7/21/10

Lectio - Jn 20.1-2, 11-18

Meditatio: “Mary of Magdala, went and announced to the disciples, ‘I have seen the Lord,’ and what he told her.” Jn 20.18

Oratio: "O God, all have equal dignity in Your eyes.

I remember Jesus appeared first to Mary of Magdala after He rose from the dead and gave her the role to tell the apostles He had risen - an unheard of role for a woman in the first century in a male dominated society for a woman’s testimony was not accepted.

Grant that I may respect the dignity of everyone, make, female, black, brown, white, yellow - for all are viewed equal in God’s eyes.

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

Contemplatio: Keep silence and remain in recollection for a few minutes.

Operatio: Today, I will examine myself to see if I hold myself superior to others who are different, and if so, to resolve to treat all as my equal for in truth that is what they are.

Tomorrow’s reading: Mt 13.18-23

7/22/10

Lectio - Mt 13.18-23

Meditatio: “The seed sown among the thorns is the one who hears the word, but then worldly anxiety and the lure of riches choke the word and it bears no fruit.” Mt 13.22

Oratio: "O God, You are so mindful of our weaknesses.

I remember Jesus in his parable of the sower warned his listeners that anxieties and the lure of riches could prevent the living word from taking hold in their hearts and they would not produce good results.

Grant that I may always turn to You when I am anxious and place my trust in You so that my anxieties will not overtake my faith in you nor my call to love and serve others.

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

Contemplatio: Keep silence and remain in recollection for a few minutes.

Operatio: Today, I will reflect on those areas of my life where I am anxious. Why? And then turn them over to the Lord so that they may not prevent me from my call to produce for the Lord with the way I live my life.

Tomorrow’s reading: Mt 13.24-30