3.31.14

Lectio:  Jn 5.1-16                                                                                                                                      
Meditatio: "When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had been ill a long time, he said to him, ‘Do you want to be well’? “ Jn 5.6

Oratio: "O God, what wonders You work even without faith on our part!                                                             
I remember that Jesus healed a crippled man simply because He took pity on the man and He only asked of the man what he wanted and of a  man who did not know who Jesus was. In prayer ask for the grace to always remember to ask of the Lord what you need for He will give you what you truly need and then some!

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: “ill...long time...want...well?”; Jesus cured the man who had been ill a long time merely because the man expressed a natural request. Sadly, because of their warped way at looking at things the religious elite  began to persecute Jesus because He did this on the Sabbath - how perverse!

Tomorrow's reading: Jn 5.17-30    

3,30.14

Lectio:   Jn 4.43-54                                                                                                                                   

Meditatio: "He [the official] asked them when he [his son] began to recover. They told him.’The fever left him yesterday, about one in the afternoon’. The father realized that just at that time Jesus has said to him, ‘Your son will live’.” Jn 4. 51-52

Oratio: "O God, what wonders You work for our faith!                                                                   

I remember that Jesus healed the royal official son simply by willing it at long distance so that the official and his household would believe;  and they did. How wonderful for the son! How wonderful it was for his entire household!

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: “fever left....Jesus....said”; the royal official believed in Jesus and Jesus healed his son without physically coming down to him.  Jesus shows in this incident the power of faith. In prayer seek a strong faith not because of miracles,  but because faith in Jesus is the way, the truth and the life.

Tomorrow's reading: Jn 5.1-16     

3.29.14

Lectio:   Jn 9.1-41                                                                                                                         

Meditatio: "So some of the Pharisees said, ‘This man is not from God, because he [Jesus] does not  keep the Sabbath,’ But others said, ‘How can a sinful mad do such signs?’ And the was a division among them.” Jn 9.16             

Oratio: "O God, How obstinate we are at times!                                                                          

I remember that many of the Pharisees could not believe in Jesus because He healed on the Sabbath.  How sad for them that they allowed man made laws trump God’s love made manifest by Jesus healing many and in this case a man born blind. In prayer seek the openness of a child in things that our of God and we will never be misled.

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: “Pharisees...not from God...healed...Sabbath”: healing in the view of the Pharisees was considered work and not an act of charity and because of their misplaced belief they refused to believe the obvious. Are we not sometimes like them? Questioning what should be obvious. In prayer seek the grace of a strong faith so that miracles which do happen will be a source of enrichment for us.

Tomorrow's reading: Jn 4.43-54 

3.28.14

Lectio:   Lk 18.9-14                                                                                                              

Meditatio: "The Pharisee took up his position and spoke this prayer to himself, ‘O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity - greedy, dishonest, adulterous -or even like this tax collector’.” Lk 18. 13

Oratio: "O God, You always listen to our prayers but You expect that we approach You in a humble and contrite way.

I remember Jesus told a parable about prayer in which He compared two people who went up to the Temple to pray. One extolled himself in his prayer while the other approached You in prayer with a contrite heart to seek Your mercy. And Jesus made it clear that the tax collector, one who was considered a public sinner, approached You in the right manner. May we always pray with our hearts and not with our self-righteousness.

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: “Pharisee...prayer...not like the rest”; the Pharisee started out right by addressing his prayer to God but he ended up wrong by using his prayer as a time to extol himself and put others down. In prayer seek the grace to approach God with a humble and contrite heart and we can count on God to be pleased with our prayers.

Tomorrow's reading: Jn 9.1-41

3.27.14

Lectio:  Mk 12.28-34                                                                                                  

Meditatio: "And to love him [God] with you all your heart, with all your understanding, with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is worth more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.” Mk 12. 33

Oratio: "O God, You have given us clear direction as to how to please You.

I remember one of the scribes, a Jewish elite, in his dialogue with Jesus, made it clear, that love of God and love of neighbor is better than all sacrifices - which were at the heart of divine worship in the temple until Jesus’ coming.  May all recognize the true praise and worship You want.

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: “love...Him...neighbor...yourself”;   in this triad of love, God is most pleased. In prayer seek the grace to not only Love God with your whole heart, but to love your neighbor to the same degree you love yourself for that is often so hard but that is so pleasing to God, Who is deserving of all your love.

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 18.9-14  

3.26.14

Lectio: Lk 11.14-23                                                                                       

Meditatio: "But if it is by the finger of God that I drive out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.” Lk 11.20

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

I remember Jesus’ opponents claimed that He was casting out demons by the power of the demons - how stupid! It was obvious that He was casting them out by the power of God and so His opponents should have looked no further for signs but they obviously did not want to know for if they did, they would have to give up on their positions and they were too entrenched in them to do 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: “finger...God...drive...demons...kingdom...has come”;   the only power stronger than the demon’s is God’s.  It is so obvious but the obvious means we then have to accept the message. We are often reluctant to do so. In prayer seek to be open to revelation and especially to the obvious for it is given to us for our betterment;  and then for the grace to love and do what You will for that is the key to right living.

Tomorrow's reading: Mk 12.28-34  

3.25.14

Lectio:   Mt 5.17-19                                                                          

Meditatio: "Do not think that I [Jesus] have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill.” M5.18

Oratio: "O God, Your wisdom is from of old and it endures!

I remember Jesus declared that the law and the prophets would not be abolished but He would fulfill them. And the reason - because the Law was given by You to the people and the  messages of the prophets were inspired by you. He would fulfill them by emphasizing the necessity to do all things out of love. He would proclaim that the great law of love fulfills all the laws and the prophets. He was speaking of God’s laws and not the some 613 laws that the priestly class and Pharisees  developed over the centuries.

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: “abolish...law...prophets...fulfill”; God spoke in ages past by sending us prophets and giving Moses the 10 commandments; it is these that Jesus came to fulfill and He would do  so by His Gospel of love.  In prayer seek the grace to love God with my whole heart, my whole soul and my whole strength and my neighbor as my self for that is the way Jesus prescribed the fulfillment of all that God has commanded and that should be our goal.

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 11.14-23        

3.24.14

Lectio:   Lk 1.26-38                                                               

Meditatio: "Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus.” Lk 1.31                

Oratio: "O God, how wonderful are Your ways!

I remember You sent the Angel Gabriel to announce to Mary Your plans for the birth of Your Son so that He could enter into human history; and You brought about His conception in her womb by the Power of the Spirit. How marvelous! How great for us! In prayer seek the grace of great gratitude for Jesus breaking into our history in such a personal and life giving way.       

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: “conceive...your womb...a son”; the announcement of God’s plans for Jesus birth and which was made possible by Mary’s fiat. In prayer seek the grace to always do the will of the Father no matter how taxing it may be at the moment for it is His will and not mine that life is best lived and best gives Him the praise and honor He deserves.

Tomorrow's reading: Mt 5.17-19     

3.23.14

Lectio:   Lk 4.24-30                                                   

Meditatio: "When the people in the synagogue heard this, they were all filled with fury.”
Lk 4. 28

Oratio: "O God, how self-centered we are!

I remember when Jesus returned to Nazareth after His first public ministry tour, they expected Him to work wonders for them as He had done for others. But when Jesus told them about two of their greatest prophets, Elijah and Elisha, working miracles for foreigners to emphasize that no prophet is accepted in his home town, they wanted to kill Him for they considered His statements a very great insult.  How inhuman their reaction! How inhuman are our treatments of Your Son when we refused to accept His teachings as proclaimed by His church - thinking we know better. In prayer seek the grace to be a docile believer knowing we can trust the Pope who is Christ’s vicar here on earth.

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: “when the people....heard...fury”; the people of His hometown were greatly insulted when Jesus reminded them of the beneficiaries of their two great prophets were Gentiles and that no prophet is accepted in his native place. They then tried to kill Him by driving Him out  of town and intending to hurl Him over a bluff of their hill. But He walked away; showing once again His power and that His agenda was God’s, and not theirs. In prayer seek the grace to accept the plans of God as enunciated by the Church as that is what God expects of His children.

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 1.26-38       

3.22.14

Lectio:   Jn 4.5-42                                        

Meditatio: " Jesus answered and said to her, ‘If you knew the gift of God and who is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink.’ you would have asked him and he would have given you living water’.” Jn 5.10                                    

Oratio: "O God, how extravagant You are!

I remember Jesus told the Samaritan woman at the well that if she asked, He would give her living water - the gift of Your Spirit! How generous of You and wonderful for her! Grant that I may always show my gratitude for the gift of Your Spirit which You also give to us by doing what He prompts me to do so that all I do gives praise, honor and glory to 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: “who...you ...asked...living water”’ Jesus offered to the Samaritan woman living water, that is the gift of the Spirit; how generous of Him; and He gives us the same gift to us at our baptism and the fullness of the Spirit at our confirmation - how blest we are! In prayer seek the grace to always be enlivened by the Spirit so as to best give praise, honor and glory to God by doing His will.

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 4.24-30   

3.21.14

Lectio:   Lk 15.1-3, 11-32                                        

Meditatio: "So he got up and went back to his father. While he was still a long way off, his father caught sight of him, and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him.” Lk 15.20      

Oratio: "O God, how compassionate You are!

I remember Jesus in his parable about the Lost Son, showed Your compassion in an extraordinary way - for His son, who spent his inheritance had decided for practical reasons to come home, Jesus tells us that his father was hoping for this for he was always looking for him and when  he caught sight of his son, who was a long way off, he went to his son and treated him as a true son and showed his forgiveness by how he dressed him, kissed him  and holding a party for him - a full and complete pardon and a full restoration as his son. Grant that I may always remember the Lord is kind and merciful and that no matter how far I go astray, He is always there waiting and hoping for 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: “back to ...father... ran...embraced... kissed”’ in the dynamics of the father’s action we see a complete forgiveness of the prodigal son; a wonderful sign of how God treats all and how he wants all who wander from the straight pass to return and be part of His everlasting joy.

Tomorrow's reading: Jn 4.5-42          

3.20.14

3.20.14

Lectio:   Mt 21.33-43. 45-46                    

Meditatio: "Jesus said to them, ‘Did you never read in the scriptures: “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; by the Lord has this been done, and it is wonderful in our eyes”? Mt 21.42

Oratio: "O God, how You bring good out of bad!

I remember Jesus told a parable which was aimed at the failure of the religious leaders of Israel and despite their making the parable a true story for they would have him arrested and put to death - the fate of the son in the parable, Jesus fulfilled the role of Psalm 118 and became the cornerstone of our faith.  Seek the grace to always rejoice in our Lord and God and always give Him our full allegiance.

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: “stone... rejected...cornerstone”; Jesus is that stone, rejected by the religious leaders who became and remains the cornerstone of our faith; in prayer thank Jesus for being so willing to forgive us and  leading us to ways everlasting as His Father desires.

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 15.1-3, 11-32  

3.19.14

Lectio: Lk 16.19-31

Meditatio: "Then Abraham said, 'If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will  they be persuaded if someone should rise from the dead" Lk 16.31

Oratio: "O God, what an indictment of the human condition!

I remember Abraham declared to Lazarus that his 5 brothers would not turn from the foolish ways of Lazarus and which caused Lazarus to be in torment in the after  life
even if someone came back from the dead and told them - how stubborn we are in our errors! How right Abraham is for Jesus rose from the dead and how many have rejected
him. Seek the grace to always b;eve in the risen Lord.

I  ask this and all things in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You
and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
                                                                Contemplatio: spend some time in silence and meditate on the selected passage and hear what.
God is saying to you

Operatio: “not listen to Moses and ...neither... persuaded...should rise from the dead”; The story of Lazarus and is so pathetic for it shows how callous we are and how set in our ways; in prayer seek the grace to be open to the ways of the Lord no matter how He chooses to convey His will.

Tomorrow's reading: Mt 21.33-43. 45-46

3.18.14

Lectio:  Lk 2.41-51a                                                                                               

Meditatio: "And he [Jesus] said to them, ‘Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house’?” Lk 2.49

Oratio: O God, Your Son is amazing!

I remember at the age of 12 He understood the mystery of the Incarnation and He showed by His actions that He belonged in the Temple, Your house, for He is Your Son..

Grant that I may use the gift of my understanding to plumb the mysteries of our faith, knowing that I can never fully understand them, but knowing that I can gain a better appreciation for my faith and be renewed by the glimpses of the Divine.    

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: "Why...looking... my Fathers’ house”: at the age of 12 Jesus knew His identity and He shocked His parents by declaring who His Father is.  They of course knew, but they did not expect Jesus to act out His relationship as He did but Mary then kept this revelation in her heart so that we could know about it and our faith enhanced by that knowing. In prayer may I always rejoice in Mary keeping the insights of Jesus in her heart so that we could be enriched by them.

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 16.19-31

3.17.14

3.17.14

Lectio:  Mt 23.1-12                                                                                   

Meditatio: "The greatest among you must be your servant.” Mt 23.11

Oratio: O God, You know we seek to achieve greatness and You made it very easy for all to become great.

I remember Your Son declared that if we serve others, we are the greatest and all can and should serve others.

Grant that I may use the time, talent and treasure I ha ve to serve those whose lives I touch by being a good steward of my gifts. If I do, I will receive the  recognition that counts - 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: "greatest...your servant”; the secret for true success lies in serving the needs of others; in prayer seek the grace to use your gifts and your talents to help others and to refrain from hoarding them for yourself;  God will give you the greatest reward - eternal life with Him.

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 2.41-51a 

P.S. Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

3.16.14

Lectio:   Lk 6.36-38                                                         

Meditatio: "Be merciful, just as [also] your Father is merciful.” Lk 6.36

Oratio: O God, Your mercy is incomparable.

I remember Your Son urged us to be merciful as You are merciful and he listed major areas where You show mercy such as refraining from judging, forgiving and giving - in short to be compassionate - to not only show empathy but to offer help to the extent you are able.

Grant that I may strive to be merciful and readily forgive others and help them to the extent I can and always give them the benefit of the doubt.

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

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

Operatio: "Be merciful...as...your Father”; God’s mercy is a forgiving, non-judgmental and giving one to those who have caused harm; How rich is His mercy! How better off we will be if we extend the same kind of treatment to those who hurt us. Pray for the grace to heed Jesus’ command and to be compassionate towards those whose lives we touch. If we do,  they will be greatly blest by our actions. In the short run we also will be  blest with a better mental and physical well being; and in the long run we will be greatly blest by the Lord for He cannot be out done in generosity.

Tomorrow's reading: Mt 23.1-12  

3.15.14

Lectio:  Mt 17.1-9                                               

Meditatio: "While he [Peter] was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud cast a shadow over them, then from the cloud came a voice that said, ‘This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him’.” Mt 17. 5

Oratio: O God, You knew the disciples had to be strengthened because of the scandal of the cross.  

I remember that You gave three of His disciples a vision of Moses and Elijah appearing with Jesus and speaking with Him and then to make it crystal clear You spoke and declared that He was Your Son. What a clear revelation! What a strong support for them when the crucifixion of Your Son occurs.

Grant that I may be ever rejoice in knowing that Jesus is truly the Son of God and that He was sent so that all could have eternal life with You in heaven.

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: "my...Son...listen”; At Jesus transfiguration, His Father clearly revealed His identity to Peter, James and John so that they would be strengthened when confusion would arise when Jesus was crucified. In prayer seek the grace to always listen to Jesus whose words and directions are proclaimed for us today by the Church and strive to always ask ourselves before acting: ‘What would Jesus do?’and then do it. And we will be blest by our heavenly Father for living as true children of His.

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 6.36-38  

3.14.14

Lectio: Mt 5.43-48                                    

Meditatio: "So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Mt 5.48                                                                           
Oratio: O God, at times what Your Son asks of seems virtually impossible for us to do.

I remember that He told us to be perfect as You are perfect - and we know we can’t! But then  we realize He was speaking about our treatment of others and He simply wants us to treat all with mercy - that is with compassionate love - for that is how You treat us.

Grant that I may be ‘perfect’ as You are perfect and show it my relationship with others in which “love” will be my guiding principle; and You will be pleased.

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: "be perfect”; perfection of God in one sense is impossible but in another sense it is very possible for with His grace we can love our enemies and we can be merciful towards all. In prayer seek the grace to be ‘perfect’ in our treatment of others and God will be pleased with us as His children!

Tomorrow's reading: Mt 17.1-9

3.13.14

3.13.14

Lectio: Mt 5.20-26              

Meditatio: "I [Jesus] tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.” Mt 5.20

Oratio: I remember that the scribes and Pharisees were the religious elite and they kept  the letter of the law; how the people must have first been puzzled by Jesus declaration - but when we reflect we see that the missing ingredient in their observance is ‘Love.’

Grant that I may always keep ‘Love’ as the guiding principle and then do what love dictates and not simply what the letter of the law prescribes; and a place in the kingdom will be granted to me out of Your love for me.

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

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

Operatio: "righteousness surpasses”; the scribes and Pharisees observed the letter of the law but we must observe the spirit of the law and ‘love’ is at its core; in prayer seek to love God with your whole heart, your whole soul, your whole strength and your neighbor as yourself; and then Jesus will be pleased and we will be blest.

Tomorrow's reading: Mt 5.43-48 

3.12.14

3.12.14

Lectio: Mt 7.7-12

"Do to others as you would have them do to you. This is the law and the
prophets." Mt 7.12

Meditatio:  O God, you ways are mysterious but You give us clear
instruction how to comply with You will.

I remember Your Son gave  us the Golden Rule and in that simple rule of
doing to others whatever you would have them
do to you He said that it  sums up all the law and the prophets. How
easy to know what You want of us.

Grant that I may always apply the Golden Rule in my decisions and one
day I will rejoice with You.
I ask these and all things through Christ our Lord.

Contemplatio: Spend a few minutes in silence contemplating the word.

Operatio: "Do..others..do..you"; In short love and you will meet the
Golden Rule.

Tomorrow's reading: Mt 5.20-26

3.11.14

          

Lectio: Lk   11.29-32                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

Meditatio: ”While still more people gathered in the crowd, he [Jesus] said to them, ‘This generation demands a sign, but no sign will be given it, except the sign of Jonah’.” Lk 11.29

Oratio: O God, Jonah preached throughout Nineveh a call to repent and the people did.

I remember Jesus did the same when He came and spoke with authority and called the people to reform their lives for the kingdom of God was at hand; and many did not listen - how tragic!

Grant that I may remember Jesus gave us the sign of His authority by His words and then backed it up with miracles and His resurrection; in prayer seek the grace to accept the words of Jesus and repent so that the kingdom of God will take place.

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"no sign...except...Jonah”; Jesus taught with great authority and backed it up with miraculous deeds and still people wanted a sign; how dense! How sad! In prayer seek the grace of gratitude for Jesus’ coming and calling us back to the Father; and giving us the way - repentance; and then for the grace to repent for our good and for the good of those whose lives we touch.

Tomorrow' s reading: Mt 7.1–12                              

3.10.14

             

Lectio: Mt 6.7-15  
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               
Meditatio: ”This is how you are to pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, “
Mt 6.9

Oratio: O God, how wonderful that Your Son taught how to pray so that our prayers will be pleasing to you and effective for us.

I remember Jesus taught the crowds the “Our Father’; a prayer that has been a classic down through the ages for its content is what You want for Yourself and for us and it is most generous to us.

Grant that I may remember to pray as  Jesus taught and my prayers will be acceptable to 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"how...Our Father”; Jesus taught us how to pray and gave us the words, too. May we always pray first for what God wants; then for what God does for us and then for what we need; and God who knows what we want before we ask, will answer us and give us what we truly need.

Tomorrow' s reading: Lk 11.29-32    

3.09.14

3.09.14              

Lectio:  Mt 25.31-46                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
Meditatio: ”Then they will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or ill or in prison, and not minster to your needs’.” Mt 25.44

Oratio: O God, You so much want us to care for others that Your Son declared a marvelous fact.

I remember Jesus declared in His parable of the Judgment of the Nations which occurs at the end of time that we ministered to Him when we ministered to those in need - How closely He is to all and how we must recognize and rejoice in this.

Grant that I may member that Jesus is present in the needy and readily help the needy knowing to do so is to help Jesus, Himself.

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...minister ...needs”; Jesus declared that to respond to the needy is to respond personally to Him and it will not go without its rewards; in prayer seek the grace to see Christ in the other and especially in the other in need and then for the grace to do what you are able to respond and Jesus will respond well to you on the last day.

Tomorrow' s reading: Mt 6.7-15                               

3.08.14

             

Lectio: Mt 4.1-11                                                                                                                                                                                                                           
Meditatio: ”Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil.” Mt 4.1

Oratio: O God, You know times of purification are so important for growth.

I remember Jesus was led by the Spirit to the desert to prepare Him for his public ministry and to allow Him to be confronted directly by the devil so He would be prepared for this master of deceit.

Grant that I may emulate Jesus’ response to the temptations of the devil by keeping in mind that there are no short cuts to holiness; and that selfless love must always be paramount in our decision making process for God is the One;  who is owed thanks, praise, honor and glory and we best give it by living  a life of selfless love  for that is God’s wish 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"Jesus.. tempted...devil”; the temptations of Jesus were based on one prime motive - the devil wanted to be in control - and as a master of deceit he tempted Jesus with what appeared as short-cuts to His public ministry but if He had succumbed, would have put the devil in charge of us. But Jesus did not opt for the short-cuts but instead out of great love, He gave His very life so that we might have life with God forever; in prayer thank Jesus for being so kind and merciful to us and let us show our gratitude by being at person of selfless love for that will please Him.

Tomorrow' s reading: Mt 25.31-46                             

3.08.14

          

Lectio:  Lk 5.27-32                                                                                                                                                                                              
Meditatio: ”I [Jesus] have not come to call the righteous to repentance but sinners.” Lk 5.32

Oratio: O God, How gracious You are to us who are sinners!

I remember Jesus made it clear that He came for us, sinners,  to call us to repentance and not the righteous who have not need to repent. How merciful for us!

Grant that I may use this Lent to turn away from sin and believe in the Gospel for that is Jesus’s desire for all 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"righteous...sinners”; the righteous are those who already follow the ways of God while the sinners are those who follow their own ways; Jesus came to the latter for they are the ones who need to repent and believe in the Good News.

Tomorrow' s reading: Mt 4.1-11                               

3.06.14

       
Lectio:

 Mt 9.14-15                                                                                                                                                                       

Meditatio: ”Then the disciples of John approached him [Jesus] and said, ‘Why to we and the Pharisees fast [much], but your disciples do not fast’?” Mt 9.14

Oratio: O God, we often do things automatically without thinking and even when we do good things.

I remember Jesus was questioned by the John’s disciples as to why His disciples were not fasting. And Jesus reminded them why. The purpose of fasting was to prepare for the coming of the Messiah and He was now there - but sadly the religious elite did not recognize Him.

Grant that I may use this Lent to fast for the purpose of helping me to more mindful of who I am as a Christian and to offer my fasting for the intentions of the Church so that more and more will come to know that Jesus came; remains in our midst through the word which is proclaimed,and the people who gather; and most importantly in the Eucharist.

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"why ...fast?”; the commentators tell us that fasting is a sign of mourning and it would be inappropriate at a wedding with the bridegroom, Jesus, present. We fast now because it is an excellent aid to enhance our spirituality and a very good practice for Lent.

Tomorrow' s reading: Lk 5.27-32                              

3.05.14

          
Lectio:
Lk 9.22-25   
                                                                                                                                                                          
Meditatio: ”What profit is there for one to gain the whole world yet lose or forfeit himself?” Lk 9.25

Oratio: O God, You want us to seek the real good and not the apparent good.

I remember Jesus reminded His listeners about earthly gains which winds up costing us our immortal soul.

Grant that I may use this Lent, which begins today, wisely and reflect on my daily actions and to the extent they are harmful to my spiritual well being desist from them no matter how important they are to my present well-being.

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 profit...lose ...himself”; earthly success at the cost of spiritual degradation is foolish; in prayer seek the grace to reflect on my actions and reform those areas of my life which are not in accord with Gospel values - so that I may not forfeit eternal life by my actions but obtain it through the grace of God.

Tomorrow' s reading: Mt 9.14-15   

3.04.14

              

Lectio: Mt 6.1-6, 16-18                                                                                                                                             

Meditatio: ”[But] take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them.; otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father.” M6.6.1

Oratio: O God, You want us to perform the ascetical works for You alone and not for praise of others.

I remember Jesus made this clear when as part of His sermon on the mount, He told the people that if they want recompense from You, they need to do righteous deeds in a way as not to be seen.

Grant that I may use this Lent wisely and perform in a more intense way - praying, almsgiving and fasting  - as my way of giving You honor and glory and my way of striving to reform my life and not for public acclaim; and You will be pleased and I will be 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"not perform...see”; God does not want us to do righteous deeds for praise by others but only to give honor and glory to Him; and to enable us to reform our lives; in prayer seek the grace to use this Lent to reform my life  and to do it in a way that is not noticeable and  God will be pleased and I will be blest.

Tomorrow' s reading: Lk 9.22-25    

3.03.14

             

Lectio: Mk 10.28-31                                                                                                                                 

Meditatio: ”Peter began to say to him [Jesus], ‘We have given up everything and followed you’.” Mk 10.28                                      

Oratio: O God, You have given us everything but when we give you something, we expect more.

I remember Peter told Jesus about their giving up everything and followed Him and Peter wanted to know what was in it for them.

Grant that I may realize all the good things You have given me without any merit on my part - my life, my faith, eternal life; and seek to serve You without any expectation of reward but simply out of gratitude for all You have done 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"given...everything...followed”; when we think we have given up everything to serve the Lord, we forget that everything we have comes from Him; in prayer seek the grace of a grateful heart and willingly serve the Lord with our whole heart, strength, mind and being realizing that our serving the Lord is a gift itself.

Tomorrow' s reading: Mt 6.1-6, 16-18    

3.02.14

             

Lectio: Mk 10.17-27                                                                                                                    

Meditatio: ”Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, ‘How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God’.” Mk 10.23

Oratio: O God, You know the danger of wealth for it often becomes a false god for us and we rely on it rather than on You.

I remember Jesus declared that it was so hard for the rich to enter Your  kingdom and this startled His disciples because it was the common opinion of the day that if you were rich, it was because God favored you.

Grant that I may be see riches for what they are, aids to be used on the journey and to be shared and not hoarded; and then rely totally on God for His help to enter the kingdom for 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"how hard...wealth to enter”; wealth in the Old Testament was seen as a sign of God’s favor and those who were wealthy would certainly be a part of God’s kingdom; but Jesus made it clear; wealth does not give you a ticket to heaven; only doing God’s will and only because of God’s kindness are tickets to heaven given. In prayer seek the grace to use my possessions rightly and to do God’s will for therein lies my ultimate happiness.

Tomorrow' s reading: Mk 10.28-31         

3.01.14

             

Lectio:  Mt 6.24-34                                                                                              

Meditatio: ”Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life-span?” Mt 6.27

Oratio: O God, You want us to trust in You for You alone are our sole support and lasting remedy.

I remember Jesus declared that we should not worry for worry cannot do anything for us; but He urged us to seek Your kingdom and all that we truly need will be given to us by You, our heavenly Father.

Grant that I may be graced with a deep trust in You and adhere to Jesus’ advice and turn my worries over to You and seek what You want of me knowing  and what I need, You will provide.

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"can worrying...add”; being anxious about our needs does nothing to achieving them. As Jesus pointed out, worrying cannot add a single moment to our life-span. Wonderfully, Jesus gave us the antidote for worrying - trust in God. Seek the grace to trust  God and seek the kingdom of heaven in how you live knowing that God will provide for you.

Tomorrow' s reading: Mk 10.17-27