Wednesday, August 31, 2011

8/29/11

Lectio: Lk 4.31-37

“They were all amazed and said to one another, ‘What is there about his word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out’.” Lk 4. 36

“ O God, You spoke and the world came into being - and You gave Your Son similar power.

I remember when Jesus spoke, even the demons obeyed Him and they came out of those they had possessed.

Grant that I may always turn to You and Your Son with confidence knowing that all things are subject to Your power.

I ask this of You who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.

Operatio: Reflect on the “Word of God” - Jesus is God’s word incarnate - truth, salvific, powerful. In prayer thank God for revealing His word so clearly through Jesus.

Tomorrow’s readings: Lk 4.31-37

8.30.11

“t sunset, all who had people sick with various diseases,brought them to him. He laid his hands on each of them and cured them." Lk 4.40

"O God, Your great power was manifested by Your Son.

I remember He laid His hands on each of them and cured them.

Grant that I may imitate Him and remember the importance of the individual in ministry.

I ask this of You who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.

Operatio: Reflect on "laid his hands on each" - anointing of the sick comes to mind; the importance of touch; compassion; the importance of each person. Resolve to always keep in mind, the individual, and not lose sight of them assembly.

Tomorrow’s reading: Lk 5.1-11

8/31/11

Lectio: Lk 5.1-11

“After he [Jesus] had finished speaking, he said to Simon, ‘Put out into the deep water, and lower your nets for a catch’.” Lk 5.4

“ O God, what power You at times show for those who do Your will.

I remember because Peter obeyed Jesus’ word to go out to deep waters and lower his nets, Peter caught more fish than he ever did - and he caught so much more - he caught the fervor for Jesus and followed Him.

Grant that I may be attentive to what You are asking me for therein lies my destiny.

I ask this of You who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.

Operatio: Reflect on the “Put out into deep water” - a saying of John Paul II, What must be done if people are to catch the fervor for the faith that is now on the wane? Pray for the courage to do whatever God is asking of me to do.

Tomorrow’s readings: Lk 5.33-39

Sunday, August 28, 2011

8/28/11

Lectio: Mk 6.17-29

“The king [Herod] was greatly distressed, but because of his oaths and guests, he did not wish to break his word to her {Herodias’ daughter].” Mk 6.26

“ O God, You want us to keep our promises and especially our oaths provided the subject matter is right.

I remember King Herod had John the Baptist beheaded because he gave an oath that he would grant any wish that Herodias’ daughter wanted - How very wrong on Herod’s part!
Grant that I may always realize that a promise or an oath should not be likely taken but if I do give one that both my motive and the subject matter most be good in order for it to be binding and for my keeping it to be pleasing to You.

I ask this of You who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.

Operatio: Reflect on “Oaths” and “Promises” and their keeping - Resolve to take an oath or to make a promise only if it is required of me such as being a witness in court of making a solemn vow as part of my religious vocation.

Tomorrow’s readings: Lk 4.31-37

Saturday, August 27, 2011

8/27/11

Lectio: Mt 16.21-27

“He [Jesus] turned to Peter, ‘Get behind me, Satan! You are an obstacle to me. You are thinking not as God does, but as human being do’.” Mt 16.23

“ O God, how often we can’t understand how You permit bad things to happen to good people - for we know You are All-good.

I remember even Peter got it wrong when he remonstrated against Jesus when Jesus said that He had to suffer and die - but You knew and Jesus knew the big picture, that Jesus’ victory over death would be our victory, too.

Grant that I may always have humility in the face of the mystery of suffering to realize I am thinking as a human being does and not as You do and then leave it there.

I ask this of You who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.

Operatio: Reflect on “thinking like a human being” - It is impoverished, it is often is wrong, it is often subjective, it rarely sees the big picture - yet it is God’s gift to us and we must use it to the best of our ability but realize its limitation and it will serve us well.

Tomorrow’s readings: Mk 6.17-29

Friday, August 26, 2011

8/26/11

Lectio: Mt 25.14-30

“For to everyone who has more, more will be given, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.” Mt 25.29

“ O God, at times Your ways seem unfair, but they never are.”

I remember told Jesus told a parable about the use of talents given to three servants. The one out of fear did not use his. His one talent was then given to the one with ten and he was thrown out of the kingdom because he did not use his one talent - How harsh at first blush but when we reflect on it we realize the servant’s failure to do anything with his talent on behalf of Jesus showed that he did not want to be with the Lord and Lord by having him cast out of the kingdom simply confirmed his choice.

Grant that I may always overcome any lazy tendency and always use my talents to serve the Lord, not out of fear, but out of gratitude for all He has done for me.

I ask this of You who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.

Operatio: Reflect on the parable of the talents - Use whatever you have - no matter what they may be - and you will be given more - the joy of the kingdom; but bury them and you will lose everything. Pray for the virtue of perseverance and industriousness in the use of my talents for the Lord for He has done so much for me and Holy is His Name.

Tomorrow’s readings: Mt 16-21-27

Thursday, August 25, 2011

8/24/11

Lectio: Mt 24.42-51

“So, too, you must be prepared, for an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.” Mt 24.44

“ O God, You want all of us to one day come home to You.

I remember Jesus told us we must be prepared and live always as that this day is our last one.

Grant that I may heed the call to be alert and to act prudently in all matters.

I ask this of You who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.

Operatio: Reflect on being “prepared” - doing what your duty requires; daily prayer; frequent Eucharist and confession; Pray for the grace to stay in the state of readiness for Christ’s coming for me for that is the most meaningful labor on my part.

Tomorrow’s readings: Mt 25. 1-13


8/25/11

Lectio: Mt 25.1-13

“While they went off to buy it [oil], the bridegroom came and those who were ready went into the wedding feast with him. Then the door was locked.” Mt 25.10

“ O God, You want us to be prudent is preparing for Your coming at the end of our days.
I remember told a parable about only 5 of the 10 virgins bringing enough oil with them in case the bridegroom came late - and he did as it was not unusual because of travel was uncertain - and only the 5 wise virgins were ready to greet him and they entered the wedding feast with him.

Grant that I may always use my God-giving abilities to live rightly each day so that I will be ready whenever He comes.

I ask this of You who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.

Operatio: Reflect on “my abilities” - I have been given much and God expects much in return. Pray that I will use the gifts He has given me to love, serve Him in this world so that I will be ready when He comes and that I will then enter the kingdom with Him.

Tomorrow’s readings: Mt 25.14-30

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

8/23/11

Lectio: Jn 1.45-51

“But Nathaniel said to him in reply, ‘Can anything good come from Nazareth?’ Philip said to him, ‘Come and see’.” Jn 1.46

“ O God, You know we tend to be prejudiced and You do not want us to prejudge anyone without knowing the other.

I remember Nathaniel overcame his prejudice about people from Nazareth because his friend told him to ‘Come and see.’ And Nathaniel did and he discovered that the man from Nazareth was the Son of God.

Grant that I may withhold forming an opinion until I know the other.

I ask this of You who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.

Operatio: Reflect on “prejudice” - a product of our environment or of our upbringing. Resolve to refrain from pre-judging another and only judge the other if I have to do so and only after ascertaining the facts about that person.

Tomorrow’s readings: Mt 24.42-51

Monday, August 22, 2011

8/22/11 - Queenship of Mary

Lectio: Mt 23.23-26

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of plunder and self-indulgence.” Mt 23.25

“ O God, You want us to be authentic and good.

I remember Jesus warned the Scribes and Pharisees about their concern for their appearances and how they were viewed by others while neglecting the fact that inside themselves they were evil.

Grant that I may strive to be good and not be concerned with trying to impress others.

I ask this of You who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.

Operatio: Reflect on meditating on “hypocrite”- deceptive; a red apple with a worm inside; untrue to self; a devil in disguise. Pray for the grace to be good and to know myself and not be concerned with being what I am not.

Tomorrow’s readings: Jn 1.45-51