10.14.14

Lectio:  Lk 11.42-46                                                                  

Meditatio: "And he said, ‘Woe to you scholars of the law! You impose on people burdens hard to carry, bu t you yourselves do not lift one finger to touch them’.”  Lk 11.46

Oratio: O God, You want compassion to be shown by Your children just as You are compassionate to all.
                          
I remember Your Son condemned the Scribes, the scholars of the Law, for the burdens that they placed on people declaring that they were required by the Law of God. But they would not help them to carry the burdens even a little bit. In prayer thank God for being so merciful and strive to be merciful in all our relationships for that is what our Heavenly Father expects of His children and it is the best way to emulate Him..

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

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

Operatio: reflect:"Woe...scholars....burdens...not lift...finger”; any good lawyer not only defines the law as it exists but also advises his clients how they can comply with it. Canon lawyers, that is church lawyers, have the same duty; and that is why Jesus so roundly condemned them for their failure to help the people they served.  Seek the grace to feel deeply for others in their adverse situations and do what you can to help for that is what is meant by being merciful. Tthat is what is mo st pleasing to our God.                      

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 11.47-54