Tag: lectio divina

The Baptism of the Lord

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew

And a voice came from the heavens, saying, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

Today’s reading, heard recently in a weekday reading from the Gospel according to Mark, relates the baptism of Jesus. Both Evangelists say that the voice of God came from the heavens, saying, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” In the first reading from Isaiah, God speaks the same words: “Thus says the LORD: Here is my servant whom I uphold, my chosen one with whom I am pleased.” Describing the servant that the New Testament identifies as Christ, Isaiah says: “I, the LORD, have called you for the victory of justice, I have grasped you by the hand.” I can’t read this without recognizing that as God speaks about his Son as the model servant of servants, by doing that he also calls those who hear his voice to be the servant.

God the Father, you are well pleased with your Son as he is baptized. Give me all the grace needed so that you are well pleased with me also through the action of the Holy Spirit. I want to understand your will for me today and have the courage to carry it out. The words “grasp me by the hand” call to mind the image of a guide and savior, which is the very nature of your Son through the sacraments of the Church. Baptism, which removes original sin and configures me to Christ; Confirmation, the gift of the Holy Spirit, strengthening me as a servant; Reconciliation, grasping me from the pit of sin and despair; the Eucharist, which grasps me interiorly with the saving body and blood of Christ. And so on. With each sacrament, Lord, you grasp me by the hand.

Father in heaven, Lord above all, look down on me as I strive to find my identity in recognizing what you have called me for. Give me the grace to hear your voice. All glory to you, God, as we hear in the Responsorial Psalm: “The voice of the LORD is over the waters, the LORD, over vast waters. The voice of the LORD is mighty; the voice of the LORD is majestic.” 

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.

Readings

The Epiphany of the Lord

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew

And behold, the star that [the magi] had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. . . . They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way.

In today’s reading for the Epiphany of the Lord, the magi seeking the newborn king of the Jews follow a star at its rising to give the king homage. When they come from the east, they follow the star and continue as long as it draws them on. Matthew tells us that the star stopped. Over that place, Matthew tells us, that is where they found Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. How many stars have I followed in life that continue to lead me on to another and another? The star stopped over Jesus, and the magi gave Jesus homage, offering him their treasures. When they left, they went home another way, forever changed.

God, help me come to understand the light that Jesus brings to the world. When I fall and strive to rise, help me follow your light. Isaiah says of the birth of your Son: “Rise up in splendor, Jerusalem! Your light has come, the glory of the Lord shines upon you. See, darkness covers the earth, and thick clouds cover the peoples; but upon you the LORD shines, and over you appears his glory.” Help me by your grace perceive the light you shine through the Eucharist and in the faces and experiences I encounter today.

Lord, the magi knew in whose presence they prostrated themselves. Let me bask in the light of your love and trust in your the promise of your Son of eternal life in your splendor. Be with me, Lord!

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.

Readings

Christmas Readings: January 7

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John

There was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the wedding. When the wine ran short, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” And Jesus said to her, “Woman, how does your concern affect me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servers, “Do whatever he tells you.”

The familiar story of the Wedding at Cana presents what would be a crucial moment during the feast: the wine has run out. Without wine, how can the feast continue? Among the few words the Evangelists share, Mary says: “They have no wine.” She sees and understands that the feasting would end without it. Jesus says in so many words to Mary, “What has your concern got to do with me? It’s not time yet for me to go out into the world.” It is telling to see that Mary does not reply to Jesus’ question; she says instead to the servers, leaving the Son of God to act on his own will, “Do whatever he tells you.” Two elements of Mary’s nature begin at this moment to shine: her selfless intercession (“They have no wine.”) and her perfect trust in God’s will: “Do whatever he tells you.” Wine, which becomes the blood of Christ at the Last Supper, here initiates the feast in the coming of Emmanuel. The passing earthly banquet foreshadows the joy of God made man who comes to draw all into the great feast of endless length of days.

God, help me understand the beauty in this Gospel passage and allow its beauty to draw me toward Mary as a model of faith and to adopt her selflessness and abandonment to your will. Why does Jesus question Mary’s concern? The Mother of God becomes the Queen of Heaven, the ever-present intercessor of every spiritual need, who entrusts the prayers of the human family directly to her Son. Is Jesus asking her that question, not out of a kind of irony, but only to allow her to give witness to her faith in her response? “Do whatever he tells you.”

In your presence, Lord, my eyes see only so much. There is infinitely more! Give me the grace today to see your love manifested in the day’s unfolding. Be with me as I come to knowledge of your will through the material gifts that surround me. You supply me with every spiritual need; strengthen me to do whatever you tell me.

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.

Readings

Christmas Weekday: January 6

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark

It happened in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized in the Jordan by John. On coming up out of the water he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit, like a dove, descending upon him. And a voice came from the heavens, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”

In yesterday’s reading from John, Jesus tells Nathanael: “you will see the sky opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.” Today, we see Jesus going to John the Baptist for baptism in the waters of the Jordan. As Jesus rises up out of the water, the heavens open and the Spirit descends upon him. The voice of God the Father speaks from the heavens: “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” What am I a witness to day by day that is not as magnificent as the heavens opening but is still a sign of God’s love?

Lord, help me understand that in your Son there is no untruth. What he says, comes to be; just as he said to Nathanael, so it becomes reality. The baptism by John with water precedes the baptism for all by the Holy Spirit. Of Jesus, John says: “I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of his sandals.” With such humility as John’s, what truths about your nature would I hear you reveal to me? Where are the opportunities throughout each day to recognize your divine authority, presence, and unconditional love? John describes this loving presence in the gift of your Son: “God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever possesses the Son has life; whoever does not possess the Son of God does not have life.”

Let me rest, here, Lord in your presence. In your Son, there is the baptism by the Holy Spirit; that is, dying and rising to new life through his resurrection. Grant me the grace, Lord, to recognize and hold in my heart today what Nathanael saw in Jesus: “You are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.”

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.

Readings

Memorial of Saint John Neumann, Bishop

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John

Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than this.” And he said to him, “Amen, amen, I say to you, you will see the sky opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”

As in yesterday’s reading, where Andrew brought Peter to Jesus, Philip brings his brother Nathanael to him. It’s clear that Jesus already knows him, not merely superficially, but he knows his character. “Here is a true child of Israel,” Jesus says of him. “There is no duplicity in him.” Jesus meets Nathanael where he is in his astonishment, and Nathanael acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, giving confident witness to his divinity. In turn, Jesus responds to his faith by telling him what is in store for him: “the sky opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.” If Jesus were to meet me as I go about my day, what might he call me? As he called Nathanael a “true child of Israel,” in what way would he identify my character?

Here I am, Jesus. You see me and you already know me. The wonders you tell Nathanael he will be a witness to—where has that been in my life? Have I seen the sky opened or the angels of God ascending and descending on you? I haven’t, but I should always be prepared for God to accomplish the seemingly impossible. What I have seen is that when I turn away from you, you are always present and ready to take me back as I am in unconditional love. What I believe and at the same time struggle to believe is that whether I feel it or not, whether tangible or intangible, you are Love itself, present to me in my heart and in the sacraments. Again today in the Gospel, a brother brings a brother to you. Give me the grace and the means to bring a brother or sister to you today, to give witness to your unconditional love and mercy.

Lord, let your word remain with me today. From the first reading, John writes: “If someone who has worldly means sees a brother in need and refuses him compassion, how can the love of God remain in him? Children, let us love not in word or speech but in deed and truth.” You know me, Lord; help me be who you know me to be.

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.

Readings

Memorial of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, Religious

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John

Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, was one of the two who heard John and followed Jesus. He first found his own brother Simon and told him, “We have found the Messiah,” which is translated Christ. Then he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon the son of John; you will be called Cephas,” which is translated Peter.

In today’s Gospel, as Jesus walks by, John the Baptist says to two of his disciples, “Behold, the Lamb of God.” The two disciples immediately follow Jesus, who asks them what they are looking for. They ask Jesus where he is staying and he tells them, “Come, and you will see.” Andrew tells his brother Simon Peter that they have found the Messiah, and he brings him to Jesus. In calling Simon Peter Cephas, Jesus gives Peter a new identity as the rock on which Jesus will build his church. Just as I received a new name at Confirmation, Jesus invites us to come and stay with him and through his grace gives us a new identity to put on. Or, as Saint Paul says, “For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” This gift beyond measure through Jesus’ birth, death, and resurrection—how willingly today will I wear that, will I put on Christ?

God, help me understand the work of your Son in your choosing from among the most humble people the first apostles. The Gospel acclamation reveals how you magnified your mercy by coming to us in the person of Christ: “In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets: in these last days, he has spoken to us through the Son.” Jesus, you are the Word of God made flesh; you are the Incarnate Word. Whatever you say, then, is spoken into existence. You speak through your Son; your Son speaks, and Simon becomes Peter, the rock on which you build your Church. Lord, create in me today a new identity so that I can recognize and do your will. From Psalm 51, I pray: “A clean heart create for me, God; renew within me a steadfast spirit.”

Lord, let me be clothed with Christ today. Help me through natural gifts you give me to make good decisions; through supernatural grace, guide me when I lose my way, and restore me to your presence. Lamb of God, have 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.

https://youtu.be/2W-KSOPWWBY

Readings

Christmas Weekday: January 3

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John

John testified further, saying, “I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from the sky and remain upon him. I did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain, he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God.”

In Jesus, John recognizes the Son of God. John says that the “one who sent me to baptize with water” told him that he would recognize the Messiah by the Spirit coming down and remaining in him. John recognizes the divine presence of Christ by seeing and testifying that Jesus is the Son of God, as Simeon did when Mary and Joseph presented Jesus in the temple. “For my eyes have seen your salvation,” Simeon said. In my own recent experiences, words, and actions, how have I seen and testified that Jesus is the Son of God? What will I see today with my eyes that will confirm in me God’s presence through his Son?

God, help me understand that, like John, I am the one sent by you. John’s confidence in the Word of God, your Son, gave him a firm grasp of the reality of your presence; it spoke to him of his role in preparing the way for Jesus. John, freed of worldly distractions, heard your voice and followed your will. Thank you, Lord, for his example. What can I disconnect from today that will help me be more attentive to your voice so that I can grasp that you are truly present?

Lord, you seek me out and send me forth. Let me live today so that at its end, I can rest in your presence in the same way that your Spirit came down and remained with your Son. Throughout the day, grant me the grace to take courage as I listen for your voice and seek your guidance.

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

Readings

Memorial of Saints Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen, Bishops and Doctors of the Church

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John

Priests and Levites asked John: “Who are you, so we can give an answer to those who sent us? What do you have to say for yourself?” He said: “I am the voice of one crying out in the desert, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as Isaiah the prophet said.”

What priests and Levites (and later, Pharisees) ask John, they would later ask Jesus in so many ways? “Who are you?” They might also have asked John “By whose authority do you baptize” ask they asked Jesus “By whose authority do you cure the sick and drive out demons?” The questions strikes at the core of one’s identity: John’s identity, Christ’s identity, and by simple extension, my identity. “Who are you” that you practice your faith by following the teachings of the Church that Christ instituted and the magisterium? I can readily say I don’t have an answer as clear and authoritative as John’s: “I am the voice of one crying out in the desert, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord.’”

God, help me understand these readings that again focus on John the Baptist, as the readings have throughout Advent. Lord, who is John that I should listen to him? He said of your Son: “I baptize with water; but there is one among you whom you do not recognize, the one who is coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie.” Help me take to heart John’s words, as relevant then as now in recognizing Christ’s presence even in his apparent absence: “but there is one among you whom you do not recognize.” Out of the desert comes a voice free of distraction, of modern-day entertainment and comforts, of the contemporary bombardment of things material and electronic that constantly demand attention. Thank you, Lord, for the voice of one crying out in the desert who through detachment of the things of this world made straight the way.

Lord, today is not straight but winding and bumpy. Through your grace let me be ready to answer the question that I ask of myself and that others ask: Who are you? Help me recognize you today in the words and actions I choose in answering that question.

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.

Readings

The Octave Day of Christmas Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke

The shepherds went in haste to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known the message that had been told them about this child. All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds. And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.

Today’s Gospel reading follows the passage that describes the appearance of an angel of the Lord to the shepherds. The angel found them keeping watch over their flock and told them: “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” The angel told them that a sign for them would be that of finding Jesus in Bethlehem wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. Luke says that all at once there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on who his favor rests.” The shepherds went in haste to find Jesus and told Mary the message of the angel. And Luke tells us Mary’s response: “And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.” The shepherds then returned, glorifying and praising God for what they had heard and seen. This Advent and Christmas, I have also been a witness to these things. Now, how do I keep all these things, and what is the way to go about sharing the joy of this message?

God, through the Blessed Virgin Mary—through her yes—marvelous wonders from heaven have been brought to earth. At the announcement of an angel, a multitude of the heavenly host appeared in the sky and gave you the highest praise and glory, “and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” In the first reading, we see this same peace that God bestowed on the Israelites when he said to Moses: “The LORD bless you and keep you! The LORD let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you! The LORD look upon you kindly and give you peace!” Give me the grace, Lord, to know and receive your blessing.

The shepherds made known the message to Mary. Merciful Lord, be with me today to make me a messenger of your peace and mercy. “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Let me remember the words of the psalmist: “May God bless us in his 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.

Readings

The Seventh Day in the Octave of Christmas

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John

But to those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God, to those who believe in his name, who were born not by natural generation nor by human choice nor by a man’s decision but of God.

Today’s Gospel begins with the first words of the first chapter of John’s Gospel: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came to be through him, and without him nothing came to be.” The Word, Emmanuel, who was with God from the beginning came into the world through God. John says his own people did not accept him, as there will always be those who don’t accept him. But those who do believe in his name have power to become children of God, not by their choice but by God’s grace. The wording in today’s Gospel deserves rereading after rereading and never fails to nurture and edify. How can I remember just the few words “power to become children of God . . . nor by a man’s decision but of God.”?

God, help me understand the words John crafted through the divine inspiration of the Holy Spirit. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God.” Jesus, Emmanuel, you are and always have been consubstantial with the Father, one with Him; through Him, all things come to be so that you are itself “light [that] shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” To pray these words from the Nicene Creed is to profess the desire to be one with the Word: “We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten not made, one in being with the Father.” Incarnate Word, you are the light of the human race.

Lord, what lies hidden in mystery from the beginning you reveal to me in the infant Jesus. “And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us” born of Mary, ever virgin. In saying Jesus’ name, I take to the way of belief and pray for constancy in the moments of unbelief. Stay with me, Lord!

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

Readings