6.30.14

  
 Lectio:  Mt 8.23-27                                                                                                                                                        
Meditatio: “The men were amazed and said, what sort of man is this,whom even the winds and the sea obey’?” Mt 8. 27           

Oratio: O God, You sent Your Son as one of us yet with great power so that we would easily believe in Him.

I remember Jesus when crossing the sea of Galilee with His disciples and a great storm arose and they were in danger of sinking, He simply rebuked the wind and the sea and a great calm immediately ensued - No mere man has such power but only one endowed with Your power and we would come to know that Jesus, the Son of Man, is Your Son. In prayer thank God for sending His Son to us so that we might reform and be gifted with eternal life.

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

Operatio: reflect: "amazed...winds...sea obey”; imagine being there! Your boat is about to be swamped and sink and a violent storm is raging - the only prospect is drowning; and then Your Master simply rebukes the storm and all is calm. In prayer thank God for loving us so and for the spirit of gratitude for the many gifts He bestows on us and especially the gift of life.

Tomorrow's reading: Mt 8.28-34

P.S. I am leaving St. Elizabeth Ann Seton today and taking up residence at St. Matthew Parish, 3000 Cottman Avenue in Philadelphia.  With the moving I am not sure when I will be able to resume my daily Lectio. But when I am situated and have the computer and internet running, I will resume. Meanwhile my prayers are with you and yours. Father Mike

6.29.14

  
 Lectio:

 Mt                         8.18-22                                                                                                                                             

Meditatio: “Another of his disciples said to him,’Lord, let me go first and bury my father.’ But Jesus answered him, ‘Follow me, and let the dead bury the dead’.” Mt 8. 21-22

Oratio: O God, at times what we read in the Bible sounds so harsh!

I remember Jesus told a would be disciple who wanted to bury his father before following Jesus, that let the dead bury the dead. It sounds so insensitive! But when we reflect, we realize Jesus is using hyperbole to make a point; namely, discipleship requires a total commitment. In prayer seek the grace to commit totally to Jesus for anything less will not do.

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

Operatio: reflect: "Follow me....dead bury..dead”; an impossibility for the dead to bury the dead; but that is not Jesus’ point; His point is that discipleship requires total commitment. In prayer seek the grace to follow Jesus in the way He wants and not on the terms that I want.

Tomorrow's reading: Mt 8.23-27   

6.28.14

  
 Lectio:  Mt 16.13-19                                                                                                                                 
Meditatio: “Simon Peter said in reply, ‘You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God’.”
 Mt 16.16

Oratio: O God, Peter was the first to reply when Jesus asked His disciples, ‘But who do you say that I am.’                 

I remember Peter declared that Jesus was the Messiah and Your Son. What an insight! What a grace You bestowed on us in not only sending One in the mode of a great prophet, but sending Your Son. In prayer seek the grace to always listen and put into practice the words of Your Son for therein lies our destiny.

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

Operatio: reflect: "You... Messiah...Son of....God”; What a revelation! Peter made it first and all would come to know Jesus as such and through them and their successors we have come to know this wonderful truth. In prayer may we continually give thanks to Jesus for loving us so by becoming one of us so that we could become His brothers and sisters.

Tomorrow's reading: Mt 8.18-22   

6.27.14

  
 Lectio:  Lk 2.41-51                                                                                                                       
               
Meditatio: “After three days they found him [Jesus] in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions, and all who heard him, were astounded at his understanding and his answers.” Lk 2.46-47

Oratio: O God, You so graciously revealed before Jesus time that He was the One whom the religious leaders should be looking.

I remember Jesus at the age of 12 sat in their midst and asked and answered questions and all we astonished at His understanding and answers. Surely, it was a sign that they should be aware of the growth of Him and be open to what He became - an itinerant preacher with a message that the Kingdom was at hand and speaking with authority and working miracles. But sadly, they did not. In prayer seek the grace to be open to what the Church teaches through its Pope and through the bishops in union with him for they are Jesus’ instruments now for His Good News.

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

Operatio: reflect: "midst...listening....asking...astounded”; at the age of 12, the age when manhood begins for the Jews,  Jesus not only went to the Temple but He listened, asked, answered and astounded the designated teachers of the Jewish faith but they failed to follow through and continued on their set ways. In prayer seek the grace to be opened to the Good News no matter who proclaims it for the Good News is for my true good.

Tomorrow's reading: Mt 16.13-19  

6.26.14

  
 Lectio: Mt 11.25-30                                                                                   

Meditatio: “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I [Jesus] will give you rest.” Mt 11.28

Oratio: O God, You are so kind and merciful!

I remember Jesus invited all who are burden to come to Him and He will give them rest. How kind! How gracious! How concerned He is for our welfare! How gentle is His rule over us! In prayer seek the grace to have recourse to Jesus in all situations for He has assured us that He will be there for us and with His being there for us, He will see us through it

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

Operatio: reflect: "come...burdened...give...rest”; these four words say it all; when we struggle and labor and feel all is going awry, turn to Jesus and you will find Him there for you and He will give you rest; in prayer thank Jesus for being so kind and merciful and solicitous for our well being; and in gratitude extend a similar concern to those who lives you touch.

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 2.41-51

6.25.14

  
 Lectio: Mt 7.21-29                                                                                    

Meditatio: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.” Mt 7.21

Oratio: O God, You alone satisfy our deepest longings and Your Son has revealed how we can be satisfied.

I remember Jesus declared that those who do Your will enter the kingdom. But how will we know Your will?  Jesus told us that all that the laws and the prophets require is summed up in the Great Law of Love. In prayer seek the grace to love as Jesus told us and our hearts’ deepest longing - heaven, will be granted to us as His gift to us.

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

Operatio: reflect: "enter the kingdom...will of my Father”; the keys to the kingdom are ours for loving God with our all heart, our whole mind and our whole strength and our neighbor as our self. In prayer seek to always let love be out guide for it is the sure way to heaven and it is the best way to help others to be gifted with heaven, too.

Tomorrow's reading: Mt 5.25-30

6.24.14

  
 Lectio:  Mt 7.15-20                                                                        

Meditatio: “Beware of false prophets, who come in sheep’s clothing....by their fruits you will know them.” Mt 7.15a, 20a

Oratio: O God, You do not want us to be misled.          

I remember Jesus warned us against false prophets and He told us how we could recognize them. The false prophets He was warning us against were riches, power, prestige - the allure of this world that leads us away from You and our devotion to You.  In prayer seek the grace to keep our focus on You and to realize those things of this life that appear to satisfy can never satisfy our deepest longing; and therefore be mindful of this and seek not material things to satisfy our deepest desires but You alone for You alone can satisfy us.

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

Operatio: reflect: "false prophets...fruits....know”; a prophet is one who speaks of God about the things of God so as to lead to God - the source of all good- the source of our deepest longing; but often things of this world seem to speak to our hearts and we mistake what they offer as an end rather than a means to God; in prayer seek the grace of discernment so that our hearts will not be led astray by material things from the One who alone can satisfy our deepest longings.

Tomorrow's reading: Mt 7.21-29

6.23.14

  
 Lectio:  Lk 1. 57-66, 80                                                       

Meditatio: “He [Zechariah] asked for a tablet and wrote, ‘John is his name,’ and all were amazed. Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed, and he spoke blessing God.” Lk 1.63-64

Oratio: O God, You at times make Your will crystal clear.

I remember we see Your hand at work in the naming of John, the Baptist, for when his father wrote on the tablet what his name should be - You immediately cured him so that once again he could speak. It was an amazing display of Your power at work.  In prayer seek the grace to see Your hand at work for we are so often oblivious to You and Your actions taking so many things for granted. With such a grace, may we always give You thanks for Your loving care of us.

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

Operatio: reflect: "wrote, ‘John...all..,amazed”; sometimes God at work is very clear as it was in the naming of John the Baptist; but most of the time, we take His work for granted and we are not mindful of God being at work in our lives. In prayer seek the grace of a keen sight to see the many ways God is present to us and helping us and then give Him daily thanks and praise.
 
Tomorrow's reading: Mt 7.15-20    

6.22.14

  
 Lectio: Mt 7.1-5                                              

Meditatio: “Stop judging, that you may not be judged.” M7.1

Oratio: O God, sometimes Your Son’s advice is puzzling.

I remember Jesus told His disciples to stop judging; yet we know that we have to continually make judgments in this life - what did He mean?  Jesus was mindful that we must judge at times but what He was speaking about was how we judge. He knew we are often hard in our judgments on others and that is what He wanted stopped. He in fact only wants us to judge others the way we judge ourselves for He knew we give ourselves the benefit of the doubt and He wants us to do the same for others.

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

Operatio: reflect: "stop judging”; appears to be an absolute; yet experience tells us that at times we must judge such when a moral choice must be made, so obviously, Jesus did not mean the obvious; what He meant was for us to use the same standards for judging others as we judge ourselves and then the measure we use will be more than fair.
 
Tomorrow's reading Lk 57-66, 80             

6.21.14

  
 Lectio: Jn 6.51-58                                   

Meditatio: “This is the bread that came down from heaven.. Unlike your ancestors who ate and still died, whoever eats this bread will live forever.” Jn 6.58 

Oratio: O God, How you love us!

I remember Jesus told His followers that He is the living bread that came down from heaven and all who eat this bread will have eternal life. Jesus provides this bread every day for us in the Eucharist, the memorial of His redemptive love. What a gift! Food that gives us eternal life.  In prayer seek the grace to receive the Eucharist frequently and worthily as this is God’s greatest gift of love for us.

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

Operatio: reflect: "eats...bread...live forever”; what a gift! Jesus gives Himself to us in the Eucharist, our daily bread which enables us to live forever. Seek the grace of gratitude for this great gift of love and show that gratitude by being Eucharist for others.
 
Tomorrow's reading Mt 7.1-5  

6.20.14

  
 Lectio: Mt 6.24-34                        

Meditatio: “Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life span?....Do not worry about tomorrow, tomorrow will take care of itself.” Mt 6.27, 43a

Oratio: O God, You know how hard it is for us to trust in You, yet You are all we really have. 

I remember Jesus told His followers not to worry for it adds nothing for them and He urged all to let go of their worrying and place their trust in His Father, who knows their needs and who alone can fully respond to them. In prayer seek the grace to truly say with firm belief, the words St. Faustina gave us, ‘Jesus, I trust in you.’ and then live that prayer.

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

Operatio: reflect: "worrying,... Do not”; Jesus gives us sound advice - worry does us no good; trust in His Father is what is needed. In prayer seek to serve God and always keep Him first in your life and then work as everything depends upon you and pray as everything depends upon God and you will live rightly.
 
Tomorrow's reading Jn 6.51-58  

6.19.14

  
 Lectio: Mt 6.19-23             

Meditatio: “For where you treasure is, there will your heart be.” Mt 6.21                      

Oratio: O God, You know how easily we can lose sight of the most important things in life.     

I remember Jesus warned us that where our treasure - our focus is- there will be our heart and He knew that the good things of our lives could become our goal rather eternal life and our real treasure -  God, Himself; in prayer seek the grace to keep our hearts set on the only treasure which will satisfy us - God -  and act accordingly.

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

Operatio: reflect: "where...treasure...your heart”; you goals in life will determine your actions; in prayer seek the grace to seek the kingdom of God first and all things will fit into proper place.
 
Tomorrow's reading: Mt 6.24-34

6.18.14

Lectio: Mt 6.7-15

Meditatio: “This is his you are to pray,p'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name'." Mt 5.9

Oratio: O God, You know our needs without our asking, yet You still want us to pray for them.

I remember Jesus knew You still wanted to ask as Your children so He gave us 'The Our Father'. Seek the grace to pray always as Jesus taught by giving praise to the Father, seek His will and His kingdom and then readily forgive others and to do His will and seek help to avoid trmptation.

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

Operatio: reflect: "to pray"; lift up your hearts and minds to a God seeking the grace to do His will; seek the grace to pray and mean the Our Father

Tomorrow's reading: Mt 

6.17.14

Lectio:   Mt 6.16, 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.” Mt 6.6

Oratio: O God, You want us to do the right thing for the right reasons.

I remember Jesus declared that when we fast, give alms, or pray, we should do it for You alone and not for show or for praise. In prayer seek the grace to perform the ascetical practices routinely as part of our spirituality but do it for God alone for that is how He wants us to do them.

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

Operatio: reflect: "not perform...may see them” ; the purpose of the ascetical practices is to please God and to help us to become better children of God; in prayer seek the grace to pray, fast and give alms  to please God and not for praise and we will be greatly rewarded.

Tomorrow’s reading: Mt 6.7-15     

6.16.14

Lectio: Mt 5. 43-48                                                                                                    
                     
Meditatio: “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies.” Mt 5.43- 44a 

Oratio: O God, You know that love is THE way for your children.

I remember You Son told His disciples that love extends to our enemies as well as to our neighbors. What a standard He set for us! But that is how You are and how You want us to be. In prayer seek the grace to be a person of love to all for that is how You want us to act as Your children and we so much want to please You.

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

Operatio: reflect: "love...enemies”; what a challenge; what a world it would be if all would do as the Father wants us to do! In prayer seek the grace to love all regardless how we are treated by them for that is Your way and must be our way, too.

 Tomorrow’s reading: Mt 6.1-6,16-18

6.16.14

Lectio: Mt 5. 43-48                                                                                                    
                     
Meditatio: “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies.” Mt 5.43- 44a 

Oratio: O God, You know that love is THE way for your children.

I remember You Son told His disciples that love extends to our enemies as well as to our neighbors. What a standard He set for us! But that is how You are and how You want us to be. In prayer seek the grace to be a person of love to all for that is how You want us to act as Your children and we so much want to please You.

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

Operatio: reflect: "love...enemies”; what a challenge; what a world it would be if all would do as the Father wants us to do! In prayer seek the grace to love all regardless how we are treated by them for that is Your way and must be our way, too.

 Tomorrow’s reading: Mt 6.1-6,16-18

6.15.14

Lectio:   Mt 5.38-42                                                                                        
                     
Meditatio: “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you offer no resistance to one who is evil.” Mt 5.38-39a  

Oratio: O God, You know how devastating vengeance is!

I remember You Son specifically mentioned the Law of Talion and told His disciples it is not to govern. Rather all should take steps to diffuse hurtful situations by not striking back and by doing something positive. In prayer seek the grace to turn the other cheek, to settle before going to court, to go the extra mile so that vengeance will not prevail for vengeance is mine, says the Lord.

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

Operatio: reflect: "eye for an eye...offer no resistance” ; an eye for an eye is at the heart of vengeance but offering no resistance, being a pacifist,  is at the heart of Jesus message; it is hard to do at times but if we do, the peace of Christ will then prevail. Seek the grace of a being a pacifist so that our ways will give Him greater honor and glory.                

 Tomorrow’s reading: Mt 5. 43-48

6.14.14

Lectio:   Jn 3.16-18                                                                                        
                     
Meditatio: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.” Jn 3.16    

Oratio: O God, how You love us!

I remember You gave us Your only Son so that through our belief in Him we might live forever. Why? We are so insignificant, yet You have made us so important for not did You Son break into our history but He suffered and died for us and rose for us so that we might be gifted with eternal life - how awesome! In prayer seek to live in a way that is pleasing to God for that is the least we can do for all He has and continues to do for us. May we always do so with a spirit of great gratitude.

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

Operatio: reflect: "so loved...gave...Son...not perish”; a super generous act on God’s part; a basic human act on our part to believe in Jesus - God’s only begotten Son, who came among us to touch us with His love so that we would readily believe in Him. Seek the grace of a very grateful heart and always express that gratitude through prayer and works that are pleasing to God.

Tomorrow’s reading: Mt 38-42

6.13.14

Lectio:   Mt 5.33-37                                                                            
                     
Meditatio: “Let your ‘Yes’ mean ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No’ mean ‘No.’ Anything more is from the evil one..” Mt 5. 37                                                    

Oratio: O God, You so much want us to be truthful with one another.

I remember Jesus told His disciples that they should always be sincere and when they say ‘Yes”. that it should be so and when they say ‘No’, that it should be so and there is and should be no need to swear that what is being declared is true. In prayer seek the grace to be a person of integrity so that people can accept us at our word and that will greatly please God for using our ability to speak - to speak the truth  -  for that is the reason we have been given the ability to communicate.

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

Operatio: reflect: "Yes’ mean ‘Yes’, Jesus calls us to use our gift of speech to speak the truth and all should be able to take us at our word. In prayer seek the grace to tell the truth in all situations for lies are from the evil one and only the truth gives praise and glory to God.

Tomorrow's reading: Jn 3.16-18          

6.12.14

Lectio:   Mt 5.27-32                                                                 
                     
Meditatio: “But I [Jesus] say to you, everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery in his heart.” Mt 5. 29                                                    

Oratio: O God, You want all to live in right relationships.

I remember Jesus told His disciples that to look upon a woman with lust is to commit adultery with her in his heart. It is a hard saying as men are naturally attracted to a beautiful woman. But that attraction can be, it not controlled, arouse the animal instincts in us. It need not be if when we see a beautiful woman ( or a woman sees a handsome man)  to say to oneself ‘Praise the Lord for the beauty of His creation’; and the source of a potential temptation becomes a source of grace for us. Pray that you will be able to appreciate rightly the beauty of God’s creation.

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

Operatio: reflect: "lust...adultery”; adultery lies in the motive and is actuated in the heart; in prayer seek a pure heart so that your thoughts and deeds will always be pleasing to the Lord and be sure to praise the Lord for the beauty of His creation.

Tomorrow's reading: Mt 5.33-37                                                 

6.11.14

Lectio:   Mt 5.20-26                                                     
                     
Meditatio: “You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, ‘You shall not kill; but I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgement’.”  Mt 5.21-22a

Oratio: O God, You want all to live in peace!

I remember Jesus told His disciples that they must avoid not just the obvious of murder but of anger with one’s brother, for Jesus knew that anger clouds one’s judgement and is the underlying reason one commits murder. Thus for peace, the emotion of anger must be addressed and controlled so that it does not get a hold on us; in prayer seek the grace to deal rightly with the feeling of anger by not suppressing it, but using the energy it generates to do something constructive so that it will not be a source of enmity.

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

Operatio: reflect: "angry...liable....judgement”; the mere feeling of anger is not a sin; rather it is a God given emotion which gives us the energy to defend ourselves when we perceive a danger - whether real or imaginary; however if we do not address the feeling of anger, it can prompt us to do harm to an innocent purpose and that is why Jesus warns us of the dire consequence of allowing anger to become part of our disposition; in prayer seek the grace to use the energy that the emotion of anger generates in a constructive way and to reflect on the situation that is gives rise to the feeling of anger so as never to act to defend one self unless the threat of injury is real and retaliation is the only course of action; by doing so this will help ensure the peace that God wants for us.

Tomorrow's reading: Mt 5.27-32     

6.10.14

Lectio:   Mt 5.17-19                                          
                     
Meditatio: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill.” Mt 5.17

Oratio: O God, You want all to worship You in a joyous way!

I remember Jesus told His disciples that He did not come to abolish the law but to fulfill it - yet all felt the law at the time was to burdensome - what did He mean? Elsewhere, Jesus gives us the answer for He said that all the law and the prophets are summed up in the law of Love. In prayer seek the grace to love always and then do what love directs for that is most pleasing 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: "not...abolish...but...fulfill”; the religious elite had multiplied the requirements of the Mosaic Law and the prophets so much so, that no one could really adhere to them and God was not pleased. Jesus corrected this with one word - LOVE! In prayer love as Jesus loved, unconditionally, faithfully and selflessly and You will be pleasing to God for that is all He wants of us.

Tomorrow's reading: Mt 5.20-26    

6.09.14

Lectio:     Mt 5.13-16                             
                     
Meditatio: “You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden.” Mt5.14

Oratio: O God, You want the world to know You and we are the source of that  knowledge for the world.

I remember Jesus using the metaphor of light, told His disciples they must be the light of the world; that is, the world should come to know Hin and in knowing Him, know You and to do so by living a life of goodness. In prayer may my life reflect the light You desire so that those whose lives I touch and who do not know You, may come to know and love 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: "light...cannot...hidden”; our role as followers of Jesus is to live the Law of Love so that others will be influenced by our good example and be drawn into the Light of Christ. In prayer seek to live in accordance with the Way taught by Jesus.

Tomorrow's reading: Mt 5.17-19                             

6.08.14

Lectio:    Mt 5.1-12                   
                     
Meditatio: “He [Jesus] began to teach them, saying: Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is he kingdom of heaven.” Mt 5.2,3        

Oratio: O God, You know we will be subject to many difficulties as we go through life and You don’t want us to be discouraged by adversity.

I remember Jesus gave a beautiful Sermon on the Mount in which He declared certain adversities which we encounter in this life may in fact be a blessing for us and especially when we experience scarcity such as poverty, hunger, thirst, persecution. In prayer seek the grace to realize that  the Beatitudes are not just for the future but for the present so that we will not despair when we encounter such adversities.

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...poor....kingdom; Jesus declared blessed those who are poor, including being  actually  poor as well as poor in  spirit; in prayer seek detachment from material things and Jesus will bless such and attitude and we will begin to enjoy God’s kingdom now as well as hereafter..

Tomorrow's reading: Mt 5.13-16  

6.07.14

Lectio:   Jn 20.19-23                              

Meditatio: “[Jesus] said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you’ And he when he said this, he breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the holy Spirit.’.” Jn 20.21-22

Oratio: O God, what a gift Your Son gave to us - Yours and His Spirit!

I remember Jesus gave the Spirit to His apostles that first Easter Sunday evening and with that gift the gifts of peace and the power to forgive sins - what a triple header! In prayer seek to be open to the Spirit in our daily lives and be an instrument of His peace and forgiveness to others.

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

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

Operatio: reflect: "Peace...receive...Spirit; The Spirit was first given to Jesus’ disciples that first Easter Sunday; and through their successors, the Spirit has been given to all His followers down through the ages and we celebrated and give a special thankst on Pentecost. In prayer may we always be open to the promptings of the Spirit in our lives.

Tomorrow's reading: Mt 5.1-12     

6,06.14

6.06.14

Lectio:   Jn 21. 20-25                              

Meditatio: “There are many other things that Jesus did, but if they were to be described individually, I [John] do not think the whole world would contain the books that would be written.” Jn 21.25

Oratio: O God, You graciously provided a record of some of the deeds Your Son did so that we would have a solid basis for our belief.

I remember John, the Evangelist, wrote the Fourth Gospel and it was a very good one but he concluded that Jesus not only did what he described, but so much more. May I have the grace to read and meditate on Scripture for there is so much revealed there for the edification of my faith and to strengthen it.

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

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

Operatio: reflect: "many...things...Jesus did”; well was it said that ‘ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ.’ In prayer seek the grace to not only to routinely read Scripture as part of our on-going spirituality; but also to realize that Jesus is everything that is revealed there but so much more.

Tomorrow's reading: Jn 7.37-39  

6.05.14

Lectio:  Jn 21. 15-19                   

Meditatio: “He {Jesus] said this signifying the kind of death he [Peter] would glorify God.
And when he [Jesus] said this, he said to him [Peter]’Follow me’.” Jn 21.19

Oratio: O God, You readily forgive us our sins but You do want us to amend our lives.

I remember Jesus elicited a threefold confession of love from Peter who had denied Jesus three times and then surprisingly He told Peter to ‘Follow me.’ But it is not surprising then we realize that when we confess our sins, it means we must once again follow the way of the Lord and it is not burdensome. May we accept God’s  grace and avoid serious sin; but if we fail, may we accept the grace to once again follow Christ.                             

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: "Follow me"; Jesus’ command to all who confess their sins for His way, is at the heart of an amended life. In prayer seek the grace to love always and to avoid the near occasions of sin.

Tomorrow's reading: Jn 21. 20-25

6.04.14

Lectio: Jn 10.11-18

Meditatio: “I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." Jn 10.11

Oratio: O God, You provide for us in a most kind and generous way!

I remember Your Son told His followers that He is the Good Shepherd who gives His all for the good of the sheep ( us) and even lays down His life for us and He did and He took it up again so that we, too, would have life without end. Seek the grace to be a good sheep to show your gratitude fo the Good Shepherd.

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: "good shepherd"; what a beautiful image! Watchful, protective, nourishing, loving care! In prayer seek the grace of a grateful heart for such a God who loves us so!


Tomorrow's reading: Jn 21. 15-19

6.03.14

Lectio:  Jn 17.11b-19                             
                                                                                                                
Meditatio: “Holy Father, keep them in your name that you gave me, so that they may be one just as we are one.” Jn 1711b                             

Oratio: O God, You don’t just want us but You want all of us!                                        

I remember Jesus prayed that we would be one as just as He and You are One - in other words He wants all to be in all and You are our All.  Ask for the grace to be one with the Lord, in thought, word and deed so that my oneness may give Him the praise and glory.  

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

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

Operatio: reflect:  "One....we are one”; Jesus’ prayer for us is so wonderful for He wants His Father to grant us union with them so that we might be all in all. In prayer seek the faith that leads to our living this life the way God wants us so that we may be with one with them both now and forever.

Tomorrow's reading: Jn 17.20-26   

6.02.14

Lectio:   Jn 17.1-11a                
                                                                                                                
Meditatio: “I [Jesus] glorified you on earth by accomplishing the work you gave me to do.”
Jn 17. 4                   

Oratio: O God, You require only that we do what You ask of us even though You deserve so much  more.

I remember Your Son told us that You gave Him glory by doing the work You gave Him to do. Since this is what You expect of Your Son, it follows that this is what You expect of us who are His siblings through Baptism. In prayer seek the grace to do Your will and then do with us as You will.

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:  "glorified...work...gave me”; God only expects from us to do what He asks of us and what is that: to love in accord with the Great Law of love. In prayer seek the grace to truly love in all that we do and the glory that God gave Jesus He will give us, too, as a pure gift.

Tomorrow's reading: Jn 17.11b-19  

6.02.14

Lectio:   Jn 17.1-11a                
                                                                                                                
Meditatio: “I [Jesus] glorified you on earth by accomplishing the work you gave me to do.”
Jn 17. 4                   

Oratio: O God, You require only that we do what You ask of us even though You deserve so much  more.

I remember Your Son told us that You gave Him glory by doing the work You gave Him to do. Since this is what You expect of Your Son, it follows that this is what You expect of us who are His siblings through Baptism. In prayer seek the grace to do Your will and then do with us as You will.

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:  "glorified...work...gave me”; God only expects from us to do what He asks of us and what is that: to love in accord with the Great Law of love. In prayer seek the grace to truly love in all that we do and the glory that God gave Jesus He will give us, too, as a pure gift.

Tomorrow's reading: Jn 17.11b-19  

6.01.14

Lectio: Jn 16.29-33                                                                                                                       

Meditatio: “I have told you this so that you might have peace in me. In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world.” Jn 16.33
                   
Oratio: O God, You know we are weak and so You provide for our weaknesses - often in unique ways.

I remember Your Son told His disciples in advance of His passion and that they would scatter because their faith would be shaken. But He reassured them that He had conquered the world and thus invited them to see His passion and death through His eyes. In time they would and they would rejoice in the Risen Lord. In prayer seek the grace of strong faith.

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

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

Operatio: reflect:  "told you...courage....conquered”; Jesus crucifixion would shake the faith of Jesus’ disciples but as they looked back on events they realized Jesus had foretold of it. He also  had told them to take courage and they would eventually for paradoxically through His death, He conquered death, and the world. In prayer seek to listen to the Word of God and take heed of it for it is meant to encourage us on our journey back to the Father; and seek the grace to make the reading of Scripture part of your daily spirituality.

Tomorrow's reading: Jn 17.1-11a