2/22/10

Lectio - Mt6.7-15

Meditatio: “Tis is how you are to pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name." Mt 6.9

Oratio: “O God, you deserve our praise and worship. .

I remember that Jesus taught us the way to pray by putting you first that your name be hallowed, your kingdom come and your will be done. Then for our needs - for bread, for forgiveness, to forgive and to lead a good life.

Grant that I may always pray as Jesus taught both with words and how I live for that is the praise and prayer you deserve. .

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 pray for some who hurt me, forgive them and let go of the hurt.

Note: Tomorrow’s selection is from Lk 11.29-32

2/21/10

Lectio - Mt 16.13-19

Meditatio: “And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.” Mt 16.18

Oratio: “O God, you are all- wise and know how best to structure things.

I remember your Son established your kingdom on earth on a rock foundation - the papacy - so that the faith community would have your authoritative source for governance and unity.

Grant that I may always follow the pronouncements of the pope for to ignore the pope is to ignore Christ since he is Christ’s vicar here on earth.

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 pray for the pope’s health and his openness to God’s plans.

Note: Tomorrow’s selection is from Mt 6.7-15

2/20/10

Lectio - Lk 4.1-13

Meditatio: “Jesus said to him (devil) in reply, ‘It is written: You shall worship the Lord, your God, and him alone shall you serve’.” Lk 4.8

Oratio: “O God, there are no short cuts in your plans for us. We are to do them as you wish.

I remember your Son showed this when he was tempted by the devil to worship the devil. In return Jesus would achieve his mission to establish the kingdom of God over all the world. And Jesus said, “No.”

Grant that I may seek to do your will in all things for that is the best and only way to serve and worship you.

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 be mindful of God and his will for me.

Note: Tomorrow’s selection is from Mt 16.13-19

2/19/10

Lectio - Lk 5.27-32

Meditatio: “And leaving everything behind, he (Levi) got up and followed him.” Lk 5.28

Oratio: “O God, you are totally committed to us, your children.

I remember when Jesus came, he made it clear that He came for the sick and sinners - the lot of us all.

Grant that I may respond to your commitment by following Jesus unreservedly for that is the least I can do to show my gratitude.

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 express my gratitude to others.

Note: Tomorrow’s selection is from Lk 4.1-13

2/18/10

Lectio - Mt 9.14-15

Meditatio: “Jesus answered them, ‘Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast’.” Mt 9.15

Oratio: “O God, you are the source of our joy.

I remember Jesus told us this when he used the metaphor of the bridegroom to identify who He is. For in those days while the bridegroom was amongst his guests is was a time of joy and fasting, which is a sign or mourning, would be wrong.

Grant that I may fast now so that one day I may rejoice with Your.

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: Fast today which means only one full meal and two partial meals.

Note: Tomorrow’s selection is from Mt 9.14-15

2/17/10

Lectio - Lk 9.22-25

Meditatio: “Then he said, ‘If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up is cross daily and follow me’.”Lk 9.23

Oratio: “O God, you revealed the sure way to you.

I remember Jesus said it in denying one self and taking up one’s cross and to follow His ways that leads to You.

Grant that I may do so by discerning Your will for me and doing it for that is at the heart of Jesus’ advice.

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: Do what God wants of me today.

Note: Tomorrow’s selection is from Mt 9.14-15

2/16/10

Lectio - Mt 6.1-6, 16-18

Meditatio: “But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.” Mt 6.6

Oratio: “O God, you desire people to do good things for the purpose of doing good and not for show.

I remember Jesus instructed his disciples not to give alms or pray or fast for the purpose of being seen but to do them to honor you.

Grant that I may perform the ascetical works in a way that honors you alone and not as a hypocrite.

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: Do one or more of the ascetical works today.

Note: Tomorrow’s selection is from Lk 9.22-25