Lectio: Monday, Twenty-Third Week in Ordinary Time

Readings of the day: RB 2:11-15; Col. 1:24-2:3; Resp. Psalm 62; Luke 6:6-11

Those who read the Qualities of the Abbess listed by Saint Benedict see clearly that the one chosen to care for and guide her sisters in community in their search for God has a daunting responsibility. Today we hear that the Abbess leads primarily by the example she sets; then by the words used in her teaching. Put another way, the Abbess is called to practice what she preaches.

Abbess Kathy and Sr Karen at Sr Karen's Solemn Profession

As we enter into this week of work and service, perhaps we can ask ourselves—how will I give witness to Christ, the hope for glory? What will I do specifically to encourage the hearts of others brought together in love, more by example than by words?

Lord of compassion and love, grant me the grace to live by your Word; to be a healing presence with gentleness and kindness; to save life rather than destroy it. You are my stronghold and refuge.

Lectio: Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Readings of the day: RB 2:1-10; Ezekiel 33:7-9; Resp. Psalm 95; Romans 13:8-10; Matthew 18:15-20

It was during the celebration of Lauds this morning that a key to better understanding today’s Gospel came to me. As I inserted myself into the intimate dialogue between Father and Son in Psalm 50[51], it came through loud and clear that first and foremost, I must acknowledge my own guilt and sin and pray to God to have mercy on me, and with compassion blot out my offense. In fact, I am moved to get down on my knees and ask our Lord to purify me that I may be clean; to wash me making me whiter than snow. O living and true God, create for me a pure heart; give me the joy of your help; with a spirit of fervor sustain me! It is then, and only then that I can move to teaching transgressors your ways, O God, so sinners may return to you.  

Loving and merciful God, grant me the grace to stand before you with a humble and contrite heart. In the secret of my heart teach me wisdom so that I know in the depths of my being that I owe nothing to my sisters and brothers, except to love them; for love is the fulfillment of the law. Come, let us sing joyfully to the Lord; let us acclaim the rock of our salvation. Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us joyfully sing psalms to our God!

Lectio: Saturday, Twenty-Second Week in Ordinary Time

Saint Peter Claver, Memorial

Readings of the day: RB 1:6-12; Col. 1:21-23; Resp. Psalm 54; Luke 6:1-5

Today’s Gospel prompted me to recall how my family spent Sundays when I was growing up. I don’t remember all the details, but there are significant moments that stand out. We piled in the station wagon and went to Mass, filling up the same pew, week in and week out. We enjoyed the customary Sunday dinner which often consisted of pot roast and mashed potatoes, among other comforts. One of my favorite activities was going for a ride in the car, especially those moments when we were on a country road and my dad would drive over a small hill—my stomach would make a turn as I screamed for more. Sundays stood out as a special day; a day of being together and doing things we didn’t do during the week. I would now call those days holy. How can we make tomorrow especially holy, a day when we sing with the psalmist: This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it!

Saint Peter Claver, pray for us.

FEAST OF THE NATIVITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

Readings of the day: RB 1:1-5; Micah 5:1-4a or Romans 8:28-30; Resp. Psalm 13/Is 61:10; Matthew 1:1-16,18-23

Holy Mary, of her was born Jesus who is called the Christ. His greatness shall reach to the ends of the earth; he shall be peace. We contemplate the gift.

Let us celebrate with joy the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, for from her arose the sun of justice, Christ our God. (Entrance Antiphon, Mass)

MARY, CAUSE OF OUR JOY, PRAY FOR US.

Lectio: Thursday, Twenty-Second Week in Ordinary Time

Readings of the day: RB Prol. 45-50; Colossians 1:9-14; Resp. Psalm 98; Luke 5:1-11

One of the most beautiful verses in all the Holy Rule is the penultimate one of the Prologue: “As we progress in this way of life and in faith, we shall run on the path of God’s commandments, our hearts overflowing with the inexpressible delight of love.” Just thinking about this brings a smile to my face and puts a bounce in my step. With heart bursting, then, to whom will I reach out in love today—someone who is troubled or anxious, or someone with whom I am in conflict, or someone who just needs me to listen. How about you?

Living and true God, strengthen us in faith and grant us the grace to follow your commandment of love. Amen.

Lectio: Wednesday, Twenty-Second Week in Ordinary Time

Readings of the day: RB Prol. 39-44; Col. 1:1-8; Luke 4: 38-44

Today we hear of Simon’s mother-in-law and her response to Jesus’ healing presence: She got up immediately and acted, serving Jesus and others. In today’s passage from the Holy Rule, Saint Benedict calls us to make haste—to run and act in a way that will profit us forever. Now is the time to be more aware of God’s presence in our lives, to be alert and prepare our hearts and minds to do His will, namely, to love and serve God and our neighbor. Simon’s mother-in-law gave us the example. 

Dear Jesus, please give us the graces we need this day to be open to your healing presence and touch as we sing with the psalmist: “I will thank you always for what you have done, and proclaim the goodness of your name before your faithful ones.”

Lectio: Tuesday, Twenty-Second Week in Ordinary Time

Readings of the day: RB Prol. 33-38; 1 Thess. 5:1-6,9-11; Luke 4:31-37

In today’s Gospel those who heard Jesus were astonished at HIS teaching—HE spoke with authority. Their question: “What is there about

HIS WORD? Saint Benedict reminds us of our Lord’s teaching: “Whoever hears these WORDS of mine and carries them out is wise. These are the ones who build their house upon a ROCK.”

Our questions: How am I responding to the WORD, in word and deed? Upon whose ROCK am I standing?

Please God, may we encourage one another and build one another up.