1.31.15

Lectio: Mk  1.21-28                                                         

 Meditatio: "The people were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one with authority and not as the scribes.” Mk 1.2

 Oratio: O God, with Your Son’s coming You were able to change the people’s aspirations.
  
 I remember the people would now have genuine spiritual teachings for Your Son taught at one with authority and He showed He had such authority with the miracles He worked. In prayer thank our God for giving us His Son to enlighten us and to guide us for He alone is the Way, the Truth, the Life.
    
 I ask this and all things in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You
 and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

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

 Operatio: reflect:"astonished...taught....authority”; Jesus backed up His authoritative teaching with miracles for He knew they needed such a display of power to overcome doubts that may arise. Sadly the religious leaders did not accept Him because He did not fit their preconceived notion as to what the Messiah would be. Seek the grace to set aside prejudgments and be open to what is being taught by the Church for She is Christ for us now.

Tomorrow's reading:Lk 2.22-32

1.30.15

Lectio: Mk 4.35-41                                                 

 Meditatio: "They were filled with awe and said to one another,’ Who then is this whom even the wind and sea obey’?” Mk4.41

 Oratio: O God, what power You gave to Your Son!
  
 I remember Jesus rebuked the wind and the stormy sea and all was still! What power! But not surprisingly for He is Your Son and has the power of God. In prayer place my trust in the Lord for He will see me through all crises. .
    
 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:"who....wind...sea obey’;” Jesus is God and therefore nothing is beyond His ability and even inanimate things like the wind and sea obey  Him. Seek the grace to always turn to Him in the spiritual and physical storms of life knowing He can and will truly help.                                                             
Tomorrow's reading:Mk 1.21-28

1.27 to 1,29,15

1.27.15

Lectio: Mk 4.1-20

Meditatio: "He answered them, 'The mystery of the kingdom of God has been granted to you. But to those outside everything comes in parables," Mk 4.11

Oratio: O God, to  those who are open to You and the Divine, You reveal Yourself but to those who are not, You remain hidden.

I remember Jesus told His disciples He taught in parables so that those who did not believe in Him would not understand the mysteries while those who accept Him, would. In prayer ask the Lord to help your unbelief and He will.

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

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

Operatio: reflect:"mystery...granted...you...outside .. Parables"; to believers, the kingdom and it's mysteries are made known.  Seek the grace to believe always even when all us dark, and the light of Christ will shine on you to your great joy.

Tomorrow's reading: Mk 4.21-25



1.28.15

Lectio: Mk 4.21-25

Meditatio: "He said to them, 'Is a lamp to be placed under a bushel basket or under a bed, and not on a lamp stand '?" Mk 4.21

Oratio: O God, You know the importance of being pro-active in spreading our faith for the benefit of those who look and do not see.

I remember Jesus used the parable of the lamp and where it should be placed to emphasize the obvious. Yet in our density we often fail to the detriment of our neighbors and to the loss of their love for God.  In prayer be a source of faith for others and not an obstacle.

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:"lamp..placed...under...?"; reflect on our obligation to spread the Gospel.  Seek the grace to be a light for those who are in darkness so they may be blest as we are blest.

Tomorrow's reading: Mk 4.26-34


 1.29.15

Lectio: Mk 4.26-34                                                 

 Meditatio: "He said, ‘This is how it is with the kingdom of God; it is as if a man were to scatter seed on the land and would sleep night and day and the seed would sprout and grow, and he knows not how’.” Mk 4.26,27

 Oratio: O God, You provide the seed of faith and if we accept it, you provide the grace for its growth.                                                                         
 I remember Jesus made this point in His parable about how faith grows and likened it to a seed and how it grows. In prayer nourish the faith that has been given to you daily so that it may produce the growth that the Lord wants.
    
 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:"seed...grow...knows not’;” faith is a gift and its growth is gradual and it is nourished by grace that God freely gives for our turning to Him. Seek the grace to treasure the gift of faith and to do the good that enhances it so as to do our part to bring it to full growth by cooperating with the will of God.

Tomorrow's reading:Mk 4.35-41

1.26.15

Lectio: Mk 3.31-35                                                 

 Meditatio: "For whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and motherl.” Mk 3.35

 Oratio: O God, how gracious and how wonderful for us to be included among Your close family.                                                                                    
 I remember Jessus declared that all who do God’s will are His familly. Think of thet -we are not    Just believers but we are part of the inner circle of His family - mother, sitster, brother. In prayer may I come to know God’s will and do it.                                                                                                             
 I ask this and all things in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You
 and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

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

 Operatio: reflect:"will...God is.....brother, sister...mother”; What a revelation! What a gift! Jesus’ family member.  Seek the grace to do God’s will and You will be greatly gifted with being part of Jesus’ family.                

Tomorrow's reading:Mk 4.1-20

1.25.15

 
Lectio: Mk 3.22-30                                      

 Meditatio: "The scribes who had come from Jerusalem said, ‘He is possessed by Beelzebul,’ and ‘By the prince of demons he casts out demons’.” Mk 3.22

 Oratio: O God, how patient and merciful You are with our stupidity.                                                                                                             
 I remember some scribes, the official interpreters of the Hebrew scriptures, asserted the ridiculous that Jesus casts out demons because He was possessed by the Prince of Demons. In prayer may I always open to the God’s revelation and always attribute to God the works of God and never attribute to Satan the attributes 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 and meditate on the selected passage and hear what
 God is saying to you.

 Operatio: reflect:"scribes....He....possessed”; imagine, seeing all that Jesus was doing and saying and then attributing His casting out demons to Satan’s power. Seek the grace to see God at work in all things and give Him praise and thanks for being so kind and good to us.

Tomorrow's reading: Mk 3.31-35

1.24.15

Lectio:  Mk 1.14-20                           

 Meditatio: "This is the time of fulfillment, The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” Mk 1.15                 

 Oratio: O God, You promise and You keep Your promise.                                                                                                                 
 I remember You promised to send a Messiah to the chosen people of Israel and You kept it when Jesus came.  He made it clear that His presence was what You promised - proclaiming ‘this is the time of fulfillment.’    In prayer thank God for making known through Jesus the Good News and respond to it by doing God’s will as it is made known to us.

 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:"time...fulfillment,...repent...believe”; God promised, God kept His promise and we are all the beneficiaries of the Good News. Seek the grace to respond in the twofold manner that Jesus made known to us by repenting and by believing in the Gospel. If we do,  it will be for us the time of fulfillment and source of lasting peace, joy and love and so much more..

 Tomorrow's reading: Mk 3.22-30

1.23.15

 
Lectio:  Mk 3.20-21                

 Meditatio: "When his relatives heard of this they set out to seize him; for they said, ‘He is o ut of his mind’.” Mk 3.21                 

 Oratio: O God, You made it so easy for people to recognize your Son who spoke with authority and showed He had Your approval with the many cures He performed - Yet!

 I remember Your Son’s relative said of Him that He was out of His mind because He allowed people to come to Him and place such demands on Him that He did not have time to even eat. In prayer let  me imitate Jesus and remember He did not come to serve but to serve; and may I do the same.

 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:"relatives....He...out....his mind”; Jesus allowed people to put such demands on Him that He did not time for Himself and His relatives came for Him to “rescue” Him for they considered this madness. Seek the grace to see that demands placed upon you by others in need and Your responding to it is what Jesus would do; and then strive to meet these demands for that is the essence of discipleship - serving others in their needs.

 Tomorrow's reading: Mk 1.14-20

1.21 & 1,22,15

1.21.15

Lectio: Mk 3.7-12

Meditatio: "He had cured many and, as a result, those who had diseases were pressing upon him to touch him." Mk 3.10

Oratio: O God, the more You do for others the more we want for ourselves.

I remember Jesus cured many but those to whom He had not yet done do, they could not wait but pressed upon seeking to be cured in the process. In prayer praise The Lord for being such a great person, full of compassion, and not simply a good luck charm.

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:"cured many..result...pressing...him"; we want and we want it now; seek the grace to approach the a Throne  of Grace with confidence in my need and await with patience God's response for He is a good and gracious God and gives us what we truly need and when we need it.

Tomorrow's reading: Mk 3.13-19

 1.22.15
 Lectio: Mk 3.13-19

 Meditatio: "He appointed twelve (whom he also called apostles) that they might be with him and he might send forth to preach." Mk 3.14

 Oratio: O God, in Your wisdom You would rely on man to continue the mission of Your Son.

 I remember Your Son appointed twelve men to continue His mission. In prayer thank God for them and all the evangelizers who proclaimed the Good News throughout the ages for we are the beneficiaries of a great and saving message.

 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:"appointed twelve..send forth"; the apostles, their successors, and all their helpers faithfully proclaimed the Gospel. Seek the grace to fulfill your baptismal promise to make known the Good News to others and Jesus will be greatly pleased.

 Tomorrow's reading: Mk 3.20-21

1.20.15

Lectio: Mk 3.1-6                                                               

Meditatio: "Then he said to them ‘Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath rather than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?’. But they remained silent.” Mk 3.4
                                                                             
Oratio: O God, how we a times undermine Your will and commands.                           
             
I remember the religious leaders determined that healing on the sabbath was work and therefore forbidden on the sabbath.  Jesus condemned such positions but that only led to the religious leaders to plot how they might get rid of Him. In prayer keep in mind that God’s will is to celebrate life and not to curse it; and charity is the key governing principle for if we love, we fulfill all that the prophets and the law command.

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:"sabbath....save life...or destroy it”; religious leaders interpreted the sabbath law to prohibit even curing people as it involved work.. Seek the grace to observe the Lord’s commandments as a call to bless life; and the Lord will be greatly pleased in how we interpret and keep His commandments.

Tomorrow's reading: Mk 3.7-12

1.19.15

Lectio: Mk 2.23-28                                                    

Meditatio: "Then he said to them, ‘The sabbath was made for man, not man for the sabbath’.”
Mk 2.27                                                                         

Oratio: O God, how often we pervert Your will by misusing what You gave for our benefit.
             
I remember the religious leaders determined what could be done or not be done on the sabbath and the compliance with the sabbath regulations became very burdensome. But Jesus would have none of this making it clear that God intended the sabbath for man and His welfare. In prayer seek to make right use of the sabbath by using it as a day to refresh our minds and bodies and souls.

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:"sabbath....for man,,,,not man...sabbath”; the religious leaders usurped the sabbath to impose their will on the people ignoring why God created it as a day of rest. Seek the grace to observe the Lord’s day as a day to recharge one’s batteries, physically and spiritually and emotionally  and we will be greatly blest.

Tomorrow's reading: Mk 3.1-6    

1.18.15

Lectio: Mk 2.18-22                                         

Meditatio: "Jesus answered them, ‘Can the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them they cannot fast’.” Mk 2.19

Oratio: O God, You desire that the ascetical practice of fasting  be part of our but it is not an absolute for all occasions.

I remember Your Son said that it was not appropriate for His disciples to fast while He was with them comparing His presence to a bridegroom at a wedding feast.  But when the wedding is over; i.e. His presence is  no longer physically present, then they would fast. Fast during the prescribed times and periodically at other times for fasting  that is one of the ascetical practices and it 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 and meditate on the selected passage and hear what
God is saying to you.

Operatio: reflect:"bridegroom....cannot fast”; two of the purposes of fasting was to prepare for the coming of the Messiah and to hasten His coming. With Jesus being present, fasting was not required of His disciples for its purposes were served. Once He ascended into heaven, it is again appropriate to fast to hasten His coming at the end of time. Seek the grace to make fasting a part of your on-going spirituality for it is a most  pleasing to the Lord.

Tomorrow's reading: Mk 2.23-28

1.17.15

Lectio: Jn 1. 35-42                             

Meditatio: "and as he watched Jesus walk by, he said, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God..’ The two disciples who heard what he said and followed Jesus.” Jn 1.36,37

Oratio: O God, You did not leave to chance that Your Son would be recognized as the Messiah.
I remember you sent John the Baptist to prepare the way and indeed it would be John who pointed Your Son out to two of his disciples. They became Jesus’ followers because they trusted John’s words that Jesus was indeed the Messiah. In prayer may I readily recognize You at work amongst us and allow myself to be used by You to accomplish what You want of 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 and meditate on the selected passage and hear what
God is saying to you.

Operatio: reflect:"Behold....Lamb of God"; John the Baptist identified Jesus as the Lamb of God, the Messiah. His mission   was now over. Seek the grace to do God’s will in all things so that one day, you  may hear; “Well done, my faithful servant. Enter your Master’s joy,”

Tomorrow's reading: Mk 2.18-22

1.16.15

Lectio: Mk 2.13-17                  

Meditatio: "As he passed by, he saw Levi, son of Alphaeus, sitting at the custom post. He said to him, ‘Follow me’. And he got up and followed him.” Mk 2.14

Oratio: O God, Your will is both mysterious but so gracious.

I remember Jesus picked a tax collector, a person despised by the people, to be one of His closest disciples. He  illustrated by His selection, that  those, whom the world considers unworthy, are often the very ones in the eyes of God who can serve and do serve Him well. In prayer seek the grace to follow Jesus wherever it may lead me, for to so is why I am here, and where I will find my true role in life.

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

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

Operatio: reflect:"Levi...Follow me....and followed"; we all are called by God to serve Him; but the  issue is: Do we listen and respond. Seek the grace of a discerning heart so as to d discover God’s will and then to do it.               

Tomorrow's reading: Jn 1. 35-42

1.13 &1.15.15

1.14.15

 Lectio: Mk 1.40-45

 Meditatio: "A leper came to him and kneeling down begged him and said to him "If you wish, you can make me clean'." Mk 1.40

 Oratio: O God, You so want us to pray for our needs.

 I remember Jesus responded to the petition of the leper and cured him but if the leper never asked, he would have remained a leper.


 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:"begged...make clean"; the leper's prayer was a petition and God always listens to such prayers and does respond, sometimes with a miracle, as happened for the leper but ways in a way that He deems best and when He deems best.

 Tomorrow's reading: Mk 2.1-12

1.15.15

Lectio: Mk 2.1-12

Meditatio: "When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, 'My child, your sins are forgiven'." Mk 2.5

Oratio: O God, You know the importance of faith of all who support us.

I remember Jesus forgave the sins of a paralytic because it was triggered by the faith of the four men who believed in Jesus' power to cure. In prayer pour out your heart to God with faith on behalf of your loved ones who are in need oh His help, both physical and spiritual, for the  Lord will even forgive them their sins if you ask with faith that God will so act.

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:"Jesus saw...faith...child...sins...forgiven"; the faith of third parties can trigger God's forgiveness of a sinner. Seek the grace of a strong faith and seek God's forgiveness of those whose lives you touch and are in need of it.

Tomorrow's reading: Mk 2.13-17

1.13.15

 Lectio:  Mk 1. 29-39                                                                

Meditatio: "Rising very early before dawn, he eft and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed.” Mk 1.35                                                         

 Oratio: O God,   You want us to turn to You and express our hopes, our needs and our love.            

I remember Your Son gave us very good example as He showed the importance of prayer by rising up early in the morning and going to a quiet place to pray. May I imitate Jesus’ way and seek a quiet place to be with the Lord and do so often.

 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: “dawn...he prayed.”; Jesus showed us by His example the importance of prayer. Seek the grace to converse often with God for He so much wants us to turn to Him and hear the outpourings of our heart and our love for Him, whose loves us so much more than we can ever imagine.

Tomorrow's reading” Mk 1. 40-45

1.12.15

 Lectio: Mk 1.21-28                                                      

Meditatio: "All were amazed and asked one another, ‘What is this? A new teaching with authority. He commands even the unclean spirits and they obey him’:” Mk 1.27

 Oratio: O God,   You gave Your Son such charisma so that people would more readily listen to Him.

I remember You gave Hun authority over unclean spirits and He exercised it in front of His hometown crowed and they were amazed at His authority and preachings, In prayer seek to be open to Jesus’words found in Sacred Scripture for He backed up His words with display of power beyond the ability of man. In that openness the words meant for our salvation will be unearthed and we will greatly benefit.

 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: teaching...authority....spirits....obey”; Jesus taught with authority and supported it with His miraculous powers. Seek the grace to put Jesus’ words into practice for that is why He came and that is how He wants us to change so that we will be part of the kingdom of God forever.

Tomorrow's reading” Mk 1. 29-39:

1.11.15

 Lectio:  Mk 1.14-20                                           

Meditatio: "This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” Mk 1.15

 Oratio: O God,   Jesus’ first proclamation was a startling one and certainly a great attention getter. I remember He announced Your kingdom is at hand and He gave His listeners what they had to do to participate.. In prayer seek to repent all wrongdoing and be a strong believer in the Good News that Jesus brought.

 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:"fulfillment...kingdom....repent....believe”; Jesus coming and His ministry was all about the Kingdom and what those who wished to be part of I t h ad to do - repent and believe. Seek the grace to do both and urge my loved ones and those whose lives I touch to do the same so Jesus coming will not have been useless for me and for them.

Tomorrow's reading:Mk 1.21-28

1.10.15

 Lectio:  Mk 1.7-11                                 

Meditatio: "And a voice came from the heavens, ‘You are my beloved Son, with you I am well pleased’.” Mk 1.11

 Oratio: O God,   Jesus’ baptism by John launched His vocation for He knew as Your Son He was to bring the message of salvation to the world and He would immediately begin to do so after He came out of the water. We, too, become Your children by virtue of our baptism. In prayer seek to fulfill our baptismal call, whether in the married state, the single state, or as a religious for that is how we best fulfill the Father’s will.

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

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

 Operatio: reflect:"beloved...well pleased”; John the Baptist heard these wonderful words said of Jesus  and I am sure these words were said of Jesus for He was now embarking on His vocation to bring salvation to all. Seek the grace to do God’s will in all things and especially in carrying out your baptismal call; and one day, you will also hear the wonderful words, ‘You are my beloved child;  and I am well pleased with you, come enter my joy.”

Tomorrow's reading: Mk 1.14-20

1.09.15

 Lectio:     Jn 3.22-30                   

Meditatio: "He must increase. I must decrease.” Jn 3.22

 Oratio: O God,   in Your wisdom You prepared the people for the coming of Your Son.                                      
 I remember John the Baptist was the forerunner for Your Son and he did his part very well - brushing aside any attempt to hail him as the Messiah and  pointing out Jesus at the One who was now baptizing as the One who must increase and not John. But strangely and perversely despite the clear testimony of John and the power of speech and healing of Your Son, many of the religious leaders rejected Jesus and thwarted Your efforts to insure His acceptance. In prayer seek to be open to Your will and to put it into practice in my life so that in my littleness I may do my part to advance Your kingdom here on earth.

 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:"He...increase.....I...decrease"; John the Baptist made it clear to his disciples that Jesus is the One who must increase and not him.  Seek the grace to be assertive of the truth as John was so that those whom I serve may come to know the Lord more fully and follow Him more nearly.                                                                                                                                       
 Tomorrow's reading: Mk 1.7-11

1.06 to 1.08.15

1.06.15

Lectio: Mk 6.45-52

Meditatio: "But when they saw him walking on the sea, they thought it was a ghost and cried out." Mk 6.49


Oratio: O God, You made it easy for the open-minded to accept Your Son's role of Messiah

I remember Jesus not only fed five thousand with five loaves and two fish, but shortly thereafter walked on water. He had already proclaimed the kingdom of a God was at hand and call all to repent.  Yet many including some of His disciples did not understand because they had hardened their hearts. In prayer seek a faith that is lively and open to the many ways You manifest Yourself to us so that Your coming may be effective for me and for those whise lives I touch.

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:"walking...sea...ghost"; what a wondrous site; Jesus walking on the water! Yet his disciples thought it was a ghost.  Seek the grace to be open to God's ways for He comes to us, not to shock us, but to uplift us and one day bring us to His kingdom.

Tomorrow's reading: Lk 4.14-22a

> 1.08.15
>
> Lectio: Lk 5.12-16
>
> Meditatio: "Jesus stretched out His hand, touched him, and said, 'I do will it. Be made clean'." Lk 5.13
>
> Oratio: O God, You know the power of touch!
>
> I remember Jesus showed the power of touch when He touched a leper  and the leper was cured. In prayer remember the power of touch and appropriately touch people from time to time as it is a powerful but silent sign of friendship and fellowship and empathy.
>
> 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:"Jesus...touched him..made clean"; seek the grace to use the power of touch
> In situations where the touch would be a healing or loving gesture. It may have not only a beneficial effect but even a healing effect.

> Tomorrow's reading: Jn 3.22-30

1.05.15

Lectio: Mk 6.34-44                             

Meditatio: "Then taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he said the blessing, broke the loaves and gave the=them to his disciples to set before the people; he also divided the fish among them all.” Mk 6.41

Oratio: O God, what love and concern You have for us!                           

I remember Jesus fed 5000 by working a miracle rather than sending them home hungry for many had come a g great distance. In prayer seek the faith that God will always be there for me to watch over me with loving care and to realize I should work as though everything depends upon me and to pray as everything depends upon God, who will not abandon 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 and meditate on the selected passage and hear what
God is saying to you.

Operatio: reflect:"taking...said... blessing....broke....gave”; these are the actions that are repeated every time at Mass in which Jesus once again feeds all with His very self through the consecrated bread and wine,. Seek the grace to receive often for it is the very food from heaven and that enables us to live forever.

Tomorrow's reading: Mk 6.45-52

01.04.15

Lectio:Mt 4.12-17                  

Meditatio: "From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of God is at hand’.” Mt 4.17

Oratio: O God, Your sending Your Son was clearly for our and not His benefit.

I remember Jesus made it clear that God’s kingdom was now at hand and all were invited but one had to change his or her way and turn back to the good and they would receive this great boon. In prayer seek to live the life that Jesus calls us to so that the Kingdom of God will not only be at hand but it will be gifted to us.                                                                   
 
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:"Jesus ...preach...repent...kingdom”; Jesus’ mission was to call people to turn back to the Lord so that they would be with the Lord forever. Seek the grace to repent of our wrong ways and turn to the ways of the Gospel and Jesus’ coming will be what He wanted for us and we will be greatly blest.

Tomorrow's reading: Mt 6.34-44

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, whose feast day is today, pray for us.

01.03.15

Lectio: Mt 2.1-12

Meditatio: "When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, ,behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying,’Where is the new born King of the Jews? We saw his star  at its rising and have come to do him homage’.” Mt 2.1-2

Oratio: O God, how marvelous that You revealed through  the stars to foreigners the birth of Your Son because they believed what was told to them of old by Your chosen people. For  while in exile in Babylon from 578 to 537 BC, they told  of their aspirations that they were expecting a Messiah King to be sent to them by their God.                                    

I remember the evangelist Matthew recorded the story of the Magi visiting the Jesus because they saw His star at its rising and it led them to Jerusalem. As to why they were expecting a new born king was not recorded by Matthew but is based on  speculation. In prayer seek to be open to the ways God is acting and revealing Himself to us for it is for our benefit and for those we serve..
 
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:"magi....Where...new born King....star...rising”; it is believed that the magi were astrologers of the priestly class in Persia where they would have learned from the Jewish people, who were brought to Babylon as a result of their defeat by the Assyrians, of their belief of a Messiah in      their future. Seek the grace to use your talents to discover how God is active in your life and tell others of it for everyone’s  spiritual benefit.

Tomorrow's reading: Mt 4.12-17

01.02.15

Lectio: Jn 1.29-34                                 

Meditatio: "The next day, he saw Jesus coming toward him and said ‘Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world’.” Jn 1.29         

Oratio: O God, You know that our inherited sinfulness keeps us away from You but You did not want this to persist.

I remember John, the Baptist, testified that Your Son is the Lamb of God who takes away our sin;.and thereby fulfilling one of Your missions for our great benefit. In prayer thank God for His Sons who died for us so that we could rise with Him and be with God for ever and ever.
 
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:"Lamb...takes... sin”; .Original sin keeps us away from God but Jesus through His Baptism with the Holy Spirit takes it away and we are restored to the fullness of children of God and heirs ot heaven. What a boon! What a grace!  What a joy! Seek the grace to live as God’s children for that is the best way to show our gratitude.

Tomorrow's reading:Mt 2.1-12

01.01.15

Lectio: Jn 1.19-28                      

Meditatio: "Some Pharisees were also sent,. They asked him, ‘Why do you baptize if you are not the Messiah or Eilijah or the Prophet?’ John answered, ‘I baptize with water, but there is among you whom yo do not recognize.” Jn 1.25-26

Oratio: O God, You sent John, the Baptist, to prepare the people for Your Son’s coming.                              
I remember when John was asked who he is, he made it quite clear he was not the Messiah but his role was to prepare for the coming of One who was already amongst them - Your Son and their Mesisah. Sadly, they were not open to John’s answer and they would miss out on Jesus. In prayer seek the grace of a humble spirit and be open to what is said so that pride does not get in the way of God’s revealtion and I will be blest with it.                                                                    

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

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

Operatio: reflect:"John...baptize...among you...not recognize”; John gave a clear answer that he was not the One the religious leaders were expecting but the preparer of the way for the Messiah was already among them.  Seek the grace to be open what God wants to tell me, especially by the people He puts in my life.

Tomorrow's reading: Jn 1.29-34

A Happy New Year everyone!