1.26-38                      

Meditatio: "Mary said, ‘Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word’.” Lk 1.38a

Oratio: O God, You gave us the perfect role model in Mary.

I remember she trusted Your word saying in effect ‘Thy will be done.’ It is the same response Your Son taught us how to pray. May I pray the Our Father with full meaning and Mary our mother through grace,  will be pleased with us for doing whatever the Father wants of 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: "I...handmaid....done ...me”; Mary promptly and willingly submitted to the  will of God and she taught Her son to do the same and He did. He taught us to do the same. Seek the grace to do the Father’s will in all things.

Tomorrow's reading: Mt 17.9a,10-13

12.09 & 12.10.14

12.09.14

Lectio: Mt 11.28-30

Meditatio: "For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Mt 11.30

Oratio: O God, how kindly You treat us!

I remember Your Son proclaimed His gentle mastery when He told His followers that His burden is light. In prayer seek the grace to always submit to God's will for in doing do you will come to the place He has prepared 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: "yoke...easy...burden...light."; a yoke is a wooden  harness in Jesus' days and if it is "easy", it means it is well fitting and does not cause painful rubbing. Seek the yoke of Christ and You will find a gentle Master who is most concerned for your spiritual welfare and you will be richly blest.

Tomorrow's reading: Mt 11.11-15

2.10.14

Lectio: Mt 11.11-15

Meditatio: "And if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah, the one who is to come." Mt 11.14

Oratio: O God, You words are truth.

I remember Your Son declared that John the Baptist is Elijah, the great prophet who was to come before the Messiah. In prayer seek a believing heart.

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: "he...Elijah"; John the Baptist is the great prophet, Elijah. His words are truth. Seek the grace to have a noon mind but readily believe whatever Jesus reveals for He is All-Truth.

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 1.26-38

12.08.14

Lectio:    Mt 18.12-14                                                  
                             
Meditatio “And if he finds it, amen, I say to you, he rejoices more over it than over the ninety-nine that did not stray.”  Mt 18.13

Oratio: O God, how You love each and everyone of us.                              

I remember Jesus told a parable about the Good Shepherd who left the 99 to search for one that one lost and finding it rejoiced over that one more than over the 99 and He then concluded by stating it is the same with Hie Father. What a kind and merciful God!  
                     
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: "finds...rejoices .more...it...99"; God so loves and wants to recover the lost that He rejoices exceedingly when He does find even one. In prayer seek the Lord that I may be found and no greater ending can come than that and so give thanks and praise.  

Tomorrow's reading: Mt 11.12-14

12.07.14

Lectio:    Lk 1.26-38                                       
                             
Meditatio “And coming to her, he said, ‘Hail, favored one! The lord is with you’.” Lk 1.28

Oratio: O God, all that You give to us is pure gift - we cannot earn it.          

I remember Mary was conceived without original sin, a sin that all receive by virtue of their nature, because God wanted the mother of His Son to be pure and spotless free from sin from the first moment life begana, In prayer seek God’s favor to live a life that conforms to Gospel values and He will give you that favor for such living is what He wants from all.
                     
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: "favored.....Lord... with you”; Mary was highly favored by God when she was conceived free of original sin. As a result, Mary freed from the debilitating effects of original sin was able to remain sinless all of her life. Seek the grace to live a holy and blameless life in imitating of Mary our Mother and you can count on for her strong support.

Tomorrow's reading: Mt 18.12-14              

12.06.14

Lectio:    Mk 1.1-8                              
                             
Meditatio: "And this is what he [ John, the Baptist] proclaimed, ‘One mightier than I is coming after me. I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of his sandals. I have baptized you with water, he will baptize you with the holy Spirit’.” Mk 1.7-8

Oratio: O God, You our the source of our lasting hope.                           

I remember John the Baptist, responding to the hope of the people, declared that he was not the Messiah but the Messiah would be coming and will baptize with the Holy Spirit. In prayer thank God for sending the Messiah and offering us a new and deeper relationship with God as  His children.                                                            

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: "One mightier....coming after....water...holy Spirit” ; John the Baptist affirmed the hope of the people that the Messiah was coming and through baptism would offer a wonderful relationship - siblings of the Messiah and children of His Father.  Seek the grace to live out the relationship offered by Jesus for in doing so you will achieve the desisting that God so much wants for everyone.

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 1.26-38          

12.05.14

Lectio:    Mt 9.35-10.1, 5a, 6-8
                             
Meditatio: "Then he said, ‘The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest’.” Mt 9.37-38

Oratio: O God, You have done so much for us and you ask so little of us.

I remember Your Son noted the great harvest of souls that are there for You if only there were more laborers to bring them in. In prayer ask the Father to bring about a spring time in which the many vocations to be laborers will be accepted for our good and for the greater honor and glory of God.                                                

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...abundant...laborers...few”; the whole world is the harvest and it takes many to spread the word both as a vocation and as an avocation; seek the grace to do one’s part in spreading the good news for that is the way the harvest is brought in.                                                                            
Tomorrow's reading: Mk 1.1-8            

12.04.14

Lectio:    Mt 9.27-31                   

Meditatio: "When he entered the house, the blind men approached him and Jesus said to them, ‘Do you believe that I can do this?  “Yes, Lord”, they said to him.” Mt 9.28

Oratio: O God, what graces You give to those who believe!

I remember two blind men cried out to Your Son to have pity on them. And then He asked them directly if they believed He could give them their sight and they replied in the affirmative.  He then  gave them their sight. In prayer seek the gift of a strong faith so that I may always put my total trust in Jesus and forever bask in His light.

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: "blind...believe...do....Yes:”;   faith of the two blind men who had to rely on what they heard for their faith believed. Because they believed Jesus, gave them their sight. Seek the grace to share the light of Christ  we received with others so that they may see in the light of Christ and overcome their spiritual blindness.

Tomorrow's reading: Mt 9.35-10.1, 5a, 6-8

12.03.14

Lectio: Mt 7.21, 24-27

Meditatio: "everyone who listens to my words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on a rock." Mt 7.24

Oratio: O God, Your words are eternal life.

I remember Your Son told us that if we act on His words, we will have a strong foundation that will with stand the trials of this life and enable us to follow Him into the kingdom. In prayer may I listen attentively to Jesus' words and act on them for His words are eternal life if put into practice.

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: "listens...acts...wise"; the foundation for our life is so important and it must be strong enough to bring us to the kingdom. Seek the grace of listening and acting for those are the dynamics that can lead to right living - a vocation that is the call of all.

Tomorrow's reading: Mt 9.27-31

12.02.14

Lectio: Mt 15.29-37                  
                                       
Meditatio: "The crowds were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the deformed made whole, the lame walking, and the blind able to see, and they glorified the God of Israel.” Mt 15.31

Oratio: O God, what wonders Your Son did so that belief would be instilled in His listeners.

I remember Jesus worked many and different types of miracles and the people glorified God and he concluded by feeding 4000 with seven loaves and a few fish. Sadly, the religious leaders did not take His miracles at their face value but would ascribe His powers to the Evil One. In prayer seek to be opened to the workings of God in one’s life for He continues to let His light shine upon us and He continues to watch over us and sustains us to our benefit and for the benefit of our immortal souls.
        
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: "amazed...mute...blind.....glorified ...God”; Jesus performed many and varied miracles and the people rightly glorified God. Sadly,  not the religious leaders. Seek the grace to be alert to the workings of God in one’s life for He is there and watches over us with loving care and we are richly blest and should give thanks and glory to God for being there for us..      

Tomorrow's reading:Mt 7.21,24-27

12.01.14

Lectio:  :Lk 10.21-24                
                                       

Meditatio: "Turning to his disciples in private he said, ‘Blessed are the eyes that see what you see’.” Lk 10.23                                                   

Oratio: O God, at times You are so gracious to us!               

I remember many longed to see the Messiah including kings, priests and prophets but it was to ordinary people, fishermen, that the Messiah was revealed and they indeed were blest. In prayer seek to recognize Jesus incarnate in those whose lives we touch.
        
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: "Blessed....see... you see”; Jesus declared His disciples blessed because they saw more than a human being and a good person, for they saw the Messiah. Seek the grace to see with the eyes of faith those who have been sent with prophetic messages so that the way to eternal life will be known and attainable.                                                           

Tomorrow's reading:Mt 16.15-20

11.30.14

Lectio:  Mt 8.5-11
                                       

Meditatio: "The centurion said in reply, ‘Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed’.” Mt 8.8

Oratio: O God, what gift of faith You give to people at times!

I remember a centurion’s servant was suffering greatly and he asked Jesus to help. Jesus said He would come and cure him; and the centurion uttered that beautiful expression of faith that Jesus could cure by His words alone. Jesus did declaring He had not seen such faith in Israel. In prayer seek the gift of faith for without faith life here is meaningless and with it, life is everything.
        
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: "Lord...say...be healed”; what a great act of faith the centurion made when he likened Jesus healing powers as simply an order that Jesus would issue. And so it was so. Seek the grace to put my trust fully in the Lord, knowing that no matter what happens in the interim, He is always there for me and will see me to my ultimate destiny - eternal life in His kingdom.

Tomorrow's reading:Lk 10.21-24

11.29.14

Lectio:  Mk 13.33-37                                         

Meditatio: "Be watchful! Be alert! You do not know when the time will come.” Mk 13.33  

Oratio: O God, no one knows when the end of the world will come; but it will and we pray for it every day.               

I remember Your Son told His disciples that they do not know when the time will be come and so He urged them to stay alert and by implication do those things that you ought. In prayer live each day to live  in accord with the Gospel of Love and you will be ready when Jesus comes again whether at the end of time or at the end of your life time.
        
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: "Be alert....not know when”; Jesus commanded us to be watchful and alert for we do not know when He will come again except He will. Seek the grace ti live each day as though it were the last one and strive to do what Jesus would do;  and you will be as ready to meet  the Lord requires of us                            .

Tomorrow's reading:Mk 8.5-11

11.28.14

Lectio: Lk 21.34-36                             

Meditatio: "Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise.” Lk 21.34   

Oratio: O God, You know the things of this world can so imbibe us that we forget why we are here and where we are going.

I remember Jesus warned His followers about becoming drowsy from among other things the anxieties of daily life for He knew that our self centeredness would prevent us from being vigilant and steeped in the way of other-centeredness; that is selfless love, and we would not be ready when the Lord comes, which would be a spiritual disaster.. In prayer seek and follow the way of love so that whenever Jesus comes, at the end of time or at the end of my life time, I will be ready to follow Him to the Kingdom.   
        
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: "drowsy...anxieties...day.....surprise”; Jesus warned us in effect to keep our eyes on what faith requires. Seek the grace to overcome spiritual bloat whose root cause is self-centeredness by being other-centered so that the allure of this wold will not sedate us and we will be doing what we ought when the day of the Lord arrives for us.

Tomorrow's reading:Mk 13.33-37

11.27.14

Lectio:  Lk 21.29-33                 

Meditatio: "Amen, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until these things have taken place.” Lk 21.22                                                       

Oratio: O God, at times Your words are not easy to understand.        

I remember Your Son is quoted as saying in the context of the end of time that the events that precede it will occur in the generation to which He was speaking, Yet we know the end did not come then. What did Jesus mean?  It is difficult to know but perhaps He was speaking to end of time of the godless and that He is replacing it with the time of redemption. Seek the grace to live in accord with Gospel values for the end of time will then not catch you off guard and Jesus’ coming will be most wonderful for you.

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: "this...not pass...taken place”; whatever the meaning which is now hidden from our eyes, the bottom line is: Jesus has come and a the time of redemption for all is now at hand. In prayer let us give thanks to our God for being so good and merciful to us.

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 21.34-36

P.S. Happy Thanksgiving!

11.26.14

Lectio: Lk 21.20-28

Meditatio: "There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on earth nations will be in dismay, perplexed by the roaring of the sea and the waves." Lk 21.25 

Oratio: O God, how awesome it will be when Your Son comes again!

I remember Jesus said we would be "perplexed" by the many physical signs and events at His coming. Pray that awe and love and not fright and fear be our reactions when Jesus comes whether at the end of time or at the end of our life time for that is how You want Your children to be.

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: "signs...nations...perplexed"; Jesus' second coming will be announced by physical world so that all will know that He is at hand; seek the grace of joy at the prospect of His coming for that is what it should be for His siblings.

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 21.29-33



Lectio: Lk 21.20-28

Meditatio: "There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on earth nations will be in dismay, perplexed by the roaring of the sea and the waves." Lk 21.25 

Oratio: O God, how awesome it will be when Your Son comes again!

I remember Jesus said we would be "perplexed" by the many physical signs and events at His coming. Pray that awe and love and not fright and fear be our reactions when Jesus comes whether at the end of time or at the end of our life time for that is how You want Your children to be.

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: "signs...nations...perplexed"; Jesus' second coming will be announced by physical world so that all will know that He is at hand; seek the grace of joy at the prospect of His coming for that is what it should be for His siblings.

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 21.29-33

11.25.14

Lectio:  Lk21.12-19                                                    
                                                      
Meditatio: “By your perseverance you will secure your lives.”  Lk 21.19             

O God, You so much want all to come back to You..                                

I remember Jesus gave us how - PERSEVERE’ In prayer seek the grace to persist in the Good News and Love and then do whatever love demands and the kingdom will one day be yours.

 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: "perseverance...secure “; persist in being a person of love and Jesus proclaims the kingdom will be obtained.  Seek the grace to persevere         in the Gospel and all will be well in the end and during this life.

Tomorrow's reading: Lk21.20-28                                                    

11.24.14

Lectio:  Lk21.5-11                                             

Meditatio: “Then they asked him, ‘Teacher, when will this happen?’...There will be powerful earthquakes, famines, and plague from place to place, and awesome sights and mighty signs will come from the sky.” Lk 21.7a, 11

O God, we know that time as we know it will end.                                  

I remember Your Son told the people that the world will end and He cautioned them not to believe those who claim to know. Rather there  will be great signs when it is about to take place. In other words the end will not catch us off guard. In prayer pray for the coming of Christ for that means God’s kingdom will be finally established and life will be as it ought to be and not as it is now.

 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: "when....earthquakes...awesome sight..sky “; the end of time will be preceded by awesome sights and signs so we should not listen to those who predict the end of time. Rather we should seek the grace to live as though the end were today and we will be ready whenever if occurs even if it is simply for us the end of our own lifetime.

Tomorrow's reading: Lk21.12-19                                                    

11.23.14

Lectio: Lk 21.1-4                                   

Meditatio: “and he noticed a poor widow putting in to two small coins. He said, ‘I tell you this poor widow put in more than all the rest’.:” Lk 21.2-3

O God, it is not the size of the gift that pleases You but the size of the heart.

I remember Jesus noticed people putting their gifts in the Temple treasury and despite the fact that the widow’s gift was the smallest in value, it was the greatest in sacrifice and so Jesus singled her out and  praised her. In giving alms do what You can and that is what is most pleasing to God. Seek the grace of a generous heart.

 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: "widow....two...coins...more...rest”; in this episode, Jesus praises the size of the heart in determining what almsgiving is pleasing to God.  In prayer seek a generous heart and give to worthy causes to the extent you are able.

Tomorrow's reading: Lk21.5-11

11.18 to 11.22.14

11.18.14

Lectio: Lk 19.11-28

Meditatio: "He called ten if his servants and gave them ten gold coins and told them, 'engage in trade with these until I return'." Lk 19.13

Oratio: O God, You give us work to do, and You rightly expect we will do it.

I remember Your Son told a parable about Ten Gold Coins which is very similar to the parable of the Talents found in Matthew; and the bottom line is the same - the one who buried his gold coin out of fear had the same unhappy ending as the one who was given one talent and did not use it. In prayer seek the courage to do one's duty the best you can and regardless of the result, that is all that The Lord expects of you and you will enter the Master's joy.

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: "gave ten ... engage in trade"; engage is a directive and should not be ignored unless a higher good is at stake. Failure to follow an order will have adverse consequences if given by a person in authority. Seek the grace of obedience to those who have charge and all will be well even if the undertaking is a failure.

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 19.41.44


11.19.14

Lectio: Lk 19.41-44

Meditatio: "As he drew near, he saw the city and wept over it, saying 'If this day you only knew what makes for peace - but now it is hidden from your eyes'." Lk 19.41,42

Oratio: O God, You so much want us to live in peace.

I remember You sent You Son as the Prince of Peace to Your Chosen people but they rejected Him and the enemies of the Jews would destroy Jerusalem. In prayer seek to be a peacemaker for they will be Your children and inherit the kingdom for being a source of peace 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: "he...wept...knew...peace"; Jesus wept over Jerusalem because they fail to recognize Him as the true mediator of peace to their great detriment. Seek the grace to act as siblings of Christ and allow Him to use you as His instrument of peace and you and they will be greatly blest

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 19.45-48

.11.20.14

Lectio: Lk 19.45-48

Meditatio: "Then Jesus entered the temple area and proceeded to drive out those who were selling things." Lk 19.45

Oratio: O God, You tolerate so much from us.

I remember the religious leaders were allowing the Temple area to be used by merchants to sell things to be used in the Temple and Your Son drove them out; and  the leaders began to plot as to how to kill him because He was interfering with how they were doing things. Seek the grace to remember Your Church is a house if prayer and to treat it as such.

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 today and reflect on this passage and see how God may be speaking to you.

Operatio: reflect: "temple...drive out...selling"; it should have been the religious leaders who stopped the selling but it took Jesus in the mode of a righteous prophet to do so, incurring the hostility of the leaders in the process.  In prayer ask for the grace to be always reverent in Church as that is the le      can do in my Father's house

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 20.27-40
                      


11.21.14

 Lectio: Lk 20.27-40

 Meditatio: "Some Sadducees, those who deny the resurrection, came forward and put this question to him...Now at the  resurrection whose wife will that woman be? For all seven had been married to her." Lk 20.27,33

 Oratio: O God, You are so patient with the slowness of our coming to faith.

 I remember the Sadducees thought they had a gotcha question when they assumed the afterlife
 Is the same as this life, and posed the question about all seven marrying the same woman, and Jesus easy retort was in the next life we do not marry and then He crushed them when He pointed out that Scripture shows that even Moses believed in the resurrection and they dared not to ask any further questions to test Him. In prayer seek a humble and contrite heart and rejoice in your faith and leave it to the theologians to plumb difficult questions.

 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 today and reflect on this passage and see how God may be speaking to you.

 Operatio: reflect: "Sadducees ..question....whose wife?" The afterlife is it the same as this life but so much more and since we live on forever there is no need for marriage; seek the grace to live in this life as we ought so that we will be blest with all the the joy and love that is a very real part of heaven.

 Tomorrow's reading: Mt 25.31-46

11.22.14

Lectio: Mt 25.31-46                       

Meditatio: “Then they will answer and say ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or ill or in prison, and not minister to you’?” He will answer them, ‘Amen, I say to you what you did not do for these least ones, you did not do for me’.” Mt 25.44-45

O God, You have wonderfully graced us! Your Son not only knows we are effected by neglect and bad behavior but He is incarnate through us! Wow!

I remember Jesus in the Parable of the Nations made this clear that when we neglect the least among us we are neglecting Him. . He  made it clear that He is incarnate in each and every one of us so much so that what effects us, effects Him. In prayer seek the grace  to remember that Jesus is in everyone and that means everyone should be respected because of the dignity they possess

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

Operatio: reflect: "when...see you....did...least...did...me”; In this wonderful parable about the judgement at the end of time Jesus reveals that He is did not simple come to save us but that He is within us throughout our journey.  Seek the grace to show everyone respect for in doing so we are showing respect for Christ Himself and we are honoring this great and wonderful mystery.

 Tomorrow's reading: Lk 21.1-4                                                        

11.17.14

Lectio: Lk 19.1-10                        

Meditatio: “So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree in order to see Jesus, who was about to pass that way.” Lk 19.4

O God, You want all who seek You to find You.             

I remember Zacchaeus was small of stature so he climbed a tree in order to see Jesus. For doing so Jesus visited his house and ate with him and proclaimed salvation to him and his household. In prayer seek help to remember that Jesus came to save those who were lost and then seek the grace to help .those who are seeking Jesus to find Him. In doing so, Jesus will be our Lord and Savior.                                                     
Contemplatio: spend some time in silence and meditate on the selected passage and hear what
God is saying to you.

Operatio: reflect: "climbed....see Jesus”; by His desire Zacchaeus came to see Jesus in the flesh and Jesus proclaimed  salvation. . Seek the grace to see Jesus in those whom we serve and we will be blest by His presence - now and forever. May all be so blest.

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 19.11-28                           

11.16.14

Lectio: Lk 6..27-38         

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

O God, You want all to be kind to others as You are kind..

I remember Jesus proclaimed the Golden Rule in His Sermon on the Mount as the guide for our showing kindness. And He promised a great reward for those who are merciful for they shall obtain Your mercy - How wonderful! How marvelous! How kind! Seek the grace to love others as you love yourself and you will live the Golden Rule and you will bask in God’s mercy.

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

Operatio: reflect: "Do....have....do...you.”; in His Sermon on the Mount Jesus gave us a simple principle to live by and promised us a great ending if we do. In prayer resolve to live always by the Golden Rule;  and the ending of one’s life is worth the time and effort that abiding by the Golden Rule entails.

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 19.1-10                            

11.15.14

Lectio: Mt 25.14-30                      

Meditatio: “Then the one who received the one talent came forward and said, ‘Master, I knew you were a demanding person...so out of fear I went off and buried your talent in the ground. Here it is back.’ His master said to him in reply, ‘You wicked, lazy servant’!.” Mt 25.24a,25, 26a  

O God, You want all of us to use what talents we have to help in bringing about Your kingdom here on earth.

I remember Jesus made this very clear when He told a Parable of the Talents. The one who buried the talent given to him was punished not because he had only one talent, but because he failed to use it. In prayer help me to realize that how little talent I have, God gave it to me to play a particular part in establishing His kingdom. May I always use and not abuse or bury my talent.

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

Operatio: reflect: "one talent....wicked, lazy servant”; in His Parable of the Talents Jesus made it clear that even if we have only one talent, we must use it for the kingdom. May I have the grace to use the talents God gives me for the purpose He gives them to me; and I will be able to live in His grace and come to one day share in His joy..

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 18.35-43     

11.12.14 to 11.14.14

11.12.14

Lectio:Lk 17.20-25

Meditatio: “Asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom  of God will come, he said in reply, 'The coming of the kingdom of God cannot be observed...For behold, the kingdom of God is among you'." Lk 17.20, 21c

I remember Jesus made it clear that God's kingdom as it exists in earth until the end of time, will not be a physical kingdom, but a spiritual one marked by people of love. In prayer seek to be a kingdom builder by living in accord with the Great Law of Love,

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

Operatio: reflect: "cannot...observed...among you"; God's kingdom on earth is not of bricks and mortar, but of the heart; seek the grace to love in all matter and then do as you wish and you will be doing you part to build God's kingdom.

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 17.26-30

11.13.14

Lectio:Lk 17.26-30

Meditatio: “on the day when Lot left Sodom, fire and brimstone rained from the sky to destroy them all." Lk 17.29

O God, we often get our priorities wrong and put the wrong emphasis on what we should be doing at any particular moment.

I remember Jesus made it clear that we must be vigilant for the day of His second coming because it will happen without warning and utter destruction will fall upon those who were not vigilant, like the unbelievers of Noah's and Lot's times. In prayer seek the grace to live each day as though it were my last and I will be ready to meet The Lord no matter when He comes.

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

Operatio: reflect: "Lot...Sodom..fire...destroy...all"; Jesus' warning to those who are not vigilant and prepare for His coming.  Seek the grace to live always in His love and peace of mind and of heart and soul will be ours.

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 18.1-8

11.14.24

Lectio:Lk 18.1-8

Meditatio: “Will not God then secure the rights of his chosen ones who call out to him day and night? Will he be slow to answer them?" Lk 18.7

O God, You so much want us to persevere in our journey back to You and You will help us if we call upon You.

I remember Your Son told the parable about the persistent widow and his her persistence wore down the unjust judge and he gave her the rights that were her due. In a similar way, if we persist in calling upon Him, He assures us we will be heard and our needs granted.  In prayer seek the  grace to rely on The Lord and He will not disappoint.

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

Operatio: reflect: "secure...call out...day...night"; Jesus made it clear in His parable that persistence in our prayers is the key to their being granted if they are good for us.  May I have the grace to pray always with confidence knowing God will grant what I truly need for He so much wants us to successfully complete our journey to Him.

Tomorrow's reading: Mt 25.14-15,19-21

11.11.14

Lectio: Lk 17.11-19                                                                                

Meditatio: "Jesus said in reply, ‘Ten were cleansed, were they not? Where are the other nine’?”
Lk 17.17                                                             

Oratio: O God, You know we are often thoughtless and even ungrateful.

I remember Your Son cured ten lepers but only one came back to thank Him. What a gift they were given! What a lack of gratitude nine of them displayed! In prayer seek the grace of a grateful spirit and be ever mindful of the good that others do and express  thankfulness to them for that is the least one can do and should do.                 

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: "tem cleansed...”; we welcome favors and gifts and healings; but at times we are oblivious of our duty to give thanks for the benefit received. Seek the grace of a grateful heart and always express gratitude to the giver; and let that gift prompt you to be a cheerful giver to someone in need,

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 17.20-25 

.11.10.14

Lectio: Lk 17.7-10                                                                     

Meditatio: "When you have done all you have been commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants, we have done what we have been commanded to do’.” Lk 17.10b,c 
     
Oratio: O God, You know we are often concerned with our self-importance but that is not what You want of us.                                                          

I remember Jesus said that when we do what we do, we are simply unprofitable. Why? Because we are only able to do because of God’s grace. Therefore we should not be patting ourselves on our backs. In prayer seek the grace of humility knowing all that we are and all that wedo and all that we  may become, is all the result of God’s power.

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: "unprofitable...done..commanded”; we are often concerned with our own self-importance; when our successes are really attributable to God acting through us. Seek the grace to be a worthy instrument of the Lord’s so that He can accomplish through us what He wishes and leave the bows to Him.      
Tomorrow's reading: Lk 17.11-19

11.09.14

Lectio: Lk 17.1-6                                                           

Meditatio: "It would be better for him if a millstone were put around his neck and he be thrown into the sea than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin..” Lk 17.2
     
Oratio: O God, You know that we will fail and sin against You but You decry those who cause others to sin.                                                            
I remember Jesus said that those, who cause scandal and result in others sinning, should be thrown into the sea with a millstone around their neck which insure their destruction. In prayer strive to stay on the narrow path and give no scandal to those who are weak so that you will remain in God’s 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: "millstone...neck...sea” ; this gross image is intended to show the consequences to those who cause scandal leading others to sin. Seek the grace to always avoid giving scandal and when I have the misfortune to sin, to immediately turn to the Lord and ask for His forgiveness.                        
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Tomorrow's reading: Lk 17.7-10

11.08.14

Lectio: Jn 2.13-22                                                

Meditatio: "His disciples recalled the words of scripture, ‘ Zeal for my Father’s house will consume me’.”
Jn 2.17

Oratio: O God, You rook great delight in Your Son for His display of righteous anger because the merchants were making a marketplace out of the Temple area.

I remember He took cords and made a whip out of them and drove the merchants and the animals out ot the Temple area for His zeal for Your house consumed Him and properly so. In prayer seek to be always    respectfully both in words and deeds while in Church for there God dwells ;in a special way in the Tabernacle. And there He wants to be with us and we with Him.

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: "Zeal...consumed”; Jesus was properly angered over the way in which the merchants and money changers were using the Temple areas; and He showed His righteous anger by driving them out. Seek the grace to be always  aware that a church is the house of God. May we always show it the greatest respect.
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Tomorrow's reading: Lk 17.1-6

11.07.14

Lectio: Lk 16.9-15                 

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 16.15

Oratio: O God, you know how a divided heart cam easily lead us astray.

I remember Your Son warned us that we could not serve You and serve mammon. He knew that if we were attached to material things, they soon become  gods in our llife and will become the source to whom we pary our allegiance instead of You, our most loving and only true God. In prayer seek the grace of detachment from material things using them to help us but not letting them become the object of our love and devotion..

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: "cannot....God...mammon"; it is so important that we keep our priorities right - that God alone is God and all others and things are given to us to lead us back to Him and not to be a substitute for Him. Seek the grace to love God with an undivided heart so no one, no thing, will ever take His rightful place and we will be acting p prudently as He so wants us to.         

Tomorrow's reading: Jn 2.13-22

11.05 & 11.06,14

11.05.14

Lectio: Lk 15.1-10

Meditatio: "I tell you, in just the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents  than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance." Lk 15.7

Oratio: O God, how merciful You are and how You want all to come back to You.

I remember You Son made it clear that He came to save sinners when He told the parable of the Lost Sheep and emphasized it with His parable of the List Coin. In prayer seek the grace when I sin to immediately turn back to The Lord knowing He so much wants my return.

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: "more joy...one...than over 99"; gratefully Jesus mission was for us sinners. May we have the grace to seek The Lord when we have sinned knowing God will not condemn us but save us for that is why He came. And seek to bring Him joy by staying on the straight and narrow path which leads to His kingdom.

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 16.1-8

11.06.14

Lectio: Lk 16.1-8

Meditatio: "And the master commended that dishonest steward for acting prudently." Lk 16.8

Oratio: O God, you desire that we expend as much thought and effort on the things that matter most for our salvation as we do for the passing things of this life.

I remember Jesus told a parable about a dishonest steward to show how we act prudently about things of this life which effect our self interest - implying that we should act prudently in our actions to obtain eternal life. In prayer seek the grace to make prudent choices as to actions which will lead to the kingdom for our Heavenly Father so much wants us to return home to Him.

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: "commended...dishonest steward...prudently"; the steward's actions were also dishonest and he was not being commended for this but for the effectiveness of his actions for he would have benefactors who would take care of him as he took care of them. Prudence- to see and do what is effective to accomplish a task.  Seek the grace to act prudently as you seek heaven and God will gift it to you.

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 16.9-15

11.04.14

Lectio:  Lk 14.25-33                                                    

Meditatio: "If anyone come to me without hating his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.” Lk 14.26

Oratio: O God, You Word is at time mystifying and at first we do not understand.

I remember Jesus told His followers that they must hate those who are very dear to them otherwise they cannot be His disciple. This seems to go against everything we have been taught for love and not hate is to be our guide in all things. But then the light goes on and we realize Jesus is using hyperbole, that is exaggeration to make a point and the point is - total commitment to Him. In prayer seek the grace to keep my priorities straight and always keep God as number one in my 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:” without hating....cannot...disciple”; a strange saying to the modern ear but a call to total commitment if we wish to be His disciple. Seek the grace to love and serve Jesus with our whole heart mind and strength and that will show by our actions that we are His disciples and that will be most pleasing to Him.

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 15..1-10

11.03.14

Lectio:  Lk 14.15-24                                        

Meditatio: "When the time for the dinner came, he despatched his servant to day to those invited: ‘Come, everything is now ready.’But one by one, they all began to excuse themselves...For I tell you none of those men who were invited will taste my dinner.’ Lk 14,17, 18a, 24                                          
Oratio: O God, You first invited the chosen people to Your kingdom but they rejected Your invitation and then You extended the invitation to everyone but You so much want to share the kingdom.

I remember Jesus told a parable of a great feast in which those invited all made excuses for not coming and sadly those who did would never taste the dinner which stood for the kingdom of God. In prayer seek the grace to show by our actions that we will accept an invitation to the kingdom for there is no greater good for us than God and being in His presence..

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:” Come....all...excuse themselves”; how sad - those who were first offered the Kingdom rejected it but wonderfully we are the beneficiaries of their rejection. In prayer thank God for extending the invite to His Kingdom to all people and show your acceptance by living a life in accord with Gospel values.

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 14.25-33