3/02/10

Lectio - Mt 20.17-28

Meditatio: “Just so, the Son of Man did not come be be served but to serve and give his life as a ransom for many.” Mt 20.28

Oratio: “O God, we are your children and you desire greatness for us.

I remember Jesus told his disciples how to achieve greatness by serving others as He did.

Grant that I may strive for greatness by willingly and lovingly serving others for their good and not for what I get out of it for that was Jesus’ way.

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 how greatness is achieved and seek it.

Note: Tomorrow’s selection is from Lk 16.19-31

Lectio Divina - The Study and Meditation on Sacred Scripture

Beginning this Church Year (November 29, 2009) I have been sharing via group e-mails the Scripture verse which struck me most from my daily use of Lectio Divina and as well as my prayer which Lectio Divina generated for me. I use one of the readings from the next day's Lectionary for my daily Lectio material. If you decide to use Lectio Divina, you can use any biblical passage to be studied including simply using my selection. For your convenience, I will end my email with the citation to the next day's Lectionary selection that I will be using. Below are the steps of Lectio Divina- the reading and studying of the divine text..

Lectio - Slowly read the chosen text in a low voice. Kiss the book of the Word. It is a love letter which is not read by making a grammatical or a logical analysis! Read it twice.

Meditatio - Ponder the text that you selected and read. Reread it for the third time. Select a word or phrase or verse that impresses you. Meditate on it. Write down this preferred word, phrase or verse and leave it in view. This will be your day's precious gem.

Oratio — Make a prayer which comes to you from your mediation on the gem. The prayer should have four parts: "0 God.... I remember..... Grant that ..... I ask this of you, who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen."

Contemplatio —Keep silence and remain still in recollection. This is a time for an elevation of the soul to God in silent waiting Silence takes the place of language in God's company.

Operatio: Take something from this study into your daily life.

I hope that my daily sharing of the results of my Lectio Divina will encourage you to make it part of your spirituality. I have been using Lectio daily since 2006 and I have found that 20" to 30" involved, was and is very small as to what I get out of it.

Father Pop-Pop


2/28/10

Lectio - Lk 6.36-38

Meditatio: “Be merciful, just at [also] your Father is merciful.” Lk 6.36

Oratio: “O God, you are compassionate and forgiving.

I remember Jesus in his sermon on the plain made it clear that you are merciful, forgiving and magnanimous..

Grant that I may refrain from judging others and readily extend forgiveness for that is your way and an everlasting way for me.

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 and everyday I will be sensitive of others and not judge them for I do not walk in their shoes.

Note: Tomorrow’s selection is from Mt 23.1-12

2/27/10

Lectio - Lk 9.28b-36

Meditatio: “The from the cloud came a voice that said, ‘This is my chosen Son, listen to him’.” Lk 9.35

Oratio: “"O God, you have made known to us your ways.

I remember you twice spoke from heaven that Jesus is your beloved Sond and we should listen to him - first at his baptism and then at his Transfiguration.

Grant that I may be an active listener and always ask, ‘What would Jesus do?’ and then do it..

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 and everyday I will live by the Golden Rule..

Note: Tomorrow’s selection is from Lk 6.36-38

2/26/10

Lectio - Mt 5. 43-48

Meditatio: “But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you.”
Mt 5.22

Oratio: “"O God, your ways are spirit and life.

I remember Jesus told us how to be perfect - to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us - how challenging and how fruitful!

Grant that I may be merciful in words and deeds to those whom I meet whether friend or foe for that is your way..

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 treat others as I want to be treated.

Note: Tomorrow’s selection is from Lk 15.1-3, 31-32

2/25/10

Lectio - Mt 5. 20-26

Meditatio: “But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to the judgment, and whoever says to his brother, ‘Raqa’ (imbecile, blockhead), will be answerable to the Sandhedrin, and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ will be liable to fiery Ghenna.” Mt 5.22


Oratio: “"O God, you desire that all live in peace.

I remember Jesus warned about being angry with and insulting to others and that they will suffer a terrible fate unless they reconcile.

Grant that whenever I experience a deliberate hurt, that I may respond not with anger but with forbearance for the sake of peace.

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 overlook the hurts received from others and pray for them.

Note: Tomorrow’s selection is from Mt 5.43-48

2/24/10

Lectio - Mt 7. 7-12

Meditatio: “If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children,how much more will your heavenly Father give good things to those who asks." Mt 711


Oratio: “"O God, you care for us more than our mother and father.

I remember Jesus taught us to ask for good things, and you will give them to us - how gracious of you!

Grant that I may always ask good things of you knowing that you will give me what is truly good.

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 ask God to give me a full measure of His Spirit to me and to my loved ones.

Note: Tomorrow’s selection is from Mt 5.20-26