3/17/11

Lectio: Mt 5.2-26

Meditatio: “leave your gift at the altar and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” Mt 5.24

Oratio: "O God, You gave us emotions for our protection and enjoyment but like any gift they are to used rightly.

I remember Jesus condemned growing angry with another and commanded them to reconcile before offering worship to You.
Grant that I may practice forbearance when others hurt me for the sake of a higher good of peace, justice or love.

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: Reflect on my emotions. Do I see that they are good? Do I realize that they can also lead me astray as they are only feelings and not choices? Reflect on the capital sins - pride, avarice, envy, anger, gluttony, lust and sloth. See how one’s emotions are involved and determine what virtue would help you to deal with these tendencies.

Tomorrow’s reading - Mt 1.16, 18-21,24a