Author Archives: Holy See

Lectio

Passage: “O Lord, thou wilt hear the desire of the meek; thou wilt strengthen their heart, thou wilt incline thy ear to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed, so that man who is of the earth may strike terror no more.” (Psalm 10:17-18, NRSV-C) (more…)

Lectio

Passage: “The Lord is just, and hath loved justice: his countenance hath beheld righteousness.” (Psalm 10:8) (more…)

Lectio

Passage: “The Lord is in his holy temple, the Lord’s throne is in heaven. His eyes look on the poor man: his eyelids examine the sons of men.” (Psalm 10:5) (more…)

Lectio

Passage: The Lord remaineth for ever. He hath prepared his throne in judgment. And he shall judge the world in equity, he shall judge the people in justice. And the Lord is become a refuge for the poor: a helper in due time in tribulation. And let them trust in thee who know thy name: for thou hast not forsaken them that seek thee, O Lord. (Psalm 9:8-11) (more…)

Lectio

Passage: I will give praise to thee, O Lord, with my whole heart: I will relate all thy wonders. I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing to thy name, O thou most high. (Psalm 9:2-3) (more…)

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.