12/16/11

Lectio: Mt 1.1-17

Meditatio: “Jacob, the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, of her was born Jesus, who is called the Messiah.” Mt 1.16

Oratio: "O God, in Your wisdom many famous and many more obscure people played and play important parts in Your plan for our salvation.

I remember in the genealogy of Jesus Jacob is mentioned as the father of Joseph - but who was Jacob - a real person, but obscure to us.

Grant that I may always be grateful for alla those who played a role in Jesus being the Messiah and the son of David as the prophets of old had foretold.

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 “Jacob” - the father of St. Joseph - obscure - the father of Israel - famous; the name means ‘one who supplants.’ In prayer thank both Jacobs for the part they played in salvation history.

Tomorrow’s reading - Lk 1.26-38