7.30.14 & 7.31.14

7.30.14

Lectio: Mt 13.47-53

Meditatio: "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net thrown into the sea, which collects fish of every kind." Mt 13.47

Oratio: O God, You want all to be part of Your kingdom.

I remember Jesus compared Your Kingdom like a net cast into the sea. It's purpose is to gather all fish without discrimination; and so is Your kingdom for all who respond for in the sorting of the catch, the good - those who respond; and the bad-those who do not respond to Jesus' message to reform, will be separated and the bad throw out. In prayer seek the grace to live a life of selfless love and God will gift you with 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 times purpose is to father  in silence and meditate on the selected passage and hear what what God I saying to you.

Operatio: reflect: "kingdom....like a net...all"; the universality of the kingdom; open to all but requires a positive response to Jesus. Seek the grace to do all things out of love and that will your sign of acceptance of Jesus' message and He will admit you into the Kingdom.

Tomorrow's reading: Mt 13.54-58

7.31.24

Lectio: Mt 13.54-58

Meditatio: "And he did not work many mighty deeds there because of their lack of faith." Mt 13.58

Oratio: O God, You continue to watch over us with loving care even though we are so fickle.

I remember Jesus was rejected by hpHis hometown of Nazareth even though they we're astonished by His preaching and impressed by the many miracles he had worked because they thought they knew Him as a son of Joseph and Mary and therefore He could not be the Messiah. How near sighted! What a loss for them! In prayer seek to be open to the Spirit at work 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 times purpose is to father  in silence and meditate on the selected passage and hear what what God I saying to you.

Operatio: reflect: "not work...mighty deeds...lack of faith"; Jesus' hometown people refused to accept the obvious because they thought they knew Jesus' origin and they missed out on so much because they were opinionated.  Seek the grace to be open to the many ways God is at work in our world and thank Him for being so good to us.

Tomorrow's reading: Mt 14.1-12

7.29.14

Lectio: : Mt 13.44-46                

Meditatio: "Again the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant searching for fine pearls.  When he finds a pearl of great price, he goes and sells all that he has and buys it.” Mt 13.45-46

Oratio: O God, what a precious gift You have given us in Your kingdom.

I remember Jesus declared it of such value that one should sell all that he has to obtain it. In prayer may I always show my gratitude for this great git and in my daily actions show that I prize Your kingdom more than anything else.

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

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

Operatio: reflect: "kingdom...like...pearl of great price”; because it is, like the merchant we should give all that we have to obtain it. In prayer seek God’s grace to do what we ought to obtain to His kingdom by being a person of selfless love for others for this total giving will gift us with  a ticket to the kingdom.

Tomorrow's reading: Mt 13.47-53

7.27.14

Lectio: : Mt 13.31-35                

Meditatio: "He proposed to them another parable. ‘The kingdom of heaven is like the yeast that a woman took and mixed with three measures of wheat flour until the whole batch was leavened’.” Mt 13.33

Oratio: O God, You bring about great things from virtually nothing.

I remember Jesus likened the kingdom to a yeast that a woman kneaded into flour and the whole batch became light and airy through the action of the tiny spores indicating that the kingdom has a virtually imperceptible beginning but produces great growth thanks to the action of the yeast.

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

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

Operatio: reflect: "kingdom...like...yeast”; metaphor reminds listeners that the kingdom’s beginning is virtually imperceptible but it grows into something quite large. In prayer seek the grace to open to the Spirit so that you may have the same effect on the growth of the kingdom that a spore of a yeast has and God will be pleased.

Tomorrow's reading: Jn 11.19-27

7.21.14 to 7.26.14

7.21.14

Lectio: Mt 13.1-9

Meditatio: "Whoever has ears ought to hear." Mt 13.9

Oratio: O God, at times when we hear for the first time a truth, we may be puzzled.

I remember Jesus said if we have ears, we should hear.  At first it seems obvious but then it is puzzling for why would he conclude with what appears to be the obvious. Upon reflection He was talking about hearing with the ears if faith for without such hearing what He was teaching through Hus parables would be completely missed. Seek a mind that is open to God's ways so that which God wants will be readily known.

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: "ears..hear"; the obvious is often missed if we are not docile in our approach to God's ways. In prayer seek the grace for hearing that is open and processes the Word of God to the extent God wants us know.

Tomorrow's reading: Mt 13.10-17

7.22.14

Lectio: Mt 13.10-17

Meditatio: "This is why I speak to them in parables, because they look but do not see and hear but do not listen or understand." Mt 13.13

Oratio: O God, how sad You must have been when You sent Your Son to the chosen people and they did not respond.

I remember Your Son declared that they have ears but do not hear and eyes but they do not see, meaning they were closed to His teachings and miracles and as a result they failed to use their God given senses and missed on the greatest message of all times - death is not death but life in Christ forever. In prayer seek an open mind to the miracles that surround us everyday so that we might be drawn ever deeply into the mystery of your 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: "look..hear..not...understand"; the religious leaders and the crowd that followed them failed to accept the obvious and they missed out on the greatest-Jesus! In prayer seek the grace to see the work of God in the beauty of His creation and in the heroic love that touches my life for all are meant to draw me ever deeper into the mystery of Divine Love!

Tomorrow's reading: Mt 20.20-28







7.24.24

Lectio: Mt 20.20-28

Meditatio: "But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your servant." Mt 20.26

Oratio: O God, how different are your values from ours.

I remember Jesus told James and John that if they sought greatness it will be found in serving others and not in being served. Pray for a servant's 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: "be first...be...servant": honor is given to those who serve contrary to society 's view that being served is a sign of greatness  In prayer seek the grace to abide by Jesus' standard and all will be well in the end,

Tomorrow's reading: Mt 13.24-30


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, Jul 25, 2014 at 6:25 AM, Michael Lonergan wrote:


     7.25.24

    Lectio: Mt 13.24.30

     Meditatio: "Let them grow together until harvest time. I will tell the harvesters, 'First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles for burning; but gather the wheat into my barn'." Mt 13.30

     Oratio: O God, how gracious and considerate You are!

    Jesus' kingdom on earth will have the good (wheat) and the bad (weeds) in it but He will allow both to there until the end thereby giving the weeds the opportunity to change and not suffer the fate of being bundled for burning. How? Just as we can convert and change so can all. In prayer seek to avoid being judgmental and instead be a source of good example to those who are weak so that they may be influenced for good and be changed.

    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: "grow together...until harvest"; The good and the bad will live together here in God's kingdom on earth and only if they never change during their sojourn  on earth will the bad suffer the eternal flames. In prayer seek the grace to be a source of good for the weak so they may have eternal life for we do live for ourselves but for others as well.

    Tomorrow's reading: Mt 13.44-52


7.26.14

Lectio: Mt 13.44-52

Meditatio: "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant searching for fine pearls. When he finds a pearl  of great price, he goes and sells all that he has and buys it." Mt 13.45-46

Oratio: O God, what a precious gift You gave us in Your Kingdom.

I remember Your Son compared it to a fine pearl of great price. In prayer seek the grace to always prize it above all and do all to obtain 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: "kingdom...fine pearl"; a metaphor to remind Jesus' listeners that it is so very precious yet He gives it as a gift to all who are open to His ways.  In prayer seek the grace to live  in accord with the Great Law of Love for that is His Way.

Tomorrow's reading: Mt 13.31-35

7.10.14

Lectio: Mt 13.24-43

Meditatio: “ All these things Jesus spoke to the crowds in parables. He spoke to them only in parables.” Mt 13.34

Oratio: O God, You know how difficult it is for us to even begin to glimpse the mystery of Your love.

I remember Jesus was award of this and so He taught using parables which are teaching stories the meaning of which is not in the surface line of the story but in its underlying meaning and thus such stories make the listener think and reflect to gain and understanding and this exercise results in a greater understanding and a greater remembering of what is being taught. In prayer seek the wisdom to plumb the parables for they are filled with riches and they are meant for my greater good.

 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:”spoke... in parables”; parables were Jesus favorite teaching pedagogy and very effective for it stimulated thinking and reflection which resulted in a greater glimpse of the mystery Jesus was discussing. In prayer may I have the grace of understanding and reflect deeply on the parables for they are rich in meaning and meant for my good...
       
Tomorrow's reading: Mt 12.38-42

7.16.14

Lectio:   Mt 11.28-30                                                         

Meditatio: "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves.” Mt 11.29

Oratio: O God, You care deeply for us and You invite us to join ourselves with You.
r.            
I remember Jesus invited us to yoke ourselves to Him and if we do, He will give us rest. Seek the grace to turn to Jesus in all things and know He will help us if we 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:’take my yoke...find rest”; when we yoke ourselves to someone we are joined with that person; and when we are joined with another the burden is shared and it becomes lighter in the sharing. In prayer always yoke yourself to Jesus both in good times and in bad for our good times will be twice as good and our bad times will be bearable in the sharing.
         
Tomorrow's reading: Mt 12.1-8     

7.15.14

Lectio:   Mt 11.25-27                                            

Meditatio: "Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will.” Mt 11.26

Oratio: O God, we often forget because of our self-centeredness that You are the center.            
I remember Jesus made if quite clear to the crowds to whom He was preaching that all that He spoke and to all to whom it is revealed is due to Your gracious will. In prayer may I always seek the grace to do your will and not my will for only then will all things be ordered rightly.

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

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

Operatio: reflect:"Father....your...will”; The purpose of all things are ordered by the Heavenly Father’s will for He has created all things and He alone knows the full purpose of all that He created. In prayer  seek the grace to make Jesus’ prayer, my daily prayer - ‘Not my will but thine be done..’
         
Tomorrow's reading: Mt 11.28-30 

7.14.14

Lectio:  Mt 11.20-24                                

Meditatio: "Then he  [Jesus] began to reproach the towns where most of his mighty deeds had been done, since they had not repented.” Mt 11.20

Oratio: O God, You so much want us to come back to You and Your sent Your Son to make it easier,    
I remember Jesus was frustrated by the towns in which He had performed not one but many miracles because they did not heed His call to repent. How sad that the people of Bethsaida and Chorazin and Capernaum did not repent for they were witnesses to Jesus’ miracles and His preachings. In prayer seek the grace to be open to the God’s messages no matter through whom the messenger for they are given for our ultimate 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:" reproach...not repented”; the whole purpose of Jesus’ mighty works was to show the people He had divine authority and they should readily listen to His call to repent but many did not. In prayer seek the grace to be a docile disciple and readily accept God’s direction and especially as it comes to me through the Pope and the Bishops ins union with him.
         
Tomorrow's reading: Mt 11.25-27 

7.13.14

Lectio:  Mt 10.34-11.1                  

Meditatio: "and whoever does not take up his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.” Mt 10.38

Oratio: O God, You know the importance of priorities and especially for discipleship.                

I remember Jesus declared the importance fo taking up one’s cross and failure to do so means the disciple is not worthy of Him.  What did He mean by taking up the cross since almost all do not  have a physical cross to carry?  The cross is the ‘Will of His Father.’ The Father’s priories must be ours if we are to be worthy disciple of Jesus. In prayer seek the grace to discern God’s will and then to do it to the best of my ability.

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:" take up...cross”; the condition of discipleship; God’s will and not my will; in prayer seek to know His Will daily and always put Him first in my priorities.  Seek the grace to do so.
         
Tomorrow's reading: Mt 11.20=24 

7.12.14

Lectio: Mt 13.1-9

Meditatio: "And he spoke to them at length in parables," Mt 13.3a

Oratio: O God, You know how important it is for us to remember the key elements of the Good News.

I remember Your Son used parables which were teaching stories to make His message readily remembered by the crowds for they would remember the metaphors and through them discover the underlying meaning of His story such as the parable of the sower. In prayer seek to be open to the word of God no matter the form for it meant for our salvation.

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:" spoke...parables"; parables are teaching stories whose meaning is not found in the surface line of the story but in its underlying meaning.  Seek the grace of a child and be open to Jesus' parables for they are meant for our good.

Tomorrow's reading: Mt 10.34-11.1

7.11.14

7.10.14

Lectio: Mt 10.16-23

Meditatio: "Behold I am sending you like sheep among wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and simple as doves."  Mt 10.16

Oratio: O God, You know the world and it's vagaries and how it hates to be challenged.

I remember Your Son told His disciples they should expect to be persecuted but the best way to deal with ill treatment is not retaliation in kind but with serpent shrewdness and with simplicity of a dove. In prayer seek the grace when confronted, to return hatred with love, strife with docility and that will confound the persecutor and pleased The Lord.

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

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

Operatio: reflect: "sending...sheep...wolves;" Jesus did not promise a rose garden for His disciples, but the real world where hatred exists and is active. In prayer ask for the grace to be an effective evangelizer in the place I find myself for that is the least I should do for You for all You have done for me.


Tomorrow's reading: Mt 10.24-33


7.11.14

Lectio: Mt 10.24-33

Meditatio: "Everyone who acknowledges me  before others I will acknowledge before my Heavenly Father." Mt 10.32

Oratio: O God, You know how important it is for us to evangelize for that is how the great numbers will be saved which is Your wish.

I remember Jesus told His followers the great reward for acknowledging Him before other - He will acknowledge before His a Father. What a blessing!

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: "acknowledges me ...others..." The essence of evangelization is to proclaim Jesus is our Lord and we best do so by living authentic Christian lives and standing up for Christian principles in the marketplace, at work and in the home in Jesus' name. In prayer seek the grace to be an authentic evangelizer by living an authentic Christian life in Jesus' name.

Tomorrow's reading: Mt 13.1-23

7.10.14

Lectio: Mt 10.16-23

Meditatio: "Behold I am sending you like sheep among wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and simple as doves."  Mt 10.16

Oratio: O God, You know the world and it's vagaries and how it hates to be challenged.

I remember Your Son told His disciples they should expect to be persecuted but the best way to deal with ill treatment is not retaliation in kind but with serpent shrewdness and with simplicity of a dove. In prayer seek the grace when confronted, to return hatred with love, strife with docility and that will confound the persecutor and pleased The Lord.

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

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

Operatio: reflect: "sending...sheep...wolves;" Jesus did not promise a rose garden for His disciples, but the real world where hatred exists and is active. In prayer ask for the grace to be an effective evangelizer in the place I find myself for that is the least I should do for You for all You have done for me.


Tomorrow's reading: Mt 10.24-33


7.11.14

Lectio: Mt 10.24-33

Meditatio: "Everyone who acknowledges me  before others I will acknowledge before my Heavenly Father." Mt 10.32

Oratio: O God, You know how important it is for us to evangelize for that is how the great numbers will be saved which is Your wish.

I remember Jesus told His followers the great reward for acknowledging Him before other - He will acknowledge before His a Father. What a blessing!

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: "acknowledges me ...others..." The essence of evangelization is to proclaim Jesus is our Lord and we best do so by living authentic Christian lives and standing up for Christian principles in the marketplace, at work and in the home in Jesus' name. In prayer seek the grace to be an authentic evangelizer by living an authentic Christian life in Jesus' name.

Tomorrow's reading: Mt 13.1-23

7.09.14

Lectio:  Mt 10.7-15      
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           
Meditatio: “Whoever will not receive you or listen to your words - go outside that house or town and shake the dust from your feet.” Mt 10.14
         
 I remember Jesus instructed His disciples to shake the dust from their feet if either a house or a town do not receive the Good News of listen to them. What a signal that sends for to shake the dust from your feet is to show a complete separation. In prayer seek the grace to be always open to the Word of God and act upon it for in doing so is for our greatest benefit.                             

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

Operatio: reflect: "not...listen....shake....dust”; we are all called to spread the Good News and we are to persist but not ad nauseam, In prayer thank God for those who brought the good news to my family and for the Good News my family imparted to me; and seek the grace to be a good evangelizer for the whole world needs to know and act on the Good News and God needs us to be His hands, His feet, His tongue..            

Tomorrow's reading: Mt 10.16-23   

7.08.14

Lectio:  Mt 10.1-7          
                                                                                                                                                                                                                            
Meditatio: “As you go, make this proclamation: ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand’.” Mt10.7 
                                                                                         
Oratio: O God, You treat us so wonderfully!
         
I remember Jesus commissioned His 12 disciples to go out and proclaim the Good News that Your kingdom is at hand so that Your Son’s message would get a twelve-fold coverage for the good of the people. In prayer seek the grace to continue to make the Good News known by the life  I live and especially by the love I show for that is the least I can go to show my gratitude.

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

Operatio: reflect: "go...proclamation”; You so wanted the Good News to be well known so You used the only instrument available - Your disciples - and they would do a wonderful job especially after Jesus died. In prayer thank God for the 12 and their successors down through the ages for we are the beneficiaries and we are reaping the good and the joy of the Good News; and may we always give thanks and praise to God for being so magnanimous.

Tomorrow's reading: Mt 10.7-15 

7.07.14

Lectio: Mt 9.32-38          
                                                                                                                                                                                                                  
Meditatio: “The crowds were amazed and said, ‘Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel.’ But the Pharisees said, ‘He drives out demons by the prince of demons’.” Mt 9. 33b-34

Oratio: O God, How spiteful we can be at times!
         
I remember Jesus cured a mute by driving out a demon and the crowd was properly amazed’ but the Pharisees, who should have been similarly amazed tried to detract from the deed by at attributing Jesus’ power to the devil. How spiteful! How self serving for they were not concerned with anything but maintaining their power over the people.

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

Operatio: reflect: "crowds ...amazed...Pharisees...by demons”; you did not have to be a rocket scientist to recognize the miraculous deed of curing a mute; but you could be part of the religious elite who could deny it by such a false attribution for self serving purposes; in prayer seek the openeness  of a child for with such openeness everything is mysterious, everything is possible and everything is accepted at its face value; and everything that is good and comes from God is a source of joy and prompts a spirit of gratitude.

Tomorrow's reading: Mt 10.1-7        

7.06.14

Lectio: Mt 9.18-26                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

Meditatio: “She said to herself, ‘If only I can touch his cloak, I shall be cured’.” Mt 9.21              

Oratio: O God, How compassionate You are and we see it in the actions of Your Son.
         
I remember Jesus enabled a woman suffering from a hemorrhage for 12 years to be healed by her simply touching His cloak because she had faith. And then because an official had faith, He raised the official’s daughter from the dead.  In prayer seek a strong faith so that the burdens of this life will not be too much; and because of our  faith You will bring us to the heavenly kingdom.

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

Operatio: reflect: "If....I...touch...cloak...cured”; Jesus invites us to have faith in Him and He will do marvelous deeds for us like He did for the woman with a hemorrhage including the gift of life everlasting. In prayer seek the grace of gratitude for Jesus has and continues to do so much for us even without our asking.

Tomorrow's reading: Mt 9.32-38

7.05.14

Lectio:
    Mt11.25-30                                                                                                                                                                                             

Meditatio: “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I [Jesus] am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves.for my yoke is easy, and my burden light.”
Mt 22.29 -30

Oratio: O God, You know our weaknesses and the crosses of this life can at time overwhelm us so You gave us a wonderful remedy .
         
I remember Jesus told the crowds that if they are burdened, to come to Him and yoke themselves to Him. They would find rest and their burden would become lighter - why? When we yoke ourselves, it means we are joined together and the burden we are carrying is made lighter in the sharing. In prayer seek Jesus as Your companion and all things that you truly need will be given to you and the burdens of this life will be manageable and eternal life will be a realistic destiny. And give thanks always for Jesus.

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

Operatio: reflect: "take...yoke...rest...burden light” ; Jesus invites us to yoke, that is join ourselves to Him and we will find rest, What an invite!  In prayer seek the grace to yoke yourself to Jesus for He is our strong support and as our brother, He is most concerned for us, and He will lighten our burdens and bring us one day to the eternal kingdom and everlasting rest, peace and joy and love.

Tomorrow's reading: Mt 19.18-26

7,04,14

 Lectio:

 Mt 9.14-17                                                                                                                                                                                         

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

Oratio: O God, You want us to fast but for the right reasons.                          

I remember Jesus’ response to the disciples of John when they asked why His disciples did not fast. shows one of the purposes of fasting is to express a sign of mourning; but since He is the bridegroom, it is a time of rejoicing an not mourning. In prayer fast when required and do so as an ascetical practice to assist your spiritual growth and your fasting will be effective.

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

Operatio: reflect: "Why...we...fast...your...do..not”; fasting is clearly an excellent spiritual practice for in mortifying the body we are better prepared to mortify the soul; but there is a time for fasting and not while Jesus was still with His disciples. In prayer seek to be aware of Jesus’ presence and celebrate His presence; but also fast from time to time to hasten His coming again.

Tomorrow's reading: Mt 11.25-30

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!

7.03.14

 Lectio: Mt 9.9-13                                                                                                                                                                   

Meditatio: “The Pharisees saw this and said to his disciples, ‘Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners.’?” Mt 9.11                    

Mt 9.9-13 Oratio: O God, You are so kind and merciful and Your Son made this very clear.

I remember when the Pharisees saw Jesus eating with sinners and tax collectors, they took offense at His actions because it violated their Holiness Code; but Jesus would have none of this piety and reminded them that He came to call sinners. In prayer seek the grace to be kind towards others and not to judge them for they are children of God, too, and blest by Him.

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

Operatio: reflect: "Pharisees....why.....teacher eat...sinners”; their Holiness Code, which was based on what they understood would be God’s holiness, postulated that they should not associate with sinners as that would be an insult to God’s purity; but Jesus made it clear that God did not separate Himself from sinners to preserve His holiness but rather He came to sinners to share with them His holiness. In prayer thank God always for being so kind and merciful towards all of us.   .

Tomorrow's reading: Mt 9.14-17 

7.02.14

 Lectio: Jn 20.24-29        
                                                                                                                                                           
Meditatio: “Jesus said  to him, ‘Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed’.” Jn 20.29

Oratio: O God, You know us so well and You know that it is hard for us to take things on faith so You gave us something that we do not deserve if we accept things on faith.

I remember the Apostle Thomas was not present when Jesus first appeared to the apostles following His resurrection, and Thomas refused to believe based on the word of his brethren. A week later Jesus again appeared and this time Thomas was present and now Thomas accepted the fact that Jesus had risen. But note! Jesus does not praise Thomas for his acceptance but rather declares all blessed who have not seen and believe. And that blessing extends to all believes down through the ages.

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

Operatio: reflect: "believe...seen....Blessed .... not seen”; faith is acceptance of a tenet which we have not seen but for which we have a confident hope that it will be and base our way of life on that hope. In prayer seek a strong faith so that the teachings of Jesus which have been handed down to us through the Apostles and their successors may always be alive in our hearts and guide us to object of our greatest faith - everlasting life with the Trinity - a life of the blessed..

Tomorrow's reading: Mt 9.9-13  

7.01.14

 Lectio:  Mt 8.28-34                                                                                                                                                        

Meditatio: “The demons pleaded with him, ‘If you drive us out, send us into the herd of swine’.” Mt 8. 30                     

Oratio: O God, You are all-powerful and not surprisingly so is Your Son.

I remember Jesus when confronted with two savage demoniacs, simply gave them their wish and send them into a herd of swine and all went into the sea and drowned - showing the demons had no power of Him and no ability to dialogue with Him. In prayer seek and adore You and You alone for there is no one as good and as powerful as You.

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

Operatio: reflect: "demons pleaded...”; Jesus granted the demons their wish which led to their total destruction.  In prayer seek the grace to see the workings of God and always welcome Him into our presence for He is our Lord and Savior and the power of evil is naught before Him.

Tomorrow's reading: Jn 20.24-29