Tag: lectio divina

Monday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 10:34—11:1)

Jesus said to his Apostles: “Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever does not take up his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”

Jesus talks to his disciples about the conditions of discipleship and its rewards. Unless we accept what Jesus says as the Son of God, the Word incarnate, his words sound like those of an insane person. “Whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me,” Jesus says. What greater love can a person experience than that of love for a child or love for a mother or father? Jesus goes on to name the conditions of being worthy of him. What Jesus says as the Son of the Father is something only the creator of the universe can say. It is reality spoken into existence. “Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” In losing life, God grants life; in taking up his cross, we love all the more as mothers, fathers, sons, and daughters. God transforms all loss into all gain.

God, help me trust in the words of your Son. In the mystery and invitation of the Word incarnate, you give me your unconditional love and mercy. You grasp me by the hand. In the psalmists words, I see your majesty and the depth of your mercy through your Son: “We were rescued like a bird  from the fowlers’ snare; Broken was the snare, and we were freed. Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth.” Lord, give me the grace to recognize my cross and the strength to follow after you.

Jesus, you said to your Apostles: “And whoever gives only a cup of cold water to one of these little ones to drink because he is a disciple–amen, I say to you, he will surely not lose his reward.” Bring to me today the means to give to one of your little ones a cup of cold water to drink—the one true living presence they thirst for.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

https://youtu.be/2W-KSOPWWBY
EWTN Polska | Adoracja z Niepokalanowa

Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 13:1-9)

Jesus said to the disciples: “But blessed are your eyes, because they see, and your ears, because they hear. Amen, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.”

In today’s Gospel, Jesus shares with the crowds surrounding him the Parable of the Sower. The seed the sower sowed fell on different soil and failed to grow; some seeds fall on the path and are eaten by birds, some fall on rocky ground and wither away, and some fall among thorns and are choked. “But some seed fell on rich soil,” Jesus says, “and produced fruit, a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold.” The seeds represent the word of God, which is sown in the hearts of people. Jesus later explains to the disciples what the parable means. The response to the word varies among its hearers. Some may not understand or accept the word, while others may initially respond but later give way to certain challenges. But some receive the word with understanding and allow it to take root in their hearts. The result is a fruitful and abundant life in Christ.

God, give me strength and perseverance to hear and understand your word, especially when I reject what is contrary to your name and tend toward sin. Give me the grace to strive after all that gives honor and glory to your name. Help me recall the words of Saint Paul from today’s second reading: “For creation was made subject to futility, not of its own accord but because of the one who subjected it, in hope that creation itself would be set free from slavery to corruption and share in the glorious freedom of the children of God.”

Lord, let me call you to mind throughout the day. As Saint Gregory the Great said: “Take care that the seed does not fall beside the way, lest the evil spirit come and take away the word from your memory.” Christ the sower, let the seed you sow take root and bring me to eternal life.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

https://youtu.be/2W-KSOPWWBY
EWTN Polska | Adoracja z Niepokalanowa

Memorial of Saint Bonaventure, Bishop and Doctor of the Church

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 10:24-33)

Jesus said to his Apostles: “And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna. Are not two sparrows sold for a small coin? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father’s knowledge. Even all the hairs of your head are counted. So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”

As he prepares the Apostles for their mission, he offers them encouragement even in the face of persecutors. He tells them: “Therefore do not be afraid of them. Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known. What I say to you in the darkness, speak in the light; what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops.” Just as he begins by telling them not to be afraid, he completes his thought by repeating what he first says: the Father’s eye is upon them and on every part of his precious creation. “So do not be afraid,” Jesus says.

God, help me understand that what Jesus says to the disciples, he says to me. Through the gift of faith you first gave me, I trust that nothing happens to me that you fail to notice. Give me the grace to strengthen my faith in that trust. Help me to be faithful to you in my words and actions. Jesus told the disciples: “What I say to you in the darkness, speak in the light; what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops.” Let me be unafraid to make your name known. Saint Bonaventure, pray for us!

From the Gospel acclamation: “If you are insulted for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of God rests upon you.” Spirit of God, rest upon me today.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Memorial of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, Virgin

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 10:16-23)

Jesus said to his Apostles: “When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say. You will be given at that moment what you are to say. For it will not be you who speak but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will hand over brother to death, and the father his child; children will rise up against parents and have them put to death. You will be hated by all because of my name, but whoever endures to the end will be saved.”

Jesus continues to instruct the Apostles as he prepares to send them out “like sheep in the midst of wolves.” He tells them that they will be handed over to courts and scourged in synagogues, led as witnesses before governors, kings, and pagans for his sake. When they are to be handed over, Jesus reassures them, they are not to worry about what to say but that it will be the Spirit of the Father speaking through them. In the first reading, Jacob responds to God who calls his name. “Here I am,” Jacob says. God says to him: “I am God, the God of your father. Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for there I will make you a great nation.” Just as God made of Jacob a great nation, through his Son he prepares the apostles and every believer for challenges and opposition in carrying out his mission.

God, help me realize that in interacting with others as I proclaim your kingdom—even in speaking your name—that I may face contempt and rejection. I am often hesitant when the opportunity comes and fail to find words. Give me the grace to be, as Jesus says, shrewd as a serpent and as simple as a dove. Teach me to put aside any worry and trust that it is you speaking through me when the moment comes. Help me call to mind the words of Jesus when I am hated because of your name: “whoever endures to the end will be saved.”

Lord, help me be unafraid to know and do your will today. From the Gospel acclamation: “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you to all truth and remind you of all I told you.” Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, pray for us!

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Thursday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 10:7-15)

Jesus said to his Apostles: “Whatever town or village you enter, look for a worthy person in it, and stay there until you leave. As you enter a house, wish it peace. If the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; if not, let your peace return to you.”

Today’s Gospel continues from yesterday’s. Jesus sends the apostles out to proclaim the kingdom of heaven. Instructing them to trust God, he tells the apostles what not to take: no money or possessions; no extra clothing; no sandals or walking stick. Again, teaching them that God can provide for their needs through the generosity and hospitality of others, he tells them to wish peace on every house they enter. “If the house is worthy,” Jesus says, “let your peace come upon it; if not, let your peace return to you.” He also tells them to shake off the dust from their feet if they are rejected. Just as the apostles would enter many houses, every new day is an opportunity to enter the lives of many people to wish them peace and to proclaim the kingdom of God.

God, how willing am I to take your Son’s invitation to detach from material possessions and abandon myself completely to your providence? When I leave provision to myself, I fall face down and never get enough, never gain enough, and by doing that close off all channels to receive your grace. To the extent that I proclaim your kingdom, I rely on others’ hospitality and openheartedness and swallow my pride—not a comfortable place to be. Yet, it is peace that enters into that place, and peace that returns to me if I am rejected because of you. God, give me the grace to trust that you will provide all that I need; let my trust in you be a means of your peace to others.

Lord, thank you for all your gifts. Help me see how you provide for me as I proclaim your kingdom to the people I encounter today.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Wednesday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 10:1-7)

Jesus sent out these Twelve after instructing them thus, “Do not go into pagan territory or enter a Samaritan town. Go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, make this proclamation: ‘The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.’”

Matthew relates the mission of the twelve disciples as Jesus instructs them. He gives them authority to drive out unclean spirits and to cure every disease and illness, instructing them not to go to pagan territory but to the “lost sheep of the house of Israel.” Among the Twelve, named individually, Matthew names Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus. To consider that Matthew had the same authority to heal and the same charge to proclaim the kingdom of heaven is to realize human brokenness and the need to stay close to Jesus, to his word, and to his Church.

Lord, just as you instructed the disciples, teach me today and every day how to be a disciple to do as you say. Give me the grace to know your will, hold it in my heart, and carry it out. I will forget you; help me remember to go where you ask me to go and make my hands yours. Guide me, show me where to go, let me do your work. “The LORD brings to nought the plans of nations,” the psalmist says, “he foils the designs of peoples. But the plan of the LORD stands forever; the design of his heart, through all generations.” Let my will be yours; keep me from futility.

Stay by my side, God. Let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Memorial of Saint Benedict, Abbot

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 9:32-38)

A demoniac who could not speak was brought to Jesus, and when the demon was driven out the mute man spoke. . . . Jesus went around to all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, and curing every disease and illness. At the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd.

In today’s Gospel, Matthew portrays Jesus’ ministry of healing and proclaiming the kingdom, highlighting his power over evil, his compassion for the suffering, and his desire to bring salvation to all. It also emphasizes the need for more laborers in the mission of the Church and the importance of prayer. He says to the disciples: “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.” As Jesus surveys the crowd, his compassion for them is a model for each of us for how to respond to those in everyday encounters who are troubled and abandoned.

God, help me recognize your Son’s compassion as an invitation to go to him at all times for all things but especially when I feel troubled and abandoned. In response to his heart moved with pity, what greater act of faith is there but in complete trust to receive his mercy? As Saint Paul says of your Son: “So let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help.”

Thank you, Lord, for the gift of your lovingkindness and mercy. Give me the grace today to come to you without hesitation when I am troubled about even the smallest thing. Saint Benedict, pray for us!

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Monday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 9:18-26)

A woman suffering hemorrhages for twelve years came up behind him
and touched the tassel on his cloak. She said to herself, “If only I can touch his cloak, I shall be cured.” Jesus turned around and saw her, and said,
“Courage, daughter! Your faith has saved you.” And from that hour the woman was cured.

In the Gospel for today, Jesus is on his way with the disciples to the house of an official, whose daughter has just died. The official tells this to Jesus, saying, “But come, lay your hand on her, and she will live.” Immediately, Jesus and the disciples rise to follow him to his house. As Jesus makes his way, the woman suffering hemorrhages finds him and in touching the tassel of his cloak is immediately healed. Both the official and the woman place their complete trust in Jesus’ ability to heal. Just as the woman’s faith leads to healing, the official’s faith is tested and is also rewarded. Jesus puts out the ridiculers, and those who remain are witnesses to the miracle of the daughter’s resurrection.

God, help me understand that your Son demonstrated power over sickness and death. In recognizing that astounding authority, the official is an example of great faith in the face death, which Jesus conquers. The woman in the Gospel teaches me that with great faith only a little effort opens up the vast reach of your love and mercy. Give me the grace to approach you with faith and complete trust for whatever I need.

Thank you, God, for your word and for the death and resurrection of your Son. Thank you for the gift of faith, which I ask you to strengthen. From the responsorial psalm: “Because he clings to me, I will deliver him; I will set him on high because he acknowledges my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in distress. In you, my God, I place my trust.”

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 11:25-30)

At that time Jesus exclaimed: “I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to little ones. Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him.”

In today’s second reading from Saint Paul, he compares the Spirit and the flesh. Living according to the flesh leads to death, while if living by the Spirit, “you put to death the deeds of the body” and you will live. In the Gospel, Jesus exclaims in praise the same message through his relationship to the Father. The little ones Jesus speaks of have a childlike faith that acknowledges what it means to live in the Spirit; namely, “No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son.” No one knows the Father as Jesus, meek and humble of heart, knows the Father.

God, as the psalmist says, you lift up all who are falling and raise up all who are bowed down. Help me remember to come to you when I feel burdened and heavy with the cares of this world. In receiving the Eucharist, the body and blood of Christ, I want to live courageously in the Spirit, putting to death the deeds of the body. “Learn from me,” Jesus says. Help me take on the humility and meekness of Christ, who lived every moment of his life in your gracious will. Taking on that yoke, uniting myself to him, help me learn to find rest in assimilating myself to him.

“I will praise your name for ever, my king and my God.” Lord, through your Spirit that dwells in me, reveal to me through your Son what you hide from the wise and the learned.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Saturday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 9:14-17)

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.”

Jesus addresses the disciples of John as they ask him about why they fast but Jesus’ disciples do not. Jesus compares himself to a bridegroom, suggesting that fasting would be inappropriate for his disciples while he, the bridegroom, is present with them. But a time will come, Jesus tells them, when the joy of his physical presence is no longer a reality. Then they will fast. Jesus also uses the analogy of a new patch on an old garment. The newness of Jesus’ message requires a fresh approach, not merely patching the old ways of doing things. Jesus’ comparison of new wine and old wineskins suggests that the newness and vitality of Jesus’ teaching can’t be contained within the rigid framework of fasting and rituals.

God, in your Son’s words there is a message of mercy that I want to fully understand. Jesus, the bridegroom, is no longer visibly present but is truly present in the Eucharist. Yet, among John’s disciples, there was repentance and fasting. In the same way, I recognize the need for that when I sin by placing love of anything or any person above you. The psalmist expresses this about you by saying, “For I know that our LORD is great; our LORD is greater than all gods. All that the LORD wills he does in heaven and on earth, in the seas and in all the deeps.” Lord, give me the grace to recognize and receive your mercy through the sacraments of reconciliation and the Eucharist.

Stay with me today, Lord. Help me call you to mind throughout the day, remembering your mercy.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.