12.30 & 12.31.15

12-30.15

Lectio: Jn 1.1-18


Meditatio: “But to those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God, to those who believe in his name." Jn 1.12

Oratio: O God, how gracious of You to allow us the be Your children through belief in Your Son.  Pray for a strong faith so that I may always live and act as Your child.

Contemplatio: Spend some time with today's text and see how the Lord is speaking to you.

Operatio: reflect: “become children...God...believe...name"; what a gift we are given because of our belief in Jesus - children of God! Seek the grace to be what a child of God ought to be and we will bask in our Heavenly Father's love forever.

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 2.16-21


12-31.15

Lectio: Lk 2.16-21


Meditatio: “So they went in haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in a manger." Lk 2.16

Oratio: O God, the shepherds were the first to visit and pay homage to Your  Son showing that the lowly would accept Your Son and in the end of His days here on earth, so it would be. Pray for a meek and humble heart so as to be pleasing to You as were the shepherds.

Contemplatio: Spend some time with today's text and see how the Lord is speaking to you.

Operatio: reflect: “went...found...infant...manger"; seek and you will find-that is the advice of Your Son and that was the advice that the Shepherds took to their great joy.  Seek the grace to follow the promptings of the Lord that are often given through those who are meek and humble of heart
 for they are meant for our good.

Tomorrow's reading: Jn 1.19-28

12.29.15

Lectio: Lk 2.36-40                                                     

Meditatio: “And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who waiting redemption o f Jerusalem.” Lk 2.38

Oratio: O God, Your Son was recognized by Anna in the Temple and she, too, praised you for sending the redeemer. .Pray to recognize Christ at work in others for that is how He comes to us today,                                                                        

Contemplatio: Spend some time with today's text and see how the Lord is speaking to you.

Operatio: reflect: “she....thanks....all...redemption” Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, like Simeon, immediately recognized the child Jesus as the redeemer. Seek the grace to proclaim Jesus is alive and among us in our brothers and sisters and take their messages to heart.                         
   
Tomorrow's reading: Jn 1.1-18        

12.28.15

Lectio: Lk 2.22-35                                                      

Meditatio: “just as I t is written in the law of the Lord, ‘Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord’.” Lk 2. 23                                                                     
                                                                                 
Oratio: O God, Your Son’s family were observant Jews and accordingly they presented their child in the Temple to be consecrated to You..Pray to be observant of the laws of my church and You will be greatly pleased.                                                                          

Contemplatio: Spend some time with today's text and see how the Lord is speaking to you.

Operatio: reflect: “law....every male...consecrated:; imagine if every male would be consecrated to the Lord, today, what a world we would be living in.  Seek the grace to comply with all church law and especiatlly those which call for us to be consecrated on God’s work.                           
   
Tomorrow's reading:  Lk 2.36-40

12.27.15

Lectio: Lk 2.41-52                                            

Meditatio: “When Herod realized that he had been deceived by the magi, he ordered the massacre of all the boys two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had ascertained from the magi.” Mt 2.16
                                                                                 
Oratio: O God, how  the desire for power can corrupt. In the case of King Herod, his fear of a successor to his throne, led him to kill all the boys two and younger in Bethlehem and vicinity thinking the new born king would be killed in the process..Pray to these Holy Innocents that whatever power or authority you have, to use it for the good of others for that is why it has been given to you.

Contemplatio: Spend some time with today's text and see how the Lord is speaking to you.

Operatio: reflect: “Herod....ordered....massacre....boys....Bethlehem”; What evil the thirst for power can lead us as we learned about King Herod’s killing of all the young boys. Seek the grace to use one’s position and one’s authority wisely and for good for that is the only way of pleasing God with who and what we are.
   
Tomorrow's reading:  Lk 22-35

12.26.15

Lectio: Lk 2.41-52                                            

Meditatio: “And he said to them, ‘Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house’?” Lk 2.49
                                                                                 
Oratio: O God, Your Son remained behind when He was 12 when the family’s pilgrimage to Jerusalem was over, and Mary and Joseph searched for him for three days before finding Him in the Temple listening to and asking questions of the teachers. When Mary asked, ‘Why?’,He reminded her of a profound truth that You were His Father. Pray that I may learn from the conclusion of today’s episode of the importance of obedience - of children to their parents and to grown-ups to those in authority; and most importantly to God who is are All and are End.

Contemplatio: Spend some time with today's text and see how the Lord is speaking to you.

Operatio: reflect: “why....looking....Father’s house”; Jesus at age 12 was an adult in the view of ANE protocol. As result, He would have traveled with other adults and not with His parents in the caravan as it left Jerusalem It was only after they had left the city and would also be leaving the caravan that they looked for Jesus and to their great concern realized that He was missing and a three day search ensued, I am sure, with great anxiety for Mary and Joseph.. Seek the grace to take as the lesson of  today’s Gospel that children, until they leave home are still children, and love and obedience is due to their  parents.
      
Tomorrow's reading: Mt 2.13-18

12.25.15

12.22.15

Lectio: Lk 1.57-66                                              

Meditatio: “but his mother said in reply, ‘No. He will be called John’.”: Lk 1.60                                           
                                                                                 
Oratio: O God, Elizabeth surprised everyone when she said her son will be called John and even more surprised when Zechariah agreed and he was then able to speak. Pray to do God’s will and you will be amazed what God over time will do for you.

Contemplatio: Spend some time with today's text and see how the Lord is speaking to you.

Operatio: reflect: “He...called Johns”; The Baptist was called John for that was the name given to his parents and they did God’s bidding and not there. Seek the grace to do God’s work in all your endeavors and in the long run you will be greatly enriched..
         
Tomorrow's reading:Lk 1.67-79

12.21.15

Lectio: Lk 1.46-56                                   

Meditatio: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord” Lk 1.46b                                                       
                                                                                 
Oratio: O God, Mary responded to Elizabeth’s greeting with the words which became the very title of one of the most beautiful prayers - the Magnificat. It has been known as such since the late 4th c. It  from is Latin which means ‘magnifies’ or ‘proclaims’. . Pray to be instruments of God’s love for others so our souls, too, will magnify the greatness of the Lord and the Lord will in turn bless us.

Contemplatio: Spend some time with today's text and see how the Lord is speaking to you.

Operatio: reflect: “proclaims....greatness”; Mary’s soul proclaimed the greatness of the Lord because she allowed God to use her as His instrument to bring about the birth of Jesus and then through Jesus our   birth as God’s children. Seek the grace to magnify God’s greatness by being His love for others.
         
Tomorrow's reading:Lk 1.57-66

12.19.15

Lectio: Lk 1.39-45                        

Meditatio: “During those days Mary set out and traveled to the hill country with haste to a town of Judah.” Lk 1.39
                                                                                 
Oratio: O God, Mary showed us a marvelous example when she learned that her cousin Elizabeth was with child, for she when ‘with haste’ to her showing that we can also count on Mary to respond to our ordinary needs. Pray to be a docile and loving child of Mary for she so much deserves our love and devotion.

Contemplatio: Spend some time with today's text and see how the Lord is speaking to you.

Operatio: reflect: “Mary.... with haste...Judah”; Mary shows us the way to respond to those in need. Do so ‘with haste’ or as another translation states’ with great thoughtfulness’. Seek the grace to love Mary as our Mother and emulate her example in dealing with her children for that is the best way to show your love for her.
                                                                                 
Tomorrow's reading:Lk 1.39-45

12/18/15

Lectio: Lk 1. 5-25

Meditatio: “So has the Lord done for me at a time when has seen fit to take away my disgrace before others.” Lk 1.25
                                                                                 
Oratio: O God, You miraculously intervened so that Elizabeth would bear a son in her old age and take away the opprobrium that people had for her since she was childless. Pray that I may never rash judge others or place standards of conduct on others that are not divine based.

Contemplatio: Spend some time with today's text and see how the Lord is speaking to you.

Operatio: reflect: “Lord....take away...disgrace”; under the thinking of the time to be childless meant that you were not favored by God. Seek the grace to see others in the light of Christ and avoid negative judgments on others for that is the way that God wants of us.
                                                                                 
Tomorrow's reading:Lk 1.39-45

12.15.15

Lectio: Lk 7. 18b-23                                                                

Meditatio: “When the men came to him, they said, ‘John the Baptist has sent us to you to asks,’Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another’.” Lk 7.20
                                                                                 
Oratio: O God, Your Son made it very clear to John’s disciples that He was the Messiah, relying on deeds and not words to make it known. Pray to Jesus for coming to us to bring us home.

Contemplatio: Spend some time with today's text and see how the Lord is speaking to you.

Operatio: reflect: “John..sent... are you...one”; Jesus answered with His history of deeds and all knew he was the Messiah. Seek the grace to spread the Good News so that others will come to know and believe and be saved.
                                                                                 
Tomorrow's reading:Mt1.1-17

12.14.15

Lectio: Mt 21.28-32                                                    

Meditatio: “ What is your opinion? A man had two sons....Which of the two did his father’s wills’?”  Mt 21.28a, 31a
                                                                                 
Oratio: O God, Your Son told a parable about two sons to show how inconsistent the religious leaders are for tax collectors and sinners were accepting Him while they were rejecting Him. Pray to accept the Word of God and live it for therein is my hope and my salvation.

Contemplatio: Spend some time with today's text and see how the Lord is speaking to you.

Operatio: reflect: “two sons.....which...father’s will”; the one son who first refused to do the father’s will but did it and not the one who said he would but did not. Seek the grace to readily believe the Good News and live it for therein lies my greatest good..                                                                                         
Tomorrow's reading:Lk 18b-23

12.13.15

12.13.15

Lectio: Mt 21.23-27                                        

Meditatio: “ When he came into the temple area, the chief priests and the elders of the people approached him as he was teaching and said, ‘By what authority are you doing these things? And who gave you this authority’.” Mt 21.23
                                                                                 
Oratio: O God, people, who sincerely seek the truth,  will find it;  but those who simply want to entrap those who proclaim the truth, will not. The religious leaders were not interested in the source of Jesus’ authority, they only hoped to entrap Him by His own words and declare Him a blasphemer. Pray to seek the truth always and proclaim it to others as well for the truth will set us free.

Contemplatio: Spend some time with today's text and see how the Lord is speaking to you.

Operatio: reflect: “priests...elders....authority....these things.....who”; Jesus replied to the religious leaders with a question and when they coped a plea and said they did not the source of the Baptists’ mission, it was obvious to all, who heard the exchange, that Jesus had won the debate. Seek the grace to be a sincere questioner for the purpose of enhancing one’s faith and willing share the answers who are also seeking the truth and God will be pleased.                                                                                         
Tomorrow's reading: :Mt 21.28-32

12.12.15

Lectio: Lk 3. 10-18                            

Meditatio: “ John answered them all, saying, ‘I am baptizing you with water, but one mightier than I is coming....He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire’.” Lk 3.16a,16c
                                                                                 
Oratio: O God, John the Baptist made it clear that he was not the Messiah but the Messiah would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire and not with water as John was doing. Pray and express your gratitude for being born at a time when you can easily recognize the Messiah and how you have been blest by the Holy Spirit at your Baptism                                     

Contemplatio: Spend some time with today's text and see how the Lord is speaking to you.

Operatio: reflect: “baptizing...water...baptize...Holy Spirit”; Jesus did reveal Himself clearly to the people of His days and we are the beneficiary of their faith. Seek the grace to live in the Spirit and show it  in the love you have for others.                                                                                                                                       
Tomorrow's reading: :Mt 21.23-27

12.09 to 12.11.15

12.09.15

Lectio: Mt 11.11-15

Meditatio: "And if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah, the one who is to come." Mt 11.14

Oratio: O God, Jesus made it clear that Elijah, who was to come before the Messiah, had indeed come in the person of John, the Baptist. Pray to accept the words of Jesus for He can neither deceive nor be deceived.

Contemplatio: Spend some time with today's text and see how the Lord is speaking to you.

Operatio: reflect: "if...accept...he..Elijah"; John the Baptist was the precursor of Jesus, fulfilling the role of Elijah, and thus fulfilling the expectations of the people.  Seek the grace of a strong faith in Jesus for He is my All.

Tomorrow's reading:  Mt 11.16-19

12.10.15

Lectio: Mt 11.16-19

Meditatio: "And if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah, the one who is to come." Mt 11.14

Oratio: O God, Jesus made it clear that Elijah, who was to come before the Messiah, had indeed come in the person of John, the Baptist. Pray to accept the words of Jesus for He can neither deceive nor be deceived.

Contemplatio: Spend some time with today's text and see how the Lord is speaking to you.

Operatio: reflect: "if...accept...he..Elijah"; John the Baptist was the precursor of Jesus, fulfilling the role of Elijah, and thus fulfilling the expectations of the people.  Seek the grace of a strong faith in Jesus for He is my All.

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 1/26-38

12.11.15

Lectio: :Lk 1.26-38                            

Meditatio: "And coming to her, he said, ‘Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you’.” Lk 1.28

Oratio: O God, Mary was highly favored by You and Mary in turn has highly favored us down through the ages including her appearance at Guadalupe. Pray that I may be always favored by Mary and she will guide me in the right paths to the kingdom.

Contemplatio: Spend some time with today's text and see how the Lord is speaking to you.

Operatio: reflect: “favored....Lord...you”; Mary was graced in being offered to be the mother of Jesus and Mary in turn has graced us as her children. Seek the grace to always do what is right and pleasing to Mary, our Mother through grace,
and she will lead us home.

Tomorrow's reading:Lk3.10-18

12.08.15

Lectio:  Mt 11.28-30                            

Meditatio: “ Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart.”
Mt 11.29                                                                      

Oratio: O God, Your Son knew how heavy life is for us at times and He generously offered to us His yoke for He knew His yoke is well fitting and would not cause painful rubbing and our burdens would be made lighter for He would be sharing them with us. Pray to willingly take  on the yoke of Christ and allow Him to use us to help the burdens of others for that is His wish.

Contemplatio: Spend some time with today's text and see how the Lord is speaking to you.

Operatio: reflect: “my yoke....learn...I...meek... humble”; Jesus so much wanted to lift the burdens of life from us so we would not be crushed by them; and He wanted us to learn from Him - the great Law of Love - for He knew this would in turn make the burdens of others much lighter. Seek the grace to be a willing instrument of the Lord so as to spread His love.                 

Tomorrow's reading: :Mt 11.11-15

12.06.15

Lectio: Lk 5.17-26                 

Meditatio: "Then astonishment seized them all and they glorified God, and, struck with awe, they said, ‘We have seen incredible things today’.” Lk 5.26            

Oratio: O God, Your Son could not have made it clearer to the religious leaders of the Jews who He is for in front of an audience of religious leaders from ‘every villages of Galilee and Judea and Jerusalem’, Jesus healed a paralytic after first publicly forgiving his sins - a power that is God’s  alone- and these leaders that day were in awe. Pray that the many wonderful things God performs daily for us may be always be remembered and that we may be always grateful. 

Contemplatio: Spend some time with today's text and see how the Lord is speaking to you.

Operatio: reflect: “struck...awe....in credible”; the reaction of the Jewish religious leaders from all over was one of awe at Jesus first forgiving a paralytic and then to show He had the power to forgive, commanding the paralytic to stand up and walk, and he did. Seek the grace to be ever grateful to Jesus for clearly revealing His identity and always place our trust in Him.

Tomorrow's reading: :Lk 1.26-38

12.05.15

Lectio: Lk 3.1-9

Meditatio: "He went throughout the whole region of the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins..”  Lk 3.3                         

Oratio: O God, Your Son’s coming was prepared by John, the Baptist. He did so by proclaiming a baptism for the forgiveness of sins and he cried out to make the mountains low and every filled. Pray to respond to his call and get to confession and experience Jesus’ forgiveness. 

Contemplatio: Spend some time with today's text and see how the Lord is speaking to you.

Operatio: reflect: “baptism...repentance...forgiveness”; repentance and Baptism are two contrasting truths. Repentance calls us to look at the valleys of our life - our sinfulness and seek forgiveness; while Baptism calls us to look at the mountains of our life and realize we have been forgiven. Seek the grace to be ever grateful to the Lord for forgiving us our sins and to routinely go to confession for it is the sure sign that our present sins are forgiven and we will be richly blest for as John declared ‘all flesh will see the salvation of God.’

Tomorrow's reading:   Lk 5.17-26          

P.S. I was on retreat this past week and I remembered all in my prayer.

11.30.15

Lectio:  Lk 10.21-24                                                 

Meditatio: "All things have been handed over to me by my Father. No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him.” Lk 10.22

Oratio: O God, Jesus revealed His knowledge of You and Your knowledge of Him and that He has the privilege of revealing You to us.  Pray that Jesus  reveals the Father to us and we will be richly blest in knowing Him and His will.                                                  

Contemplatio: Spend some time with today's text and see how the Lord is speaking to you.

Operatio: reflect: "knows....Father...except the Son”; Through Jesus’ graciousness we come to know the Father and through the Father all that is good is made available to us. Seek the grace to know the Father intimately so as to know Jesus intimately;  and He will give us His kingdom which He so much wants for all of us.

Tomorrow's reading:   Mt 15.29-37

11.29.15

Lectio: :Mt 4.18-22                                    

Meditatio: "He called them, and immediately they left their boat and their father and followed him.” Mt 4. 21c-22

Oratio: O God, when Your Son came into the world,  He called certain people to help Him in His ministry of salvation. Those He called left everything, their work, their family and followed Him. Pray that whatever the Lord asks of me in this life, I made do willingly and without hesitation.

Contemplatio: Spend some time with today's text and see how the Lord is speaking to you.

Operatio: reflect: "called....left...boat....father....followed”; Jesus called helpers when He first came and they responded immediately to His calling. Seek the grace to immediately respond to and to do the Lord’s bidding in this life for that is the certain way to His kingdom which He so much wants for all of us.

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 10.21-24

11.28.15

Lectio: Lk 21.25-28, 34-36

Meditatio: "And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory." Lk 21.27

Oratio: O God,  at the end of time Jesus will come in glory so that the worst of times becomes the best of time. Pray that the disaster that the end of time for you may be the time Jesus comes to you and takes you to His glory.

Contemplatio: Spend some time with today's text and see how the Lord is speaking to you.

Operatio: reflect: "Son of Man...coming...cloud...glory"; at the end of time Jesus will come again in glory.  Seek the grace to be ready for His coming do that the worst of times for the earth, will be the best of times for us.

Tomorrow's reading:Mt 4.18-22

11.27.15

Lectio: Lk 21.34-36                                  

Meditatio: "Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man.” Lk 21.36

Oratio: O God, Your Son foretold the end of time and He urged that we be vigilant as to its coming and always act as though it were about to happen. Pray to live always as a child of God for then you will not live in fear of the end and Jesus will welcome you home.                

Contemplatio: Spend some time with today's text and see how the Lord is speaking to you.

Operatio: reflect: "Be vigilant”;  Jesus made it clear that the end of time will happen and we should be prepared at all times for it to do so -Be vigilant - and act accordingly. Seek the grace to do so for Jesus so much wants all of us to return to our heavenly home.

Tomorrow's reading:Lk21.25-28, 34-36

11.26.15

Lectio: Lk 21.29-33                      

Meditatio: "When their buds burst open, you see for yourselves and know that summer is now near.”Lk 21.30            

Oratio: O God, Your Son predicted the end of time and His coming in glory. And He told signs of it so we will recognize it.  Pray that we will recognize the end and rejoice and not panic for it is meant to usher in a state of permanent happiness where peace, love and joy prevail.

Contemplatio: Spend some time with today's text and see how the Lord is speaking to you.

Operatio: reflect: "buds burst...know...summer...near”; Jesus made it clear that the end of time will be preceded by signs that are as obvious as the signs of nature that summer is near. Seek the grace to live in hope and not in fear of the end for it is meant for out everlasting good.

Tomorrow's reading:Lk 21.34-36

11.25.15

1.25.15

Lectio: Lk 21.12-19

Meditatio: "Before all this happens, however, they will seize and persecute you, they will hand you over to the synagogues  and to prisons, and they will have you led before kings and governors because of my name."
 Lk 21.12

Oratio: O God,  before the end of time Jesus has foretold that there will be a great persecution because of Him but He also told us that He would be there for us and help us defend us.  Seek the grace of final perseverance relying on Jesus to help us do so.

Contemplatio: Spend some time with today's text and see how the Lord is speaking to you.

Operatio: reflect: "happens.,,hand...over...name"; the end of time will happen and great persecutions will happen before the end. The prospects are fearsome but Jesus assures us He will be there for us. Seek the grace to put our trust in the Lord in all matters and live in peace and not in fear for that is what Jesus wants for us.


Tomorrow's reading:Lk 21.20-28

11.24.15

Lectio: Lk 21.20.-28

Meditatio: "And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Lk 21.27


Oratio: O God,  at the end of time Jesus will come in glory and it will be the best of times for our redemption will be at hand. Pray to remain faithful to the end.

Contemplatio: Spend some time with today's text and see how the Lord is speaking to you.

Operatio: reflect: "see...Son of Man...power...glory"; the end of time, as we know it, will see Jesus coming in His great majesty.  Seek the grace to be always ready for Jesus' coming for it is for our everlasting happiness.

Tomorrow's reading:Lk 21.29-33

11.24.15

 Lectio:::Lk 21.5-11

Meditatio: “When you hear of war and insurrection, do not be terrified; for such things must happen first, but it will not immediately be the end.”Lk 21.9

 Oratio: O God,  Jesus made it clear that the end of time will come and be preceded by great signs including war; but He also said no one knows when. Pray to be always in a state of readiness but not in a state of fear for the day of the Lord will also be a day of fulfillment.                                                                                                               
Contemplatio: Spend some time with today's text and see how the Lord is speaking to you.

Operatio: reflect: "war....terrified....happen first...end”; the end of time will come but it will be the best of times and not a time to fear. Seek the grace to live always in His love and that will be enough.
                                                                                  
Tomorrow's reading: ;l 21.12-19

11.22.15

 Lectio::Lk 21.1-4: “He said, ‘I tell you truly, this poor widow put in more than all the rest’.” Lk 21.3

 Meditatio: Jesus cited the poor widow’s contribution - so small but so large in His eyes - because she gave from her need while the others gave from their surplus. Pray to be a cheerful giver and to allow it to be a sacrifice as well as a gift to the Lord.    

 Oratio: O God,  Jesus made it clear that it is not the size of the gift that counts but the size of our heart in the giving. Seek the grace to be a giver in the way Jesus desires of us so that our gifts may be truly pleasing to Him who has done so much for us.                                                                                                                                
Contemplatio: Spend some time with today's text and see how the Lord is speaking to you.

Operatio: reflect: "poor widow.....more...rest”; It is not the size of the gift that counts in God’s eyes but the sacrifice that is involved in making it. Seek the grace to give to the church what you are able and God will be pleased.                                                                                                                                               

Tomorrow's reading:Lk 21.5-11

11.21.15

 Lectio::Jn 18.33b-37                                  

 Meditatio: “So Pilate said to him, ‘Then you are a king?’ Jesus answered, ‘You say I am a king. For this I was born and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth, Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice’.” Jn 18.37-38

 Oratio: O God, during Jesus’ passion the truth of His identity would become known for He admitted before Pilate that He is a King.  In retrospect Jesus’ passion became not His end but the beginning of His entering into His glory. Pray to always acknowledge Jesus as King and do so by joining in tomorrow’s celebration of Christ, the King.                                                         

Contemplatio: Spend some time with today's text and see how the Lord is speaking to you.

Operatio: reflect: "Pilate...you...king...I am”; Jesus, Himself, confirmed that He is a King. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the Son of Man coming on a cloud to establish His kingdom, a kingdom that will never be destroyed. Seek the grace to always be faithful to Jesus, our King, and show it in our works so that one day we may be part of His kingdom forever.

Tomorrow's reading:Lk 21.1-4

11.20.15

 Lectio: Lk 20.27-40                      

 Meditatio: “but those who are deemed worthy to attain to the coming age and to the resurrection of the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage.” Lk 20.35    

 Oratio: O God, The Sadducees, who do not believe in the Resurrection, tried to trap Jesus with a question about whose wife a woman would be who married seven times here on earth. Your Son rebutted them by revealing that in heaven we neither marry or are given in marriage. Pray for the dead during this month of the Holy Souls so that they have he fullness of eternal life.

Contemplatio: Spend some time with today's text and see how the Lord is speaking to you.

Operatio: reflect: "sadduceess...not believe....Resurrection..tried...trap Jesus”; How foolish to try to trap Your Son in matters of truth! And Jesus in His reply to them affirmed a marvelous truth - Resurrection and a glimpse at heavenly relationships. Seek the grace of a grateful heart to Jesus for having revealed so much to us and what we must doto  attain to life everlasting where peace, joy and happiness is an eternal state.

Tomorrow's reading: Jn 18.33b-27

11.18. & 11.19.15

11.18 15

 Lectio: Lk 19.41-44

 Meditatio: “As he drew near, he saw the city and wept over it, saying 'If this day you only knew what makes for peace - but now it is hidden from your eyes . " Lk 19.41-42

 Oratio: O God, sadly the people, because of its religious leaders, did not recognize Jesus as the Messiah and Prince of Peace, their generation would see the destruction of Jerusalem. Pray that in the trouble times we are now living that we see what makes for peace.

Contemplatio: Spend some time with today's text and see how the Lord is speaking to you.

Operatio: reflect: "saw ... wept..only knew...peace"; the Jewish people failed to recognize the Messiah and devastation ensued.  Seek the grace to follow the promoting of the Spirit to lead us in the ways of peace, today.

 Tomorrow's reading: Lk 19.45-48
   
11.19.15

 Lectio: Lk 19.45-48

 Meditatio: “Then Jesus entered the temple area and proceeded to drive out those who were selling things." Lk 19.45

 Oratio: O God, when Jesus cleaned out the Temple area those who were selling there, the religious leaders could not understand why, and they wanted to kill Him because He was interrupting business of which they were getting a share. Pray that I may always treat Church as a House of prayer and use it only for that purpose.

Contemplatio: Spend some time with today's text and see how the Lord is speaking to you.

Operatio: reflect: "Jesus...temple...drive out...selling"; zeal for His House consumed Jesus.  Seek the grace to be similarly consumed with respect and show always the right decorum.

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 20.27-40






         

11.17.15

 Lectio:Lk 19.11-28                                                                                                               

 Meditatio: “He called ten of his servants and gave them ten gold coins and told them, ‘Engage in trade until I return’.” Lk 19.12    
                                                                                                           
Oratio: O God, You gave everyone talent and You expect us to use them, Your Son told a parable ot the Ten Gold Coins to make this clear. Pray that I use the talents you give me and do so in a selfless way so as to please You who are my All.

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 & meditate on the selected passage and hear what  God speaks to you,

Operatio: reflect: “servants...gold...trade”; in His parable Jesus made it clear that we are to use our talents for He had the king order them to engage in trade; and those who did He richly rewarded. Seek the grace to use the talents I have for the greater glory of God and for the people I serve.

 Tomorrow's reading:Lk 19.41-44

            

11.16.15

 Lectio:Lk 19.1-10                                                                                                     

 Meditatio: “And Jesus said to him, ‘Today salvation has come to this house because this man is a descendant of Abraham’.” Lk 19.9
                                                                                                           
Oratio: O God, Your Son made it clear when He invited Himself to the home of the chief tax collector, that He came for all and especially for sinners, even despised ones; to bring them the opportunity to repent. Pray for all sinners especially the public ones for those are the ones that Jesus especially came for and their conversion is a particular delight to 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 & meditate on the selected passage and hear what  God speaks to you,

Operatio: reflect: “Jesus...salvation...this house”; Jesus sought sinners including public sinners for His message of the Good News was for all. Seek the grace to be an instrument of healing and conversion to the outcasts so that Jesus coming may be fulfilled.

 Tomorrow's reading:Lk 19.11-28
      

11.15.15

 Lectio: Lk 18.35-43                                                                

 Meditatio: “What do you want me to do for you? He replied, ‘Lord, please let me see.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Have sight, your faith has saved you’.” Lk 18.41-42
                                                                                                           
Oratio: O God, a blind man recognized Jesus as the Messiah while many with sight did not. Pray that I may recognize Jesus in those who are in need for He is there and my reaching out to them is in fact Jesus reaching out for me.                                                                                                                                                                 
I ask this and all things in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You
and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

Contemplatio: spend some time in silence & meditate on the selected passage and hear what  God speaks to you,

Operatio: reflect: let...see...have sight”; what a faith the blind man had in Jesus! And Jesus in returned gave him his sight. Seek the grace to recognize Jesus in suffering humanity for He is there and He will be grateful for whatever you do for Him.                                                                                                                                                                                 
 Tomorrow's reading: Lk 19.1-10
            

11.14.15

 Lectio: Mk 13.24-32                                                    

 Meditatio: “But of that day or hour, no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” Mk 13.32
                                                                                                           
Oratio: O God, Jesus declared no one knows when the end of time will come, but He made it clear that it will. Pray that I may always be in a state of readiness for the end of time, whether the end of the world or the end of my life time, and be so without being in a state of anxiety, for Jesus has already done most of the preparation for us and He will give us the necessary grace if we ask and are open to 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 & meditate on the selected passage and hear what  God speaks to you,

Operatio: reflect: "that day...no one.....only...Father”; when the end of time will come is only known by the Father but we need not fear for God is in control. Seek the grace of watchfulness and readiness for the end of time, whether time as we know it, or the end of our life time, for the end  is meant for our greater peace, joy, love and happiness, and it will be, if we cooperate with the help God offers.
                                                   
 Tomorrow's reading:Lk 18.35-43

11.13.15

 Lectio: Lk l8.1-8                                                      

 Meditatio: “Then he told them a parable about the necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary.”:Lk 18.1
                                                                                                           
Oratio: O God, Your Son gave us a powerful example of being persistent in prayer. Pray to not to grow weary but persist like the widow of Jesus’ parable and God will be attentive 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 & meditate on the selected passage and hear what  God speaks to you,

Operatio: reflect: "necessity...pray always”; if at first your prayers are not answered, do not stop. Seek the grace to persist in prayers for that is the advice of Jesus and it is most effective.
                                                   
 Tomorrow's reading:Lk 17.20-25
            

11.10.15

 Lectio: Lk 17.11-19                                                     

 Meditatio: “Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God!” :Lk 17.18
                                                                                                           
Oratio: O God, How thoughtless and ungrateful we can be at times. I remember Jesus healed ten lepers and only one returned to give thanks. Pray that I may always be grateful for all who in anyway help me for a humble and grateful heart is most pleasing to God.

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 & meditate on the selected passage and hear what  God speaks to you,

Operatio: reflect: "none...but....foreigner...give thanks”; ten were healed but only a Samaritan returned to thank Jesus for healing him of leprosy. What were the others thinking? Or not thinking? Seek the grace to realize that all you have is gift from God and every day give Him thanks and praise..                                                                  
 Tomorrow's reading:Lk 17.20-25

11.09.15

 Lectio: Lk 17.7-10                                                      

 Meditatio: “So it should be with you, When you have done all you have been commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants, we have done what we are obliged to do’.” Lk 17.10                                                    
                                                                                                                           

Oratio: O God, Jesus made it clear that as servants we are to do more than commanded otherwise we will be unprofitable ones. Pray to serve the Lord with your whole heart with your whole soul and your whole strength - to go the extra mile - and so to begin to please 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 & meditate on the selected passage and hear what  God speaks to you,

Operatio: reflect: "done all...unprofitable servant”; a savant is required to do duties given to him and therefore gets no credit for simply doing it but is commended if he or she goes beyond. Seek the grace to serve God to the extent of your time and talent and that is the best way to be
a commendable servant and pleasing to Him
.                                                                  
 Tomorrow's reading:Lk 17.11-19

11.08.15

 Lectio:  Jn 2.13-22                                           

 Meditatio: “His disciples recalled the words of scripture,’Zeal for your house will consume me’.”
 Jn 2.17                                                                                                                   

Oratio: O God, Your Son cleansed Your Temple of the money changer and the animal and dove sellers for they were making a market place out of Your House of Worship. Pray that I may have zeal for Your Church and always respect it and maintain  proper decorum in it for that is only right and just.

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 & meditate on the selected passage and hear what  God speaks to you,

Operatio: reflect: "Zeal...consume me”;  Jesus drove out of the Temple all those who were making a market place out it and rightly did He do so. Seek the grace to do my part to uphold the atmosphere of the church for what it should be, a place of prayer and worship and not a place for money makers, for that is the best way to please God.
.                                                                  
 Tomorrow's reading:Lk 17.7-10

11.07.15

 Lectio: Mk 12.38-44                               

 Meditatio: “He sat down opposite the treasury and observed how the crowd put money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. A poor widow also came and pt in two small coins worth a few cents.” Mk12.41-42

 Oratio: O God, You desire people to support Your church but you want contributions to be made with a generous spirit and not for show. Pray that I may contribute to the church as the widow did not for show but with a generous heart and out of love for the Church.

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 & meditate on the selected passage and hear what  God speaks to you,

Operatio: reflect: "rich....large sums....poor...two small coins” Jesus declared that a poor widow gave more in the collection with her two small coins than those who gave large sums for she gave with a generous spirit while they gave for show and from their surplus. Seek the grace to do what your able to support the church; and to do so with a generous spirit and not for show and the Lord will be pleased..                                                                    

 Tomorrow's reading: Jn 2.13-22

11.06.15

 Lectio: Lk 16.9-15                    

 Meditatio: “No servant can serve two masters. He will either hate one and love the other ;or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.” Lk 16.13          

 Oratio: O God, You desire our service but Your Son made it clear a divided heart will not do. Pray that You alone do I worship, You alone do I serve so love and devotion may always characterize my relationship with 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 & meditate on the selected passage and hear what  God speaks to you,

Operatio: reflect: "No....serve two....hate.one...love...other”; God alone should we serve and God alone should be our love. Seek the grace to keep the right focus on objects and persons and the grace to serve God always and love Him with our whole heart, our whole soul, and our whole strength for that should always be foremost in our relationship with Him and then to love others as we love ourselves including other things.                                                                         

 Tomorrow's reading: MK 12.38-44

11.05.15

 Lectio: Lk 16.1-8       

 Meditatio: “He summoned him and said, ‘What is this I hear about you? Prepare a full account of your stewardship, because you can no longer be my steward’...And the master commended that dishonest steward for acting prudently.” Lk 16.2,8

 Oratio: O God,  a  dishonest steward was commended by his master because of how he handled his dismissal. Although it appears he did so by being further dishonest, scripture scholars say that the steward was simply having the debtors rewrite what they truly owed minus the usurious commission the steward had charged them, thereby putting the debtors of his master into his debt,  Pray to be honest in all dealings and one will not have to develop ways of getting out of trouble

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 & meditate on the selected passage and hear what  God speaks to you,

Operatio: reflect: "Prepare...account... no longer...steward”; the dishonest steward was discovered to be so and was to be dismissed. The steward ingratiated himself with his master’s debtors by having them rewrite their promissory notes at a steep discount. Seek the grace to be fair in one’s dealing even though in a position to charge an outlandish commission on top of the price for if you are true  to your self, it follows you will not be untrue to any one.

 Tomorrow's reading: Lk 16.9-15

11.04.15

Lectio: Lk 15.1-10

Meditatio: “but the Pharisees and scribes began to complain, saying, 'This man welcomes sinners and eats with them'." Lk 15.2

Oratio: O God, the religious elite complained that Your Son welcomed and ate with sinners; but Your Son made it clear it was for just such as these that He came. Pray to always realize how we are greatly benefitted that Jesus mission for sinners and how precious we are in His sight.

Operatio: reflect: "complain...welcomes sinners..eats"; Jesus wonderfully was not detoured from His mission by the so called religious leaders. Seek the grace to reform your life for that is Jesus' expectation of us and our well being and destiny.

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 16.1-8

11.03.15

11.03.15

Lectio: Lk 14.25-33                                                                                                                        

Meditatio: “If anyone comes to me without hating his father and mother, wife and children brothers and sisters, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple”Lk 14.26                                                                        
 Oratio: O God, Jesus requirements for discipleship seems so harsh but then we realize He is using hyperbole to make the point; namely, discipleship requires total dedication. Pray to give Jesus your total self while continuing to love all for Jesus is a God of Love and He wants us to imitate His 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 & meditate on the selected passage and hear what  God speaks to you,

Operation: reflect: "hating...father...mother....cannot....disciple”; total dedication is
Jesus’ requirement of His disciples and love and not hate. Seek the grace to be always there for the Lord and put Him first in our life.

Tomorrow's reading:Lk 15.1-1911.03.15

Lectio: Lk 14.25-33                                                                                                                        

Meditatio: “If anyone comes to me without hating his father and mother, wife and children brothers and sisters, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple”Lk 14.26                                                                        
 Oratio: O God, Jesus requirements for discipleship seems so harsh but then we realize He is using hyperbole to make the point; namely, discipleship requires total dedication. Pray to give Jesus your total self while continuing to love all for Jesus is a God of Love and He wants us to imitate His 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 & meditate on the selected passage and hear what  God speaks to you,

Operation: reflect: "hating...father...mother....cannot....disciple”; total dedication is
Jesus’ requirement of His disciples and love and not hate. Seek the grace to be always there for the Lord and put Him first in our life.

Tomorrow's reading:Lk 15.1-1-10

11.02.15

Lectio: Lk 14.15-24                                                                                                            

Meditatio: “He replied to him, ‘A man gave a great dinner to which he invited many, When the time came he dispatched his servants to say to those invited, ‘Come, everything is now ready’.”
 Lk 14.16-17
                                                            
Oratio: O God, Jesus told a parable about a man giving a great dinner to which many were invited and when is was ready,  many made excuses of why they could not come. It was a foretelling of the rejection of Israel of His way to salvation for them. Pray to allow God to  be God and accept His will in all things in the way He presents them and not in the way we want,  for therein lies our way to the kingdom.
                                                    
I ask this and all things in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You
and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

Contemplatio: spend some time in silence & meditate on the selected passage and hear what  God speaks to you,

Operation: reflect: "great dinner....invited many”; Jesus invite to the Israelites to the heavenly banquet was rejected by them for Jesus did not fit the role of Messiah they had expected..Seek the grace to be always open to God’s plans and His ways and how He wishes to reach out to us for therein lies wisdom and what is best for us.                                                  
                             
Tomorrow's reading:Lk 14.25-33

11.01.15

Lectio: Jn 12.23-28                                                                                             

Meditatio: “I am troubled now. Yet what should I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour?’ But is was for this purpose that I came to this hour.” Jn 12.27
                                                            
Oratio: O God, Jesus knew His cruel death was coming shortly and in His humanity He thought why not have His heavenly Father save Him from it. But He did not entertain this thought for He knew doing His Father’s will is why He came. Pray that when our hour of death is coming, to embrace it as it is the Father’s calling us to be with Him forever for that why we were born.
                                                    
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 & meditate on the selected passage and hear what  God speaks to you,

Operation: reflect: "troubled...Father save me.....But...purpose”; Jesus knew of His impending crucifixion and He accepted is as it was how He would achieve His Father’s will for the salvation of the world.  Seek the grace to do your part in God’s plans for salvation, no matter how insignificant you think you are,  for that is how He saves us through others who are His instruments of grace.                                  
Tomorrow's reading:Lk 14.15-24

10.31.15

Lectio: Mt 4. 1-12                                            

Meditatio: “He began teaching them, ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven’.” Mt 2-3                       
                                                            
Oratio: O God, Your Son at the beginning of His public ministry proclaimed the Beatitudes, the ways of blessedness, the Magna Carta of Christian living. Pray to have the right attitude to things that are hard for that is the essence of the Beatitudes and the way to their blessings that follow to those who 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 & meditate on the selected passage and hear what  God speaks to you,

Operation: reflect: "He....teaching...Blessed are”; Jesus gave us the Beatitudes and held out to us many blessings for having the right attitude. Seek the grace to live the Beatitudes which leads to a fulling life in the now and t he hereafter                                                                            

Tomorrow's reading:Jn 12.23-28

10.30.15

Lectio: Lk 14.1, 7-11

Meditatio: “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” Lk 14.11

Oratio: O God, humility is a priceless virtue and Jesus extolled it as paradoxically the way to true greatness. Pray that I may always be humble of heart for the greater honor and glory of God.

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 & meditate on the selected passage and hear what  God speaks to you,

Operatio: reflect, “ exalts...humbles...exalted”; the path to greatness lies in the path to recognizing who we are and acting accordingly. Seek the grace to be humble for that is how Jesus proposes we attain true worth.

Tomorrow’s reading: Mk 5,1-12a

10.27.15

Lectio: Lk 6.12-16                                             

Meditatio: “In those days he departed to the mountain to pray, and he spent the night in prayer to                      God.” Lk 6.12
                                                            
Oratio: O God, Jesus not only prayed to Yo u but He spent a great time at prayer. If He had a felt need to do so, how much more should we! Pray that you set more than enough time aside to commune with God and especially through Jesus and through Mary.                  
                                                    
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 & meditate on the selected passage and hear what  God speaks to you,

Operation: reflect: "departed....pray... spent...night”; what an example Jesus gave us as to the importance of prayer! Seek the grace to set aside daily time for private prayer and we will find  that time will prove to be the most beneficial time of the day for us.                                                           

Tomorrow's reading:Lk 13.31-35

10.26.15

Lectio: Lk 13.18-21                                 

Meditatio: “Then he said, ‘What is the kingdom of God like? To what can I compare it’?” Lk13.18                                                                              
Oratio: O God, Jesus asked the rhetorical question as to what to compare the kingdom of God? He then gave two parables - the mustard seed and the yeast. In both the message is clear from a small begging much will result. Pray to do your part to spread the Good News.                                                       
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 & meditate on the selected passage and hear what  God speaks to you,

Operation: reflect: "kingdom...like...compare”; Jesus gave us two examples both of which involve small beginnings and great results. Seek the grace to allow God to use you in your littleness to evangelize and He will bring about the  results He deisres.                                                                       
Tomorrow's reading:Lk 6.12-16