9/30/11

Lectio: Lk 10.17-24

“Nevertheless, do not rejoice because the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” Lk 10.20

“O God, You created all of us different in all our strengths and weaknesses but You have made us all equal in the most complete way - You have made us Your children.

I remember Jesus told His followers to rejoice not because of the their works and powers but because their names are written in heaven.

Grant that I may rejoice exceedingly because You, who are all-merciful, have written the names of Your children in heaven.

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

Operatio: Reflect on “rejoice” - Jesus wants all to be happy; true and lasting joy is only possible in heaven; all of us are invited to heaven; all we have to do is to live a life of selfless love and we will find that at the end of our life, heaven is our lasting and joy-filled home. In
prayer thank God for being so generous, kind and merciful towards all of us.

Tomorrow’s readings: Mt 21.33-43

9/29/11

Lectio: Lk 10.13-16

“Yet truly, Tyre and Sidon will be forgiven more in the judgment than you will be.” Lk 10.14

“O God, You are so kind and merciful.

I remember Jesus told His disciples that even the great sinners in Tyre and Sidon will be forgiven more in the final judgement. Why? Because You take into account the time, talent and the brokeness of all your children and You desire that none of Your children be lost.

Grant that I may rejoice always in You for You are a kind and merciful God who only wants the best for Your children and only wants their love in return.

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

Operatio: Reflect on “God’s mercy” - available to all; to even the greatest sinners, even if our turning is only in the last moment of our lives - remember the Good Thief on the cross, remember Jesus’ words that it is not the will of His Father that He should lose anyone for whom He was sent but should bring them to eternal life. (Jn 6.39). And Jesus certainly was sent for those who were baptized because they became His brothers and sisters through it.

Tomorrow’s readings: Lk 10.17-24

9/28/11

Lectio: Jn 1.47-51

“Jesus saw Nathaniel coming toward him and said of him. ‘Here is a true Israelite. There is no duplicity in him’.” Jn 1.47

“O God, deceit is abhorrent to You.

I remember Jesus praised Nathaniel because ‘There is no duplicity in him.’
Grant that I may strive to always be honest and forthright in all things and in all dealings.
I ask this of You who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.

Operatio: Reflect on “duplicity” - deceptive; dishonest, hypocritical, false. Resolve with God’s grace to be a person of love and integrity so that what people see and hear is what I am.

Tomorrow’s reading: Lk 10.13-16

9/27/11

Lectio: Lk 9.57-62

“But he [Jesus] answered him, ‘Let the dead bury the dead. But you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God’.” Lk 9.60

“O God, we must listen carefully what is said to us in Scripture; otherwise we can miss its meaning.

I remember Jesus is quoted as saying, ‘Let the dead bury the dead. But you go and proclaim’ - How insensitive if we take it literally but when we realize it is hyperbole used to emphasize the importance of evangelizing - it then makes much sense.

Grant that when I read Scripture and encounter difficult passages to stop and seek guidance before accepting its literal meaning.

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

Operatio: Reflect on “Scripture” - Word of God, divinely inspired, written in the style of the time of its composition; meaning sometime obscure; but always meaningful. Resolve to pray to the Holy Spirit before reading Scripture to be with me as I engage the text so that my reading Scripture will be both fruitful and prayerful.

Tomorrow’s reading: Jn 1.47-51 (Feast of the Archangels, Michael, Gabriel and Raphael)

9/26/11

Lectio: Lk 9.51-56

“When the disciples, James and John, saw this, they asked, ‘Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven and consume them’?” Lk 9.54

“O God, You are all-powerful but You do not use Your power to compel us to do good.
I remember a Samaritan village refused let Your Son pass through it but He refused his Disciples suggestion to have the village consumed by fire - a use of Your power.

Grant that I may always remember that revenge is Yours and never mind.

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

Operatio: Reflect on how to handle personal hurts - such hurts are often result of thoughtlessness, or unawareness of the situation; rarely the result of ill will but even then one can’t know for sure. Pray for the grace to let personal hurts go unless it also involves a situation which requires a response because it involves fraternal correction.
Tomorrow’s readings: Lk 9.57-62

9/25/11

Lectio: Lk 9.46-50

“An argument arose among the disciples about which of them was the greatest.” Lk 9.46

“O God, You have implanted within us an inspiration for greatness.

I remember Jesus made it clear that greatness is not about intolerance or rivalries but about humbly serving others in Your name.

Grant that I may always use the time, the talent, the treasure You give me as Your child for the sake and needs of Your children.

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

Operatio: Reflect on saying “ambition” - a good trait, easily perverted in its goals; humble service, child-like, gifts to achieve, gifts come from God. Resole to give thanks to God always for all my gifts and continually ask for the grace to use them to humbly serve Him.

Tomorrow’s readings: Lk 9.51-56