8.31.14

   

Lectio: Lk 4.16-30                                                                   

Meditatio: "And all were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth, They also asked, ‘Isn’t this the son of Joseph’? “ lk 4.22                                                                                                               
Oratio: O God, how fickle we are and yet You love us.                                                                            

I remember Jesus spoke to His hometown people in the Synagogue and all were amazed at His words but almost immediately they raised doubts about Him since He grew up with them and by the end of that first appearance in Nazareth of His public ministry, the people there tried to kill Him - what a turn about and in so short a time. But Jesus simply went away and He did not abandon them. In prayer seek the grace to be loyal to the Good News and be a source of good for others.

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

Operatio:  reflect: “all...amazed.....isn’t...son of Joseph”’; from amazement to doubt to actively seeking to kill Jesus - the reaction of His hometown to Him all because they thought it impossible that one of theirs could actually be a great prophet. In prayer seek the grace of awe at the mysteries of this life and be reticent before coming to judgment about any one for he or she  may very well be a prophet You sent for out good.

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 4. 31-37         

8..30.14

Lectio: :  Mt 16.21-27                                                       

Meditatio: "What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? Or what can one give in exchange for his life?” Mt 16.26                                                                                                                
Oratio: O God, You know the allure that earthly riches have for us and You did not want us unthinking to be enticed by them.

I remember Jesus sounded the alarm for all in this matter by proclaiming very clearly: ‘ what does ir profit to gain the whole world and lose your life!’ And we all know the answer - Nothing is more precious than eternal life with the Lord. In prayer seek the grace to use the things of this earthy wisely and avoid making things - gods! By using thing as God intended them to be used, we will be good stewards of His gifts and we will be welcomed by Him into eternal life

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

Operatio:  reflect: “profit....gain....world....forfeit ....life”; from a human standpoint wealth is great and to be sought after no matter the means; from God’s view wealth is a means to aid us and others on the journey to heaven. Wealth used wisely is good; used wrongly leads to forfeit one’s eternal life in heaven. The choice is obvious. Seek the grace to avoid undue attraction to material things and the grace to use them as means to help you and others on the journey to heaven and all will be profit in the end.

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 4.38-44          

8.29.14

Lectio: :  Mt 25.14-30                                           

Meditatio: "But the man who received one went off and dug a hole in the ground and buried his master’s money. M5 25.18                                                                                                                                               
Oratio: O God, You only aks of us what we are capable of and not what someone else can do.

I remember Jesus described the kingdom of heaven in the Parable of the Talents. To one man He gave only one talent to another two talents and to a third five talents. The latter two used their talents and doubled them while the first one simply did nothing. Whether one had five or two talents, the result was the same for using them; each would be given great responsibilities. But the one who did not use his talent, he was put outside the kingdom of heaven. In prayer seek the grace to use whatever talent I have to serve the Lord and the Lord will be pleased and I will be blest no matter the results.

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

Operatio:  reflect: “received one..dug...hole”; the Parable of the Talents is a play on words and its meaning is that we are to use the talent God gives us. If we do, heaven will be ours. If we do not, heaven will not be ours..In prayer ask the Holy Spirit to give you guidance and the desire to serve the Lord with whatever talent you have and all will be right in the end for you.

Tomorrow's reading:  Mt 16.21-27   

8.28.14

Lectio: : Mk 6.17-29                               

Meditatio: "Th e king was deeply distressed, but because of his oaths and the guests he did not wish to break his word to her. So he promptly despatched an executioner with orders to bring back his head on a platter and give it to the girl.” Mk 6. 26,27a

Oratio: O God, keeping our words and especially our oaths are why we were given the ability to speak but this is not an absolute requirement.             

I remember Herod gave his oath to Herodias’ daughter that he would give her anything she asked; and he felt compelled to honor her request for John, the Baptist’ head. Keeping our word and our solemn promises are expected by society; however, when we give our word or our oath without realizing the consequences of our keeping them, we are not obliged if the consequences are evil.. In prayer seek the grace to be a person of integrity and let our “yes” always means “yes” and our “no” always mean “no” always keep our word unless we realize it will cause evil.

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

Operatio:  reflect "not wish...bring back...head.” Herod considered keeping an oath and absolute and beheaded John the Baptist; Oaths are to be kept unless given without realizing the adverse consequences of keeping it. In prayer seek the grace of discernment as to the consequences of keeping one’s word has and always keep it unless it causes evil to self or to  someone else.

Tomorrow's reading:  Mt 25.14-30       

8.27.14

Lectio: :  Mt 24.42-51                   

Meditatio: "So too, you also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.”  Mt 24.44              

Oratio: O God, it is so important that we live in a way that is pleasing to you for life is uncertain- here today and gone tomorrow - but where?

I remember Jesus urged us to be prepared for we do not know when He will come - but He will come and He so much wants to bring us to the Heavenly Kingdom; and He will if we are prepared, and if we have lived a life that is pleasing to God; a life of selfless love.   In prayer seek the grace to live as if the Lord is coming any moment and by living a life of Gospel love. And we will not have to fear that  moment but we will rejoice at His coming.

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

Operatio:  reflect "be prepared.... Son of Man”; we do not know when this life is over for us but it will end.We do not have to live in fear of what happens next if we live in accord with the Great Law of Love for we will be ready to meet the Lord. In prayer seek the grace to be guided always by Gospel Love.                       

Tomorrow's reading:  Mk 6.17-29    

8.26.14

Lectio::  Mt 23..27-32

Meditatio: "For just as the lightning comes from the east and the west, so will the coming of the Son of Man be.” Mt 23.27              

Oratio: O God, Your Son will come again at the end of time and His coming will not be subtle.

I remember Jesus foretold that His coming again will be as noticeable as lightning. In prayer seek the grace to be spiritually ready to meet the Lord, no matter if at the end of time or at the end of my life time, and I will be able to live this life in joy and not in fear.

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

Operatio:  reflect "lightening....coming .. Son of Man”; the second coming of Jesus will be in glory and majesty and as clear as lightning. In prayer seek the grace of calmness at the prospect of Jesus coming in a very personal way by striving with His grace to be spiritually well. And His coming again will be a great welcoming sight.

Tomorrow's reading:  Mt 24.42-51       

8..25.14

Lectio::  Mt 23..23-26

Meditatio: "Woe to you, Scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You pay tithes of mint and dill and cummin, and have neglected the weightier things of the law: judgment and mercy and fidelity. [But] these you should have done, without neglecting the others.” Mt 23.23

Oratio: O God, how You want Your religious leaders to give a balanced approached as to Your desires to the people they aerve..

I remember Jesus lambasted the Scribes and the Pharisees because they emphasized tithes while neglecting mercy and faithfulness. In prayer seek the grace to contribute to the support of the church and the grace to know that is only a part of belonging to Church and that the practice of the faith is so much more important.                                 
       
Contemplatio: spend some time in silence and meditate on the selected passage and hear what
God is saying to you.

Operatio:  reflect "Woe ....pay tithes....neglected....mercy”; the Scribes and Pharisees were more interested in money and power than in the right practice of religion and failed to instill mercy and fidelity as key virtues of its practice. In prayer seek the grace to have a well balanced approach to religion and knowing  money is needed to support its material operations and that it also requires mercy towards others and fidelity to its tenets; and God will pleased with our balanced approached.

Tomorrow's reading:  Mt 23..27-32

8,17,14 to 8,24,14

 8..17.14

Lectio: Mt19.16-22

"He answered him, 'Why do you ask me about the good? There is only One who is good. If you wish to enter eternal life, keep the commandments'." Mt 19.17

Oratio: O God, You know how weak we are, and You graciously and mercifully take this I to our account.

I remember that Your Son told us that if keep the commandments and live our neighbors, we will enter heaven. He also urged us to be perfect by living  a life of radical poverty such as was lived by St. Clare and St. Francis and which those in religious life strive to live today. In prayer seek the grace of inordinate attachment to material things so that love for things may never supplant our love of our neighbors

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


Operatio:  reflect "eternal life...keep commandments"; our destiny is within our reach-Love and then do what you are able. In prayer pray for those in religious life who live radical Gospel poverty and seek the grace to at least avoid undue attachment to things of this work so as to have a heart that can love all and we will be greatly blest in the end.

Tomorrow's reading:  Mt 19.23-30

8.18.14

Lectio: Mt19.23-30

Meditatio: "Then Jesus said to his disciples, 'Amen, I say to you, it will be hard for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of God'." Mt 19.23

Oratio: O God, You know how easily we can substitute a false god for You.

I remember that Jesus warned us that riches could keep us from You -why? Because riches becomes a god for us and the love of our lives rather than You. In prayer seek the grace to use any riches that come your way as a means to aid us and those whose lives we touch in our journey to You and not as the End we seek in thus life and riches will not keep us from You, who alone can satisfy our deepest longings and need.

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


Operatio:  reflect "hard...rich...enter ...kingdom"; hard because they become the love of our lives and crowd out Jesus; but God in His compassionate love will give us the grace to uses riches rightly if we allow Him to have sway over us.

Tomorrow's reading:  Mt 20.1-16


8.19.23

Lectio: Mt 20.1-16

Meditatio: "When it was evening the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ' Summon the laborers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and ending with the first'." Mt 20.8

Oratio: O God, Your justice is not our justice.

I remember that Jesus told a love parable about the kingdom and likened it to an owner of a vibe yard who hired workers throughout the day and at the end of the day, gave everyone the usual daily wage, making it clear that so long as we work for the kingdom no matter how late in life, God will give the kingdom to such a person for His justice is to give to us what we need and not what we deserve. In prayer seek the grace to work for the kingdom by being a person of selfless love and God will gift us with heaven no matter how long we worked for Him,

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

Operatio:  reflect "pay...beginning ...last...ending...first"; God's treatment for all who work for the kingdom no matter how late in life, is the same for we could never earn the kingdom, but we all need it and God gives it as a gift to all. In prayer seek the grace to continually work for God and He will take care of us when this life is over with a life that never ends and with Him. What a generous God we have who loves us dearly.

Tomorrow's reading:  Mt 22.1-14       


8.20.14

Lectio: Mt 22.1-14

Meditatio: "The kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son...the servants went out into the streets and gathered all they found, bad and good alike, and the hall was filled with guests. But when the King came to meet the guests he saw there a man not dressed in a wedding garment."  Mt 22.2, 10, 11

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

I remember that Jesus told a parable and likened heaven to a wedding feasts to which both the good and bad were guests; but one was found without a wedding garment -a change of garments and a symbol of repentance-and that guest was thrown out for he showed by his attitude he did not want any part of heaven - how sad for that person! How little God asks of us in return for His gift of eternal life of love and joy.  In prayer seek the grace of a contrite heart so that I will always be prepared to receive God's gift - a guest in His kingdom,

Contemplatio: spend some time in silence and meditate on the selected passage and hear what
God is saying to you.
   
Operatio:  reflect "heaven...feast...all..wedding garment"; a wedding garment was supplied to all guests when they arrived for a regal celebration because their clothing would have been covered with dust and dirt from their travel. So there was no excuse fro a man who received a last minute invite to the wedding, not to have one when he entered the hall. Just like there is no excuse to not seek forgiveness for our sins from God as often as we need it for He gives it as often as we asks and heaven as well.

Tomorrow's reading:  Mt 22.34-40



8.21.14

Lectio: Mt 22.34-40

Meditatio: "Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?" Mt 22.36

Oratio: O God, You made it do easy for us to know Your will

I remember that Your Son declared both the greatest and the second commandments and they can be summed up in one word - Love!  In prayer seek the grace to love God with my whole heart and my neighbor as myself and I will be most pleasing to You.

I ask these and all things through Your Son and the Holy Spirit, who live and reign with You 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: "commandment...greatest"; love God and then love your neighbor as yourself and you fulfill what the whole law and the prophets require. In prayer seek the grace to be a person of selfless love and The Lord will most pleased and others will be blest and we will abide in God for God is love.

Tomorrow's reading:  Mt 23.1-12
   
8/.22/14       

Lectio: Mt 23.1-12

Meditatio: "All their works are performed to be seen." Mt 23.5a

Oratio: O God, You want us to work  and to serve others. I remember Jesus warned against working to be seen; rather He urged us to work to serve others. In prayer seek the grace of being a true servant to others for that is how I will be most pleasing to God who is my All.

I ask these and all things in the name of Jesus who lives and reigns with the Father 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: "all...works...seen"; the failure of the religious leaders of Jesus' day was in working to be praised but not to serve and pride became their downfall .  In prayer seek and practice the virtue of humility and your works will be most pleasing to God and beneficial to yourself

Tomorrow's reading: Mt 16.13-20


8.23.14

Lectio: Mt 16.13-20

Meditatio: "I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven;and whatever you loose  and on earth shall be loosed in heaven."  Mt 16.19

Oratio: O God, You know the importance of authority for the success of any enterprise and certainly for Your church on earth. I remember your Son gave Peter the keys alone, the symbol of authority and down through the ages, his successors have exercised the supreme authority in Your church. In prayer may I have the grace of a humble and submissive heart, and always accept what the Pope proclaims for He is the voice that You have given us for our salvation.

I ask these and all things in the name of Jesus who lives and reigns with the Father 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: "keys...to...kingdom"; keys were a symbol of authority at the time of Christ and Jesus giving the keys to Peter was a clear indication that Peter was to exercise authority over the church and it is the basis for why we hold that the Pope, the successor of Peter as the Bishop of Rome, is the supreme authority of the church throughout the ages. In prayer thank Jesus for making His choice of an authoritative leader known while He was still with us for the Pope is a sure source of direction for a our salvation.

Tomorrow's reading: Mt 23.12-22


8/ 24/.14   

Lectio: Mt 23.13-22                                  

Meditatio: "Woe to you, Scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You lock the kingdom of heaven before human beings. Yo do not enter yourselves, nor do you allow entrance to those trying to enter,” Mt 23.13

Oratio: O God, how You decry those who should lead Your children to You but become obstacles instead.

I remember Your Son called the religious leaders of His day - hypocrites! For their actions prevented people who were trying to enter the kingdom of heaven to do so; and He issued a very strong warning to them. In prayer seek the grace to show good example both in words and deeds so that I may be a stepping stone for others to enter the kingdom of heaven.
       
Contemplatio: spend some time in silence and meditate on the selected passage and hear what
God is saying to you.

Operatio:  reflect "Woe .... hypocrites...lock”; the Scribe and Pharisees were more interested in power than in ministry and they became an obstacle for the people in the efforts to lead a life pleasing to the Lord. In prayer seek the help to lead people to the Lord both in my words and deeds and this will be pleasing to the Lord.

Tomorrow's reading:  Mt 22.23-26

8.16.14

Lectio: Mt 15.21-28                                   

Meditatio: "And behold, a Canaanite woman of that district came and called out ‘Have pity on me, Lord, Son of David! My daughter is tormented by a demon’. ....She said, ‘Please, Lord, for even dogs eat the scraps from that fall from the table of their masters’.” Mt 15, 22,27

Oratio: O God, how merciful You are!

I remember Jesus dialogued with a Canaanite women who requested that He heal her daughter. He made ir  clear that His mission was to the House of Israel and not to others. He then bantered with her, teasing her I suspect,  for He referred to His granting her a healing for a daughter, it would be like taking food from the children; but here retort, was that even dogs eat the scraps from their master’s table. In doing so, she showed great dignity, courage and faith and Jesus responded by healing her daughter. What a wonderful outcome! In prayer seek the grace to show mercy to those whose lives you touch even though they are not one of us, for that is Jesus’ way.
       
Contemplatio: spend some time in silence and meditate on the selected passage and hear what
God is saying to you.

Operatio:  reflect "Canaanite...dogs....scraps”; ministering to a non-Jew was not the mission of Jesus but He set His priority aside when the woman showed such great faith and humility. In prayer seek the grace to realize t hat God is moved to action not simply by our words, but by our response to Him and He especially is open to those of humble and contrite hearts who extend mercy to others. Having realized this, let it be a guiding principle for us and Jesus will be pleased.

Tomorrow's reading:  Mt 23.13-22

P.S. I will be on vacation for the nest week and I may not be able to post these daily exercises. I will remember all in my Mass and seek the grace that the Word of God will always be a source of wonderful food for your souls..

8.15.14

Lectio: :  Mt 19.13-15                      

Meditatio: "But Jesus said, ‘Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these’.” Mt 19.14

Oratio: O God, how gracious and kind You are to all and especially to the have nots.

I remember Your Son rebuked His disciples for not allowing children to come to Him and then He declared that the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these. He then placed His hands upon the children. Children were considered property. They had no rights They were totally dependent on others. In prayer seek the heart of a child and recognize that all -  including heaven - is God’s gift and give Him continuous praise.
       
Contemplatio: spend some time in silence and meditate on the selected passage and hear what
God is saying to you.

Operatio:  reflect "let children come”’ in Jesus’ time no one would think of bringing children to a noted rabbi. But Jesus showed how wrong that was and He welcomed them and proclaimed the kingdom belongs to them. In prayer seek the grace to work as though all depended on you and pray as all depends on God and you will be welcomed into God’s kingdom.

Tomorrow's reading:  Mt 15.21-28

8.13 & 8.14.14

8. 13.14

Lectio:Mt 18.22-19.1

Meditatio: "Then Peter approaching asked him, ' Lord, if my brother has sinned against me, how often must I forgive him? As many as seven Times? Jesus answered2--, 'I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times." Mt 18.21.22

Oratio: O God, You do not measure the amount of mercy You show us, and You want us to imitate You.  I  remember Jesus told Peter We must forgive not seven times, but seventy-seven times - in other words -no limit as that is how His Father forgives. Seek the grace to be a vey compassionate person for that is most pleasing to God.

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

Operatio: reflect on "forgive...not seven...but seventy-seven times"; God does not set any numerical limit on His forgiveness. In prayer seek a compassionate heart - one that readily forgives and as often as forgiveness is needed for that is the example of our Heavenly Father.

Tomorrow's reading:  Lk 11.27-28

                   

8/ 14.14   

Lectio:Lk1.39-56

"The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name" Lk 1.49

Oratio: O God, all that we are and all that we will be is due to your grace and our cooperating with it.

I remember Our Blessed Mother acknowledged that it was You who did great things for her and she cooperated with her great Fiat. In prayer seek discernment so as to recognize God at work and His grace and then willingly cooperate with Hus Geace and Gid will do great things for me too.

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

Operatio:  reflect "Mighty One....done...for me"; grace is what God offers to us and when we cooperate with Hus grace, great things are accomplished. In prayer thank God for the many, many graces He gives us and always praise His holiness.

Tomorrow's reading:  Mt 19.13-15

8.12.14

Lectio:  Mt 18.15-20                                         

Meditatio: “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” Mt 18.20                                                                                                  

Oratio: O God, How kind and benevolent You are!                                                      

I remember Jesus declared that whenever two or more are gathered in Your name, You are there! May we always be mindful of You in our gatherings and not just when we want or need something for Your presence alone is enough for us no matter what our needs or burdens.
       
Contemplatio: spend some time in silence and meditate on the selected passage and hear what
God is saying to you.

Operatio: reflect "gathered...my name....I in ....midst”; what a boon! What a grace! God is not only always aware of us but He is present to us when we gather in His name. Seek the grace of remembrance of His presence;  and allow Him to decided what is best for us knowing He will be there for us in all things.

Tomorrow's reading: Mt 18.21-19.1

8.11.14

Lectio:  Mt 18.1-5, 10, 12-14                    

Meditatio: "Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”
Mt 18,4                                                                                           

Oratio: O God, Your ways are not our ways but they are so much more wise and glorious.
              

I remember Your Son told His disciple that to be the greatest in the kingdom they must be like a child - that is totally dependent and with no claim of any rights. Humility and not pride of place determines one’s status with God. In prayer seek the grace to have a meek and humble heart for that is what is most pleading to our God!
       
Contemplatio: spend some time in silence and meditate on the selected passage and hear what
God is saying to you.

Operatio: reflect "like...child...greatest”; a child has no rights and is completely dependent on others; this is the essence of a humility. May we also have a heart of a child and a an openness to the wonders of God and His creation as that will be most pleasing to Him and it will go well for us.

Tomorrow's reading: Mt 18.15-20 

8.10.14

Lectio:  Mt 14.22-33                                                                                                                   

Meditatio: "As they were gathering in Galilee, Jesus said to them, ‘The Son of Man is to be handed over to men and they will kill him and he will be raised on the third say.” Mt 14.22,23                                                                                             
Oratio: O God, You know the future and sometimes You reveal it for our benefit.                      

I remember You knew Jesus would be put to death and so You had Hm reveal it to His disciples to that would not be scandalized by the cross and they would not be for they would remember Jesus had foretold it and they knew that nothing happens without His Father’s   knowledge. In prayer seek the grace to accept the things that happen that are beyond my control for they are known to God and God will not let them do harm to our immortal soul without our consent.
       
Contemplatio: spend some time in silence and meditate on the selected passage and hear what
God is saying to you.

Operatio: reflect "Jesus...Son of Man...kill"; Jesus foretold his death to His disciples so that they would be able to cope with it. He knows the future and He also will not let anything happen that would destroy our immortal soul without our willing it. In prayer seek a docile heart when confronted with hardship knowing all that happens will not harm our souls for He has given us charge over it.

Tomorrow's reading: Mt 18.1-5, 10, 12-14  

8.09.14

Lectio: Mt 14.22-33                                                                                                          

Meditatio: "During the fourth watch of the night, he [Jesus] came toward them, walking on the sea. When the disciples saw him walking on the sea they were terrified, ‘It is a ghost,’ they cried out in fear.” Mt 14.25,26         
                                                                
Oratio: O God, Your powers are also Your Son’s powers because You and He are one in nature.         

I remember Jesus walked on water during the fourth watch of the night (3 AM to 6 AM), a  feat that is humanly impossible; and at the end of this incident the disciples realized that Jesus was not only the Son o f Man, but the Son of God. Seek time for prayer as Jesus did and then allow yourself in the silence of your prayer time to experience God and you will!                           
       
Contemplatio: spend some time in silence and meditate on the selected passage and hear what
God is saying to you.

Operatio: reflect "Jesus...walking...sea"; by walking on the sea Jesus showed clearly who He is - God. In prayer seek the grace to look for God in the unexpected and in the silent moments of life and you will find Him for He is always there for us, watching over us with loving care. Out of gratitude give those whose lives you touch a shepherd’s care as that will be most pleasing to Him.

Tomorrow's reading: Mt 17.22-27           

8.08.14

Lectio:   Mt 17.14-20                                                                                             

Meditatio: "Then the apostles approached him [Jesus] in private and said, ‘Why could we not drive it out?’ He said, ‘Because of your little faith’.” Mt 17.19.20a 
                                                                
Oratio: O God, You gave great powers to Your Son’s apostles for the benefit of the people.

I remember, however,  that on one occasion they were not able to drive out a demon from a possessed boy; and when they asked Jesus, ‘Why?’ He told them because of their little  faith. In prayer seek a strong faith, a faith that benefits all and not just self, which the apostles had not yet learned but would learn from Jesus death for all and through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.
       
Contemplatio: spend some time in silence and meditate on the selected passage and hear what
God is saying to you.


Operatio: reflect "why...not drive it out"; the apostles at this time of their discipleship were still very much self-centered and that is why their faith was little - a strong faith is one that reaches out to others for the other’s good and not for what one gets out it - it is a faith like a mustard seed which grows and provides nests for the birds of the air.

Tomorrow's reading: Mt 14.22-33

8.07.14

Lectio:  Mt 16.24-28                                                                                 

Meditatio: "Then Jesus said to his disciples, 'Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me'." Mt 16.24
                                                                
Oratio: O God, I remember Your Son gave us the key to finding Him and You - deny one self and do Your will for that is the meaning of the cross. May I have the grace to do so for it means life everlasting with You and Your Son
       
Contemplatio:  spend a few minutes in silence and reflect on these words of Scripture.


Operatio: reflect"deny...take up...cross"; deny - recognize not; take - to do;  selfless love fulfills both commands of Jesus. In prayer seek the grace to do both always and you will be a true follower of Jesus and He will save your life for all eternity.

Tomorrow's reading: Mt 17.14-20

8.06.14

Lectio:  Mt 16.13-23                                                         

Meditatio: "He [Jesus] said to them, ‘But whom do you say that I am?’ Simon Peter said in reply, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God’.” Mt 16.15,16                                                                                                                                                   
Oratio: O God, the identity of Your Son was not left to speculation.                    

I remember Your Son questioned His disciples as to His identity and Peter responded with the right answer, an answer revealed to him by You. He indeed is our Messiah and Your Son. In prayer I thank You for making it crystal clear that the Miracle Man of Galilee is so much more and even  wonderfully our brother through Baptism. May I always act in a way that makes You proud of me, Your child.

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

Operatio: reflect: "whom...I am?”; Peter answered: “the Messiah’; Seek the grace of a grateful heart and rejoice in Jesus Who not only is our Lord and Savior but our brother, too. Pray to live as a sibling of Jesus in such a way that He will be proud of us and others will come to know Him by the way we act.

Tomorrow's reading: Mt 16.24-28                       

8.05.14

Lectio: Mt 17.1-9                                               

Meditatio: "And he [Jesus] was transfigured before them; his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light. And behold Moses and Elijah appeared to them, conversing with him.”
Mt 17.2, 3                                                      

Oratio: O God, How wonderfully you undergirded the faith of Your Son’s disciples.

I remember Jesus was transfigured before Peter, James and John and Moses and Elijah appeared with Him. You spoke that this was Your beloved Son and said to listen to Him. This certainly would greatly strengthen them when Jesus will be condemned to death and crucified. It is also a wonderful event that strengthens all believers today as we contemplate Jesus not only as our Savior but as our Lord and our God.  In prayer seek the grace to always listen to the words of Jesus and heed them by being a person of love He calls us to be..

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

Operatio: reflect: "he....transfigured”; Jesus allowed His three disciples to see His divinity and to have it endorsed by His Father so that their faith in Him would remain strong despite His upcoming crucifixion. In prayer contemplate this event in which the Moses, the law giver and Elijah, the great prophet, also appeared and in prayer thank Jesus for revealing Himself so clearly so that our faith is ever stronger because of this event.

Tomorrow's reading: Mt 16.13-23    

8.04.14

Lectio  : Mt 15.1-2, 10-14                              

Meditatio: "Why do your disciples break the traditions of the elders? They do not wash their hands when they eat....It is not what enters one’s mouth that defiles a person; but what come s out of the mouth what defiles one..” Mt 15.2, 11                   

Oratio: O God, You must be amused by us who in our human wisdom develop all kinds of rules which we think will please You but we often get it wrong.

I remember the Jewish elders had insisted on washing of hands before meals as a way of being cleansed of any defilement which made them unclean to celebrate liturgy. Jesus corrected this practice by telling them they missed the point of what defiles a person. It is what comes out of the person that defiles - it our word that our hurtful, our expressed motives which give meaning to our actions and which often make an amoral action wrong. In prayer seek the grace to guard your thoughts and words and seek to conform to what Jesus wants of you and not what the world would wish of you.

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

Operatio: reflect: "break...traditions...elders...not wash...hands”; the purpose of the tradition was to wash away any ritual defilement; but Jesus made it clear that such traditions are irrelevant for it is what comes our of one’ mouth and not what goes into one’s mouth which defiles. In prayer seek the grace of a pure heart and speak what is holy and right and not simply what pleases the world.

Tomorrow's reading: Mt 17.1-9 

8.03.14

Lectio  Mt 24.22-36                  

Meditatio: "But as to the day and the hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone.”  Mt 24.36

Oratio: O God, Your kingdom will one day be firmly established and it situs will be heaven and this earth will pass away and we hear predications of the end from time to time

I remember Jesus said that no one knows when the end will come -so it is idle speculation on those who claim to know. Moreover, Jesus also made it clear that when the time comes, there will be clear signs that will be equivalent as the lightning in the sky and the only thing that we need to do in the present is to be ready - to reform our lives. Pray for the grace of steadfast faith reflected in selfless 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: "the day...no one knows”; the end will come but no one knows when except the heavenly Father. There is no need to speculate about it either for there will be clear signs in the heavens when the end is near.  Seek the grace of living each day for the Lord by being a person of love for all and that day will not catch you unprepared.

Tomorrow's reading: Mt 15.1=2, 10=14

8.02.14

8.02.14

Lectio :Mt 14.13-21

Meditatio: "and he ordered them to sit down on the grass, Taking the five loaves and two fish, and looking up to heaven, he said the prayer of blessing, broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples to distribute.” Mt 14.19

Oratio: O God, You how you care for us!                                                        

I remember Your Son fed a hungry crowd who were following Him all day with only 5 loaves and two fish and all five thousand were satisfied with plenty left over! How amazing! How kind and generous! In prayer seek our material needs knowing that You are mindful of our needs; and if we do what we are able, You will respond.

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: "Taking...looking...blessing...broke....gave”; these action words of Jesus in the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes, are the same action words He will use when He institutes the Eucharist. He works this sharing of His very self with all who receive the Eucharist on a daily basis - an outstanding and wonderful act of love for our eternal benefit. In prayer seek the grace to receive the Eucharist frequently for it the Bread of Life which will sustain us for all eternity.

Tomorrow's reading: Mt 24.22-36

8.01.14

Lectio :Mt 14.1-12                   

Meditatio: "Prompted by her mother, she said, ‘Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.’  The king was distressed , but because of his oath and the guests who were present, he ordered that it be given.” Mt 14.8-9

Oratio: O God, You want us to keep our word but only if it is thoughtfully given.              

I remember King Herod gave his word to Herodias’ daughter that he would give her anything she wanted and backed it up with his oath. He then did an unpardonable act and had John the Baptist beheaded because he thought he had to keep his solemn word.  But He was mistaken. We are to keep our word and not set it aside lightly but set it aside when it is given without realizing the adverse consequences to another. In prayer seek the grace to be a person of integrity so that our yes means yes and our no means no and both are given with deep concern for the good of the other.

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: "king...because...oath...ordered...it”; we are to keep our word and not set it aside lightly but we should set it aside when given in haste without reflecting on adverse consequences to others. In prayer seek the grace to keep one’s promises and only set them aside if keeping them would result on unjust consequences to others. 

Tomorrow's reading: Mt 14.13-21