Author Archives: Holy See

Lectio

Passage: I will behold thy heavens, the works of thy fingers: the moon and the stars which thou hast founded. What is man that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man that thou visitest him? Thou hast made him a little less than the angels, thou hast crowned him with glory and honour: And hast set him over the works of thy hands. Thou hast subjected all things under his feet, all sheep and oxen: moreover the beasts also of the fields. The birds of the air, and the fishes of the sea, that pass through the paths of the sea. O Yahweh our Lord, how admirable is thy name in all the earth! (Psalm8:4-10) (more…)

Lectio

Passage: O Yahweh our Lord, how admirable is thy name in the whole earth! For thy magnificence is elevated above the heavens. Out of the mouth of infants and of sucklings thou hast perfected praise, because of thy enemies, that thou mayst destroy the enemy and the avenger. (Psalm 8:2-3) (more…)

Lectio

Passage: O Lord my God, in thee have I put my trust: save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me. Lest at any time he seize upon my soul like a lion, while there is no one to redeem me, nor to save. O Lord my God, if I have done this thing, if there be iniquity in my hands: If I have rendered to them that repaid me evils, let me deservedly fall empty before my enemies. Let the enemy pursue my soul, and take it, and tread down my life on the earth, and bring down my glory to the dust. Rise up, O Lord, in thy anger: and be thou exalted in the borders of my enemies. And arise, O Lord my God, in the precept which thou hast commanded: And a congregation of people shall surround thee. And for their sakes return thou on high. (Psalm 7:2-8) (more…)

Lectio

Passage: Lord, when thou dost reprove me, let it not be in anger; when thou dost chastise me, let it not be in displeasure. Lord, pity me; I have no strength left; Lord, heal me; my limbs tremble; my spirits are altogether broken; Lord, wilt thou never be content? Lord, turn back, and grant a wretched soul relief; as thou art ever merciful, save me. When death comes, there is no more remembering thee; none can praise thee in the tomb. I am spent with sighing; every night I lie weeping on my bed, till the tears drench my pillow. Grief has dimmed my eyes, faded their lustre now, so many are the adversaries that surround me. Depart from me, all you that traffic in iniquity; the Lord has heard my cry of distress. Here was a prayer divinely heard, a boon divinely granted. All my enemies will be abashed and terrified; taken aback, all in a moment, and put to shame. (Psalm 6:2-11) (more…)

Lectio

Passage: Conduct me, O Lord, in thy justice: because of my enemies, direct my way in thy sight. For there is no truth in [the enemy’s] mouth; their heart is vain. Their throat is an open sepulchre: they dealt deceitfully with their tongues: judge them, O God. Let them fall from their devices: according to the multitude of their wickedness cast them out: for they have provoked thee, O Lord. But let all them be glad that hope in thee: they shall rejoice for ever, and thou shalt dwell in them. And all they that love thy name shall glory in thee: For thou wilt bless the just. O Lord, thou hast crowned us, as with a shield of thy good will. (Psalm 5:9-13, Douay-Rheims)

Meditatio

• Seeking Divine Guidance: Meditate on David’s plea for God’s guidance and justice in the face of enemies. Meditate on the need for divine direction in your life, especially amidst challenges and adversaries.
• Nature of the Wicked: Consider the description of the enemies—deceitful, vain, and malicious. Reflect on the ways in which deceit and malice can corrupt the human heart and the world around us.
• God’s Judgment: Meditate on David’s call for God’s judgment on the wicked. Reflect on the Lord’s righteousness and the assurance that He will judge the evil justly.
• Joy of the Righteous: Meditate on the joy and gladness of those who place their hope in God. Reflect on the promise of divine presence and the glory that comes from loving the Lord’s name.
• Divine Blessing: Meditate on the assurance that God blesses the just and protects them with His good will, like a shield. Consider how you experience the Lord’s protection and blessing in your own life.

Oratio

Lord, guide me in Thy justice and direct my way in Thy sight. Protect me from deceit and malice, and deliver me from the plans of the wicked. Judge those who oppose Thee and let them fall by their own devices. I place my hope in Thee, rejoicing in Thy divine presence and glory. Bless me, O Lord, and shield me with Thy goodwill. Help me to live righteously and to trust in Thine unfailing protection and guidance. Amen.

Contemplatio

Contemplate the image of the Lord guiding your path amidst the presence of enemies and deceit. Feel the assurance of divine justice and protection. Rest in the joy and gladness that come from placing your hope in God and experiencing His presence. Reflect on the divine blessing that surrounds you like a shield, offering protection and goodwill.

Actio

• Seek Divine Guidance: Commit to seeking God’s guidance in your daily decisions, especially when facing challenges or opposition.
• Reject Deceit: Examine your heart and actions for any trace of deceit or malice, and strive to live truthfully and righteously.
• Trust in God’s Justice: In moments of injustice or conflict, place your trust in Yahweh’s righteous judgment and avoid taking matters into your own hands.
• Rejoice in God’s Presence: Make a practice of rejoicing in God’s presence and glory, recognising the joy and peace that come from loving and trusting Him.
• Embrace Divine Protection: Reflect on the ways God has protected and blessed you, and carry this assurance into your daily life, trusting in His goodwill and shielding presence.

Lectio

Passage: Give ear, O Lord, to my words, understand my cry. Hearken to the voice of my prayer, O my King and my God. For to thee will I pray: O Lord, in the morning thou shalt hear my voice. In the morning I will stand before thee, and will see: because thou art not a God that willest iniquity. Neither shall the wicked dwell near thee: nor shall the unjust abide before thy eyes. Thou hatest all the workers of iniquity: Thou wilt destroy all that speak a lie. The bloody and the deceitful man the Lord will abhor. But as for me in the multitude of thy mercy, I will come into thy house; I will worship towards thy holy temple, in thy fear. (Psalm 5:2-8, Douay-Rheims)

Meditatio

• God’s Attention to Prayer: Meditate on David’s plea for God to hear and understand his cry. Meditate on the assurance that the Lord, as our King and God, is attentive to our prayers.
• Morning Devotion: Think about the significance of seeking God in the morning, starting the day with prayer and placing trust in His guidance.
• God’s Holiness and Justice: Meditate on the nature of God who does not wish for iniquity to exist and will not tolerate wickedness. Reflect on His absolute holiness and justice.
• Rejection of Evil: Ponder the strong stance God takes against iniquity, lies, and deceit. Reflect on how this calls us to live truthfully and righteously in His law.
• Mercy and Worship: Meditate on David’s commitment to come into God’s house and worship Him in fear, relying on God’s mercy. Reflect on the balance of reverence and trust in God’s loving-kindness.

Oratio

O Lord, hear my words and understand my cry as I come before Thee in prayer. Truly, Thou art my King and my God, and I trust in Thy attentive ear. Each morning, I shall seek Thee, knowing that Thou art a God who detests iniquity and cannot dwell with wickedness. Help me to live in truth and righteousness, avoiding deceit and malice. In the multitude of Thy mercy, O Lord, I come to Thy house to worship and revere Thee. Guide me in Thy ways and keep me close unto Thee, for Thou art my refuge and my strength. Amen.

Contemplatio

Contemplate the image of starting each day with prayer, placing your trust and petitions before God. Feel the peace and assurance that comes from knowing that God hears you and understands your cry. Rest in the knowledge of the Lord’s holiness and justice, and His steadfast mercy that invites you to worship Him with reverence and love.

Actio

• Morning Prayer: Commit to starting each day with prayer, dedicating your morning to seeking God’s guidance and presence.
• Living Righteously: Examine your life for any areas of deceit or iniquity and make a conscious effort to live truthfully and righteously.
• Worship with Reverence: Make a regular practice of worshipping God with a sense of awe and reverence, acknowledging His holiness and mercy.
• Trust in God’s Mercy: In moments of distress or uncertainty, remember to lean on God’s mercy and come before Him in prayer, trusting in His understanding and care.

Lectio

Passage: When I called upon him, the God of my justice heard me: when I was in distress, thou hast enlarged me. Have mercy on me: and hear my prayer. O ye sons of men, how long will you be dull of heart? why do you love vanity, and seek after lying? Know ye also that the Lord hath made his holy one wonderful: the Lord will hear me when I shall cry unto him. Be angry, and sin not: the things you say in your hearts, be sorry for them upon your beds. Offer up the sacrifice of justice, and trust in the Lord: many say, Who sheweth us good things? The light of thy countenance O Lord, is signed upon us: thou hast given gladness in my heart. By the fruit of their corn, their wine and oil, they are multiplied. In peace in the selfsame I will sleep, and I will rest: For thou, O Lord, singularly hast settled me in hope. (Psalm 4) (more…)

Lectio

Passage: Why, O Lord, are they multiplied that afflict me? many are they who rise up against me. Many say to my soul: There is no salvation for him in his God. But thou, O Lord art my protector, my glory, and the lifter up of my head. I have cried to the Lord with my voice: and he hath heard me from his holy hill. I have slept and taken my rest: and I have risen up, because the Lord hath protected me. I will not fear thousands of the people, surrounding me: arise, O Lord; save me, O my God. For thou hast struck all them who are my adversaries without cause: thou hast broken the teeth of sinners. Salvation is of the Lord: and thy blessing is upon thy people. (Psalm 3) (more…)

Lectio

Read the passage attentively and carefully.

Passage: Blessed is the man who hath not walked in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stood in the way of sinners, nor sat in the chair of pestilence. But his will is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he shall meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree which is planted near the running waters, which shall bring forth its fruit, in due season. And his leaf shall not fall off: and all whatsoever he shall do shall prosper. Not so the wicked, not so: but like the dust, which the wind driveth from the face of the earth. Therefore the wicked shall not rise again in judgment: nor sinners in the council of the just. For the Lord knoweth the way of the just: and the way of the wicked shall perish. (Psalm 1) (more…)