Lectio the Liturgy

Episode 151: Following the woman in the prayer

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Sat, 20 Dec 2025 15:45:00 -0600

Episode 150: Overcoming earthly undertakings

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 18:00:00 -0600

“Earthly undertakings” aren’t just what we do, they are what happens to us. They also block and distract us from what God has for us, and what He wants to give us is Himself.

Episode 149: Collect 1st Sunday of Advent

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 17:00:00 -0600

2 things in this week’s prayer:

This week’s Collect is filled with wonderful imagery: running to meet Christ, righteous deeds, gathered at his right hand, and possessing the heavenly kingdom.

Two things to consider this week —

Our faith is both now AND not yet
What does it take to be among the faithful

Episode 148: King of the Universe

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 18 Nov 2025 13:45:00 -0600

What is God’s will for you? To set you free from slavery.

Just beware of the sneaky ways the evil one wants to distract you from what that really means.

Episode 147: The meanings of "building"

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Mon, 03 Nov 2025 10:00:00 -0600

When we pray that we God has chosen living stones, know that we are BOTH - the building and the builder.

Episode 146: Faith deepened = Hope strengthened

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 17:00:00 -0500

The Collect for the Feast of the Commemoration of All the Faithful departed (All Souls) is beautiful.

It is about life. Living today and living for eternity.

It is about faith and hope. When faith is deepened, hope is strengthened.

Episode 145: Making and earning

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 13:30:00 -0500

Who wants to earn the Eternal Life Merit Badge? I hope no one because when we pray that we would merit His promises, we are asking Him to make us worthy of them.

Who knows? Perhaps God is just waiting to answer that prayer in you.

Episode 144: Consenting to conform

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 14 Oct 2025 11:45:00 -0500

Submitting our will to God is more than giving God permission to change our plans. It requires us to let go and allow Him to conform us.

Oh yeah, then there’s the obedience part.

Episode 143: Before and After

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Mon, 06 Oct 2025 17:30:00 -0500

Look ahead of you - God has already prepared good works for you to do.

Look behind you - His grace is pursuing you.

How did you get in the middle? You were made for it.

Episode 142: Pietas of God

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 12:30:00 -0500

When you read the word kindness in this week’s prayer, don’t just keep going. In the Latin form of the prayer for kindness, we find the word pietas, which refers to the loyalty, devotion, and duty in relation to family.

If you took the look of kindness or pietas that is seen on Mary’s face in Michelangelo’s Pieta and multiplied it by infinity, that is the kindness the Father has for us.

Episode 141: Mind/Body Connection

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 16:30:00 -0500

The mind/body connection is fascinating, especially after I realized that sin came into the world through the mind and body, and that salvation came the same way.

What can you do to strengthen your mind/body connection to become more holy?

Episode 140: Laws and precepts

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 14:15:00 -0500

Laws sometimes come across sounding like a bad thing. But what if a law was made to help you succeed? That’s called a precept. God gives us two. We even have a few of them for the Church. It’s time to make friends with precepts.

Episode 139: The Mystery of a Cross

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 10:45:00 -0500

As I was praying about the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, it occurred to me that the power and meaning of this feast depends on our response to it.

What if we had complete understanding of what it means to have sins forgiven. What if you touched the scars in HIs hands? Can we imagine the “Darling of Heaven” enduring such torture?

The Holy Cross is a sign of love.

Episode 138: Collect 23 Sunday Ordinary Time

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 02 Sep 2025 14:15:00 -0500

When you shop, do you ever stop to ask yourself, “Is this item worth the money they want me to pay for it?”

That question never entered Jesus’ mind when he chose to pay the ransom for us.

Episode 137: Might vs. Power

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Mon, 25 Aug 2025 15:15:00 -0500

This week’s Collect lists some really good gifts from God, but what really stood out for me was the word “might.”

Might = power, right? Not always. Especially not in this prayer. God uses His might, or His authority, to give, watch and nourish, all of which are gifts He chooses to give us.

Read the reflection at
lectiotheliturgy.com

Episode 136: MInds United

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 19 Aug 2025 11:00:00 -0500

Imagine a trust fall right into God’s arms. Would you do it? Surrendering to His will is just that easy.

In this week’s Collect, we learn what God has for us when we surrender, and we learn that His promises far outweigh any fear.

Episode 135: Maturing love

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Sat, 09 Aug 2025 14:45:00 -0500

Have you ever thought about comparing the love of marriage and the maturing love between you and Christ and His Church?

What I heard from God this week was, “A mature love doesn’t just endure the storm, it weathers it.”

Each of us is in a relationship with Christ and the Church. The love between us intended to grow and mature. With it comes good things which no eye can see and promises which surpass every human desire.

Episode 134: Walking in inheritance

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 05 Aug 2025 13:00:00 -0500

This week’s Collect has an amazing promise in it - that we walk in our inheritance of God. We receive this inheritance when the spirit of adoption is brought to perfection in our hearts.

What was on my heart in this prayer is the first step is to be able to accept God as our Father. This is not easy for some, but as St. Gregory writes, "The Holy Ghost Himself is Love." The love of God is stronger and more unconditional than we can imagine.

Episode 133: How we are glorified

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Mon, 28 Jul 2025 17:45:00 -0500

This week’s Collect is an example of what actually happens in the Introductory Rites of the Mass. When we hear, “Let us pray,” se pray, the Lord draws near.

In this prayer, we also learn how God glorifies us. We are glorified because He is our Creator and guide. When we live in HIs glory, we glorify HIm. What a trade!

Episode 132: 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 13:45:00 -0500

As I reflected on the prayer this week, I noticed that there are two things missing -
1)Will you accept it and not just receive it?
2)Don’t let false humility keep you from it.

Episode 131: Asking God for His favor

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 15:30:00 -0500

In this week’s prayer, we ask God to show favor to us. We want him to satisfy our hunger, which is for more.

If you want to do more for God, you need more of God.

Episode 130: What it means to be a Christian

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Mon, 07 Jul 2025 16:15:00 -0500

Jesus tells us that He is the way, the truth, and the life.

However, Jesus can use us to point others to the Way and to be the light on the path when we learn that to be a Christian isn’t a way of life, it is a life to be lived, and that life is His.

LectiotheLiturgy.com
https://juliestorr.substack.com

Episode 129: Collect 14th Sunday Ordinary Time

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 14:45:00 -0500

What if you were standing in line waiting for our punishment for sin and Jesus cuts in front of you? If you say “yes” to his offer, you would be raised up, set free from the slavery to sin, filed with holy joy and eternal gladness. Not a bad trade.

Episode 128: It's a Solemnity!

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Mon, 23 Jun 2025 17:30:00 -0500

I hadn’t really thought about the significance of the Solemnity of Saints Peter & Paul before, but their participation in the history of the Church is remarkable.

Both said “yes” in their own way. Both even had a name change. Both gave up they way they were to become what God was calling them to be.

Saints Peter and Paul, pray for us so that we, too, may “yes” to God’s call to each of us.

Episode 127: Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 17 Jun 2025 16:45:00 -0500

When we celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood, we venerate the precious gift that paid the price of our redemption, the body and blood of Jesus.

However, we also should consider the words of St. Augustine, “If you receive them well,
you are yourselves what you receive.”

Episode 126: Holy Trinity Sunday

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Wed, 11 Jun 2025 13:15:00 -0500

It’s easy to get lost and give up when trying to understand the Trinity. This week, push that aside and focus on the words, “God sent.”

Episode 125: The Longest Distance of the Christian Life

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 13 May 2025 15:15:00 -0500

What’s the longest distance in the Christian life? The 12” from the head to the heart.

This is the distance it takes to move from knowing to believing.

Episode 124: 4th Sunday of Easter

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Mon, 05 May 2025 20:00:00 -0500

3 definitions to get to know

I’ve been told the English Language falls short of words. After looking up words in this prayer, while definitions originate in Latin and Hebrew, I believe that.

Look, pasture, and redeemed are three words that may surprise you.

Episode 123: 3rd Sunday of Easter, Prayer after Communion

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Mon, 28 Apr 2025 13:00:00 -0500

Holy Communion is an amazing gift. By its very nature, which is Jesus, it can put our sin to death and fill us the Glory of God.

Episode 122: Divine Mercy Sunday

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Mon, 21 Apr 2025 21:45:00 -0500

This week, as we join the Church in praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet, we need to remember that in order to say, “Eternal Father, I offer you...” we first need to receive.

Episode 121: Prayer after Communion Easter Vigil

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 15:00:00 -0500

God is calling us to great things in this day in time! We just need to be ready to move from me to we.

Episode 120: Palm Sunday

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 08 Apr 2025 18:00:00 -0500

What to do with more palm branches? Use them like they are intended to be used! Let’s wear them out before Palm Sunday next year.

Episode 119: Deliver us from every evil

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 12:15:00 -0500

When a non-Catholic attends their first mass there are things they expect and things that catches them by surprise. The first time I attended a Mass, I was expecting incense and Latin, instead there was this prayer in the middle of the Lord’s prayer.

It’s a good one.

Episode 118: Where did "For Thine" go?

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Mon, 24 Mar 2025 14:00:00 -0500

Sometimes it feels like when you’re a convert to the Catholic Faith, you are bilingual.
“Don’t Catholics pray ‘The Lord’s Prayer?’”
“Yes, but we call it the ‘Our Father.‘”

When this mix of Catholics & Protestants pray, there’s often a tension in the air when they get to that part - the one about “For Thine is the Kingdom…”

Thanks for praying with me,
Julie

Episode 117: Right, Just, Duty, Salvation

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Mon, 17 Mar 2025 18:30:00 -0500

The words right, just, duty, and salvation just go right past sometimes, but these words pack a punch when they’re all in the prayer of the Preface at Mass.

Episode 116: Through, With, and In Him

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 11:15:00 -0500

We hear it at every mass, but have you ever thought about what it means when we pray through Him, with Him, and in Him?

Episode 115: 1st Sunday of Lent

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 04:30:00 -0600

During the season of Lent this year, I thought it would be a good time to look at some prayers of the Mass that are rarely used or are prayed frequently and yet they have much to teach us if we would spend time meditating on them.

I’m going to begin with the Collect for the Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Ordinary time does not mean that nothing is going on, Ordinary Time just means that it’s not Lent, Easter, Advent, or Christmas. It is a time of spiritual growth.

Between 2018 and 2032, we will pray this mass only five times, however this Collect is worthy of remembering.

Episode 114: Collect for the 8 Sunday Ordinary Time

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 25 Feb 2025 15:30:00 -0600

What if we really would find peace in the way God rules the world? How would that change the Church?

It’s a thought that needs to come to fruition. We should bring the good news of the justice of God to the world like it’s our job - because it is.

Thanks for praying with me,
Julie

LectioTheLiturgy.com

Episode 113: Collect for the 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Mon, 17 Feb 2025 18:30:00 -0600

The Collect this week contains within it a challenge. We pray that our words AND our deeds are always pleasing to God.

The Christian life is not always an either/or. Actually, it’s mostly a both/and and this is one of them.

It is true, St. Francis never said to use words when necessary. He didn’t live that, either. He used words a lot. He even preached to the birds.

Thanks for praying with me,
Julie
LectioTheLiturgy.com

Episode 112: If we were a window - 6 Sunday in Ordinary Time

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 16:15:00 -0600

As I meditated on this prayer, I asked God what would be a good example to use. He told me, "washing windows."

The more I thought about God’s suggestion to see this prayer as washing windows, the more I know that He is right.

A clean window (that’s us) lets in more light and warmth (that’s God), while it also lets others see Him shine when they look through us.

Thanks for praying with me,
Julie
LectioTheLiturgy.com

Episode 111: 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time Prayer Over the Offering

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Mon, 03 Feb 2025 07:45:00 -0600

What makes plain water sacramental? What makes olive oil anointing? The same thing that makes bread and wine the Body and Blood. Imagine the care God took during creation to be sure that we were completely taken care of.

Thanks for praying with me,
Julie

LectioTheLiturgy.com

Episode 110: Collect for the Presentation of the Lord.

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Mon, 27 Jan 2025 17:00:00 -0600

I tried to imagine what it was like to be at the Temple that day when Mary and Joseph walked in with Jesus. I thought about how as Jesus grew, His thoughts never led His mind into the gutter.

His thoughts were pure. In this prayer we implore (beg with mercy) that we have a mind made new so that we would be able to think and see and be like Christ, not just admire Him.

Thanks for praying with me.
To learn more, visit my website LectioTheLiturgy.com

Episode 109: Prayer over the Offering 3 Sun OT

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 10:15:00 -0600

It just seems odd that God would give us a gift and then ask us to offer it back to Him. He’s done it to me, and for good reason!

When we offer our gifts back to Him, our work becomes His work. Our work is now fruit that will bear fruit that endures.

LectioTheLiturgy.com

Episode 108: 2 Sunday Ordinary Time Prayer after Communion

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Mon, 13 Jan 2025 13:15:00 -0600

Imagine the Persons of the Trinity standing in a triangle. Between them is a constant flow of love and grace.

Now imagine sticking your arm into that flow. You are now caught up in the flow: the Father giving grace to participate in the memorial of the Son and the Spirit bringing us deeper into redemption each time we participate.

Thanks for praying with me,
Julie

Episode 107: The Baptism of the Lord

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Mon, 06 Jan 2025 20:00:00 -0600

At His Baptism, when Jesus came out of the water and as He was praying, the heavens opened up, and the Holy Spirit, the love between the Father and the Son, was so great, that it was seen in the form of a dove. The voice of the Father was heard, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”

This is why our mortal nature must be inwardly transformed. This is our identity.

God did not take on our very flesh so we could be a better version of ourselves. He became man so that our mortal nature could be transformed.

Thanks for praying with me,
Julie

Episode 106: Epiphany(ies) in our lives

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 10:00:00 -0600

There are more than one Epiphanies in the Bible, and I believe that God is puts an epiphany, a manifestation of Himself, in front of us every day. We just need to watch and listen, and then respond, behold, and receive.

LectioTheLiturgy.com

Episode 105: Feast of the Holy Family Prayer after Communion

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 24 Dec 2024 10:00:00 -0600

Living in an eternity that we are already in is a fascinating topic. We do want to live today to be able to live in the company of the Holy Family for eternity, but eternity has already begun.
Thanks for praying with me,
Juilie @ LectioTheLiturgy.com

Episode 104: Untitled Episode

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 17 Dec 2024 10:00:00 -0600

Episode 103: Untitled Episode

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 10 Dec 2024 11:00:00 -0600

Episode 102: Partaking in Advent

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 03 Dec 2024 10:00:00 -0600

Partake. The word partake, in this week’s Prayer After Communion, has stood out to me for weeks.

Partake is a two-way street. In many cases, it is true, that what we get depends on what we give.

Advent is a time to not only go through the external motions of getting ready for Christmas, but to observe the spiritual motions of preparing for our Lord.

Thanks for praying with me!
Julie

Episode 101: 1st Sunday Advent Prayer over the Offering

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 26 Nov 2024 10:00:00 -0600

I get a kick out of thinking about how what we do in the physical realm affects the spiritual realm.
In the prayer this week, we ask that what we celebrate here below will gain the prize of eternal redemption.

What we do here below affects eternity.

What we do during Advent gives us an opportunity to experience the supernatural, when our immortal God became one of us.

Learn more at LectioTheLiturgy.com

Episode 100: Christ the King Prayer after Communion

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 19 Nov 2024 10:00:00 -0600

This is an interesting feast day. While we take this Sunday to recognize Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, we also need to see him in the bread and wine on the altar at Mass.

There has never been nor will there ever be a king more powerful than our King.

Learn more at LectioTheLiturgy.com

Episode 99: Collect for the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 10:00:00 -0600

Many are looking for happiness in all the wrong places. Happiness is not found at the end of a search, nor is it found at a store. Happiness comes when we give ourselves away.

We are equipped for that! God gives us everything we need to be life-giving for others. Like Jesus, this is where we find full and lasting happiness.

Thank you for praying with me,
Julie

Episode 98: Untitled Episode

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 05 Nov 2024 15:00:00 -0600

When we ask God to “look with favor,” He doesn’t just look. Just like a good Father, He comes to us.

This weekend, as we ask God to “Look,” His presence is near you whether you feel it or not. Our only job is to take these moments to honor the Father with the loving devotion He deserves and desires from His children.

Learn more at LectioTheLiturgy.com

Episode 97: Prayer Over the Offering 31 Sunday Ordinary Time

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 29 Oct 2024 10:00:00 -0500

If you want to experience the power of God, make a sacrificial offering.

Your offering benefits you in miraculous ways and God gets to show you His power.

https://www.lectiotheliturgy.com

Episode 96: Prayer Over the Offering 30 Sunday Ordinary Time

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 10:00:00 -0500

Pop quiz: Define “majesty.” Now make it greater and apply it to God. God’s majesty brings together His glory and power, His strength and beauty, and His greatness and goodness.

This week’s prayer reminds us that nothing we can do adds to God’s majesty, but what we do can bring Him glory.

Look again at the description of God's majesty. What part of His majesty do you need most today?

LectioTheLiturgy.com

Episode 95: Untitled Episode

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 15 Oct 2024 12:15:00 -0500

Episode 94: The best part of being human

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Wed, 09 Oct 2024 10:00:00 -0500

The prayer this week is the Prayer after Communion for the 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time

We entreat your majesty most humbly, O Lord, that, as you feed us with the nourishment which comes from the most holy Body and Blood of your Son, so you may make us sharers of his divine nature. Who lives and reigns for ever and ever.

What would you say is the best part of being human? The prayer gives us one answer - even though we have a human nature, God wants us to be sharers in the divine nature of Jesus.

We get to be like Jesus.

Episode 93: How often do we "do this"?

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 01 Oct 2024 10:00:00 -0500

We hear these words at every mass: do this. Just what are we supposed to do?

“Do this” does not mean to sit and watch. Nor does it mean to just show up at church on the weekend. It means to do what Jesus did - He gave himself.

Episode 92: Untitled Episode

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 24 Sep 2024 10:00:00 -0500

In 1833, the US Supreme Court ruled that “the court cannot give the prisoner the benefit of the pardon, unless he claims the benefit of it, and relies on it by plea or motion” and that a pardon is an act of grace, but delivery is not completed without acceptance.

Jesus is always offering us pardon (and mercy and grace), but it is a two-way street. It’s not a pardon if we don’t accept it.

Learn more about me at my website, LectioTheLiturgy.com

Episode 91: Getting back what we profess

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 10:00:00 -0500

In the Prayer Over the Offering this week, we ask God that what we profess with devotion and faith may be ours through these heavenly mysteries

What do you profess? It is time to up our profession game. If, through the heavenly mysteries, or the saving work of Jesus, we profess a holy powerful Church, what will we receive?

It’s time to up our profession game. It’s time to bring the power of a living God to the world today.

Learn more at LectioTheLiturgy.com

Episode 90: Prayer After Communion 24 Sunday OT

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 10:00:00 -0500

In the prayer this week, the heavenly gift in the prayer is Jesus. The working is the “work” of the sacrificial action of Jesus on the Cross.

The prayer also gives rise to the question, “How much does the saving work of Jesus mean to me?” When we come to love God for what He has done for us, giving him possession to our minds and bodies becomes a delight.

Learn more at LectioTheLiturgy.com

Episode 89: Prayer Over the Offering 23 Sunday OT

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 03 Sep 2024 10:45:00 -0500

When is prayer true prayer?
While praying is always a good idea, prayer life can be deepened when we make it true prayer, a sincere devotion, our responding to God’s movement in our lives.

True prayer makes us united in heart and mind, not just with each other, but with God.

Learn more at LectioTheLiturgy.com

Episode 88: Prayer over the Offering 22 Sunday OT

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 27 Aug 2024 11:30:00 -0500

The prayer this week reminds me that we get “the better end of the stick” when it comes to God. He gives us the blessing of salvation and signs and symbols in the visible world that show us what happens in the invisible world.

All we have to do is make a sacred offering and believe.

Episode 87: Prayer Over the Offering 21 Sunday in OT

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 10:00:00 -0500

Do we long for unity and peace in the Church? Sometimes it seems like there is sand between not only members of the church, but between the members and the Church.

The gifts of unity and peace are ours through the one sacrifice offered once for all. We only need to make a heart-felt acceptance of them.

Learn more at LectioTheLiturgy.com

Episode 86: One earth as it is...

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 13 Aug 2024 10:00:00 -0500

It’s a line we may tend to want to skip over when we pray the Lord’s Prayer (aka the Our Father). However, we hear it in a new way in the Prayer after Communion in the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time.

To live on earth as it is in heaven is a place of peace and power. Let HIs will be done!

LectioTheLiturgy.com

Episode 85: Prayer over the Offering 19 Sunday OT

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 06 Aug 2024 10:00:00 -0500

Let’s have some fun and do some role-playing as we lectio this week. It’s take our turn at being the offering.

As the offering, God is pleased to accept us just like we are, sinful and both proud and ashamed of it. However, He transforms us. One of the ways He does that is when He transforms our faults into grace, which he freely bestows on us.

Being the offering is the best place to get a first-hand view into the transforming power of God.

Learn more at LectioTheLiturgy.com

Episode 84: Prayer over the Offering 18 Sunday in OT

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 30 Jul 2024 10:00:00 -0500

Riddle: What can you offer at mass that is something you brought with you and doesn’t fit in your purse or wallet?

It’s you! When we make ourselves and oblation, or offering present to God, we hold up our part of the sacrifice of Jesus. He always and forever offers Himself to the Father, the church, and the world, and we are called to go and do likewise.

Learn more at my website, LectioTheLiturgy.com

Episode 83: "Firm" foundation: making us holy

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 23 Jul 2024 10:00:00 -0500

Firm foundation isn’t just a secure place to stand. Firm, or validum in Latin, means efficacy.

Because of God, our words are prayers, our buildings are churches, and the Bible isn’t just another book.

Through His mercy, He gives us the means to become holy. As we become holy, we come to realize that the good things truly are the eternal things.

LectioTheLiturgy.com

Episode 82: His presence comes with grace

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 16 Jul 2024 10:00:00 -0500

In this week’s prayer, we recognize that with the presence of Jesus comes grace. Have you ever realized that at the Last Supper, When Jesus held the bread and said, “This is my body,” that he was present both physically and sacramentally?

That SAME Jesus is present in the SAME way at Mass. However, it is our responsibility to be willing to let him dye, or imbue, us and make us new.

Learn more at LectioTheLiturgy.com

Episode 81: There's a lot right in the Church!

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 09 Jul 2024 10:00:00 -0500

“Everything is well with the Catholic Church. But I do not say that everything is all with all the members of the Church.” ~Rev. C.M. Carty

Instead of focusing on the next scandal in our midst, we need to keep our attention on what and Who the Church is.

The Church is holy - not because of its members, but because of her Bridegroom and there’s nothing we can do to change that.

If all we see is failure, we’re looking out the wrong window.

Learn more at LectioTheLiturgy.com

Episode 80: Prayer after Communion 14 Sunday in Ordinary Time

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 02 Jul 2024 10:00:00 -0500

Toddlers are a hoot, aren’t they? They sure know what they want. However, God doesn’t bargain like parents do. If we don’t want to accept His gifts, we don’t have to. The choice is ours.

I would suggest taking it, though, because the gift that He wants to give at mass is the prize of salvation a “great gift.”

When we accept and understand how great this gift is, we will never cease to praise Him - and that means not just by what we say, but by how we live.

Episode 79: God's Job Description

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 25 Jun 2024 10:00:00 -0500

If you could write a job description for God, what would it include? In this week’s prayer, we ask God to accomplish the effects of his mysteries in us.

The mysteries are the saving works of Jesus, the effects should make us look more like Him.
As I prayed with this prayer, I had a sense of God telling me that his effects are not just being forgiven, they include being healed.

The Prayer Over the Offering 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Episode 78: Prayer Over the Offering 12 Sunday in Ordinary Time

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 18 Jun 2024 10:00:00 -0500

In the Sacrament of the Eucharist, we get back what we offer to the Father - which is Jesus. However, there is more to the action than just taking. We need to take and receive. It takes both for us to be changed.

While the prayer has a different intention, you may notice the same offering in the prayers of the Divine Mercy Chaplet, “Eternal Father, I offer you the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your Dearly Beloved Son, Our Lord, Jesus Christ…”

Learn more at LectioTheLiturgy.com

Episode 77: Collect 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 11 Jun 2024 10:00:00 -0500

We can talk the talk, but in this week’s Collect we ask for the grace to walk the walk.

If we want to please God, we need to follow through with the changes we are called to make.

The down side is that our human frailty cannot do it on its own. The up side is that God gives us the grace to succeed.

www.LectioTheLiturgy.com

Episode 76: Collect 10th Sunday of Ordinary Time

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 04 Jun 2024 10:00:00 -0500

This week’s Collect addresses two of the more difficult parts of the Christian life: discerning and doing.

How can I trust that what I hear is from God and what if I’m afraid to step out?

Go back to the beginning: Oh God, from whom all good things come.

Episode 75: Collect Feast of Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 28 May 2024 10:00:00 -0500

There is something very different and yet almost unnoticeable in this week’s prayer. It is not addressed to God the Father, it is addressed to Jesus, and rightly so.

Once we enter into the Mass like we are invited to, we meet Jesus - every time - Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity, and we become a part of Him.

To “do this in memory” takes us to the table of the Last Supper, to the foot of the Cross, and to the Right hand of the Father.

Learn more at LectioTheLiturgy.com

Episode 74: Collect Feast of the Holy Trinity

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 21 May 2024 10:00:00 -0500

What do we do with a Sunday to celebrate one of the greatest mysteries of the Church - the Trinity? Unless God gives us divine revelation, we may never be able to grasp it all.

However, whether we understand it or not, we are made to live in the midst of the Trinity, to grow and flourish in the love that is the divine life of God.

Episode 73: Collect Vigil of Pentecost

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 14 May 2024 10:00:00 -0500

God did not spin the wheel and see what day Pentecost would land on! It was a part of his plan all along, and when I learned about Pentecost, how it was first mentioned in the Old Testament, just maybe the Disciples had a clue.

The original Jewish Holy Day of Pentecost also celebrated the day that God gave Moses the Torah on Mt. Sinai. Notice how God’s glory appeared to both Moses and the Disciples - in fire.

Send your fire today, Lord!

Episode 72: Untitled Episode

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 07 May 2024 10:00:00 -0500

The heavenly realms are ALREADY in us. We aer ALREADY seated with Jesus in heaven.

This changes everything! It changes how we act and what we say, it should also change how we pray.

We are not earthly creatures praying for heaven to come down, we are heavenly creatures bring God’s love to the world.

LectioTheLiturgy.com

Episode 71: Collect 6 Sunday of Easter

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 10:00:00 -0500

Heartfelt devotion is not just a warm fuzzy. It means to go to God exactly as we are, not hiding something, not pretending to “just fine,” not afraid.
It also means that we need to not pick up when we lay at his feet because Jesus has already taken care of it on the cross.

Episode 70: Collect 6 Sunday of Easter

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 10:00:00 -0500

Episode 69: Collect 5th Sunday of Easter

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 10:00:00 -0500

Sure - let God do all the work, but there's one important thing that has to happen first. We have to participate. We've got to cooperate with His plan! So go ahead, get fertilized and put yourself in a bigger pot - see what joys God has for you!

Episode 68: Collect for the 4th Sunday of Easter

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 16 Apr 2024 10:00:00 -0500

We were made and meant to live in the joys of heaven now! How? By letting the Shepherd lead us.

Episode 67: Collect for the 3rd Sunday of Easter

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 09 Apr 2024 10:00:00 -0500

In the prayer, we tell God that with our renewed "youthfulness of spirit" we rejoice forever in our restored adoptioin. "Youthfulness of spirit" is being like a kid again. Let yourself go! Rejoice in our Father's love!

Notice, too, the three times we hear the word rejoice in the prayer. If we're not joyful people, we need to make some changes.

Episode 66: Collect for the 2nd Sunday of Easter

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 10:00:00 -0500

Three things the Church wants us to understand and grasp: the font, the Spirit, and the Blood. Our freedom comes from the womb that is the tomb. Not the tomb of death, but the tomb of Resurrection power.

Episode 65: Collect for Easter Sunday

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 26 Mar 2024 10:00:00 -0500

At Easter Vigil we hear how God opened the doors to set captives free. In the Collect for Easter Mass, we hear how God opened the doors to eternity. They are the same doors!

As Resurrection people, we, too, are made new creatures, called and equipped to carry on the mission of Jesus.

Episode 64: Collect for Palm Sunday

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 19 Mar 2024 10:00:00 -0500

How many times have you been a patient sufferer? How many patient sufferers do you know? What if our patient suffering is what makes us partakers in Resurrection Glory?

I'm not going to ask for extra suffering, but I will use what I have much more efficiently!

Episode 63: Collect 5th Sunday of Lent

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 12 Mar 2024 10:00:00 -0500

Did Jesus need to be convinced or did He eagerly desire to be our salvation? Of those two, which one do we ask for in this week's Collect?

Episode 62: Untitled Episode

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 05 Mar 2024 10:00:00 -0600

Episode 61: Collect 3rd Sunday of Lent

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 27 Feb 2024 10:00:00 -0600

I remember learning about transcendentals a long time ago, so this prayer was a fun refresher.

Originally named by Aquinas and Plato, these original three, truth, beauty, and goodness tell us what God is. (See my blog post for definitions)

It made me think about how often we look for the goodness of God. Something is good when it fulfills what it is intended to do. For example, a car that has terrible gas mileage and doesn’t start is not a good car.

However, God, in his goodness, who fulfills what He is, offers us mercy and when His mercy lifts you up, He lifts you up for good.

Episode 59: Collect 2nd Sunday of Lent

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 20 Feb 2024 10:00:00 -0600

"Listen to Him" wasn't just for Peter, James, and John. Jesus is talking to us, too. God speaks to us in the same ways he spoke to the disciples, we just need to know how to listen and receive.

Check out the verbs in this prayer - how the world would change if we had a heart completely open to receive!

Episode 58: Untitled Episode

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 13 Feb 2024 10:00:00 -0600

In this week's prayer, we find the word "observances" when we pray about this year's holy Lent. Looking at the Latin form of the prayer, however, we don't just observe, for us Lent is an exercise. We are in training.

What our time in Lent should bring forth in us is that we grow in the understanding of the riches hidden in Christ and by worthy conduct pursue their effects.

Remember, that the majory of the Christian life is in the unseen and those are our hidden riches.

Episode 57: Collect 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 06 Feb 2024 10:00:00 -0600

I used a math trick for the prayer this week. In math it is called rearranging equations, where you cross off like numerals on each side of the equals sign to simplify finding the answer.

In the prayer, I crossed off like phrases to get to the heart of the prayer, that we come to rely ONLY on the grace of God.

Your moning tea (or coffee)? It's all grace! (Thanks be to God!)

Episode 56: Prayer after Communion 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 30 Jan 2024 10:00:00 -0600

In this week's prayer, we hear the words, "one Bread," "one Chalice," and "one in Christ." The Father delights when his children can play together, however, we must also realize that there is an enemy that working against us.

Episode 55: Collect for the 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 23 Jan 2024 10:00:00 -0600

Why do we strive to become better versions of ourselves when we really need to consider becoming the person God created us to be? This week's prayer tells us that this process begins in our mind and heart.

Episode 54: Picking dandelions: Collect 3 Sunday in Ordinary Time

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 16 Jan 2024 10:00:00 -0600

Our actions can lead to good works but look at how much greater those good works are when they are done out of love for God and from our own self-sacrifice.

Episode 53: Collect 2 Sunday Ordinary Time

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 09 Jan 2024 10:00:00 -0600

What does it mean when we say that God is all-powerful? It is easy to say, it is also an exciting topic to meditate on.

Episode 52: Collect for the Vigil of the Epiphany of the Lord

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 02 Jan 2024 10:00:00 -0600

We usually read the story of the Epiphany and pay attention to the Magi, but what if we are the star?

Episode 51: Collect Feast of the Holy Family

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 26 Dec 2023 13:30:00 -0600

Imitating the Holy Family is going to take some grace!

Episode 48: Collect 4th Sunday of Advent

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 19 Dec 2023 17:00:00 -0600

What if we were with Mary when the angel appeared to her? This prayer would be our response to the angel when he told Mary that she was full of grace, "I want that, too!"

Episode 50: Collect 4th Sunday of Advent

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 19 Dec 2023 10:00:00 -0600

Just imagine being with Mary when the angel appeared to her. This prayer could be our response when he told Mary that she was full of grace, "I want that, too!"

Episode 47: Collect for the 3rd Sunday of Advent

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 12 Dec 2023 10:00:00 -0600

In a world where waiting has fallen out of fashion, here we are, in a season of waiting. Have you noticed that there is joy and excitement in the waiting? The anticipation of a wedding day or a vacation only come in the waiting.

God wants our waiting for Him to be the same. The next time you go to mass, put yourself in a position of waiting. The anticipation of receiving our Lord in Holy Communion can only be matched by his anticipation of being received by us.

Episode 46: Collect 2nd Sunday in Advent

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 05 Dec 2023 10:00:00 -0600

Episode 45: Beginning Advent in a run

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 28 Nov 2023 10:00:00 -0600

Just think - God gives us righteous deeds to carry out. These deeds have eternal benefits. These deeds form us to be His people, seated at His right hand. Our formation doesn't and can't begin after we die, it begins today.

Episode 44: The Feast we need today

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 21 Nov 2023 10:00:00 -0600

The Collect for the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

Episode 43: Prayer after the Offering 33 Sunday in Ordinary Time

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 14 Nov 2023 07:00:00 -0600

Sacred mysteries are all around us!

Episode 42: Prayer after Communion 32 Sunday Ordinary Time

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 07 Nov 2023 10:00:00 -0600

Episode 40: Prayer after Communion 32 Sunday Ordinary Time

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 07 Nov 2023 10:00:00 -0600

Episode 39: Collect 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 10:00:00 -0500

Episode 38: Rethinking "sincere respect"

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 17 Oct 2023 10:00:00 -0500

Prayer Over the Offering for the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time.

Episode 37: Prayer over the Offering 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 10:00:00 -0500

Episode 36: Under the influence

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 03 Oct 2023 19:00:00 -0500

I would have never guessed the definitions of the key words in this week's prayer. Tell me what you think when you listen.

Episode 35: Prayer Over the Offering 26 Sunday in OT

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 26 Sep 2023 10:00:00 -0500

This week's Prayer Over the Offering:

Grant us, O merciful God, that this our offering may find acceptance with you and that through it the wellspring of all blessing may be laid open before us. Through Christ our Lord.

Episode 34: Prayer Over the Offering 25 Sunday OT

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 10:00:00 -0500

If only we could just relax and let God do his work!

Episode 33: The difference between prayer and supplication

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 12 Sep 2023 10:00:00 -0500

I don't pray prayers of supplication enough. It's easy to pray to God, asking for his favor, however, prayers of supplication require surrender.

Episode 32: Bonus Episode! Hearing God's Voice (with Draw Near)

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Thu, 07 Sep 2023 11:30:00 -0500

If you're a sheep you hear His voice! If you don't think you hear Him, chances are you actually do and these steps will help you not only hear Him, but they will help you recognize the voice of the Shepherd.

Episode 31: The Collect for the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 05 Sep 2023 10:00:00 -0500

We can't be adopted if we aren't redeemed.

Episode 30: Unseen is way more powerful

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 29 Aug 2023 10:00:00 -0500

Here is the link of the video of +Bishop O'Donnel that I mention in this week's podcast.

Episode 29: Prayer after Communion 21st Sunday in OT

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 22 Aug 2023 10:00:00 -0500

This week we Lectio the Liturgy with a great prayer reminding us of God's gentleness.

Episode 28: An offering and an exchange

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 10:00:00 -0500

In the prayer today, we find a reminder of what we receive if we truly mean "Amen."

Episode 27: Prayer after Communion 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 08 Aug 2023 10:00:00 -0500

Episode 26: Collect for the Transfiguration of the Lord

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 01 Aug 2023 10:00:00 -0500

Episode 25: When all that is Christ is opened to us

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 10:00:00 -0500

The Prayer after communion for the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time has a great description of Jesus' greatest gift - Himself in the Eucharist

Episode 24: Prayer over the Offering 16 Sunday in Ordinary Time

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 18 Jul 2023 10:00:00 -0500

Episode 23: Collect 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 11 Jul 2023 10:00:00 -0500

Episode 22: Prayer Over the Offerings 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 04 Jul 2023 10:00:00 -0500

This isn't the first time it's happened. The Divine Mercy Chaplet shows up in a few Propers of the Mass.

Episode 21: Being bound in God's love has benefits!

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 27 Jun 2023 10:00:00 -0500

Episode 20: Definitions you need before the weekend!

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 20 Jun 2023 10:00:00 -0500

Episode 19: Prayer of the Offering, 11 Sunday in Ordinary Time

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 13 Jun 2023 10:00:00 -0500

Episode 18: The Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 06 Jun 2023 10:00:00 -0500

Episode 17: The Most Holy Trinity

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 30 May 2023 10:00:00 -0500

Episode 16: Vigil of Pentecost Prayer After Communion

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 23 May 2023 10:00:00 -0500

Episode 15: Vigil of Pentecost Prayer After Communion

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 23 May 2023 10:00:00 -0500

Episode 14: Living in God's time

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 16 May 2023 10:00:00 -0500

Episode 13: Lectio the Liturgy 6th Sunday of Easter

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 09 May 2023 10:00:00 -0500

Episode 12: Prayer Over the Offerings 5th Sunday of Lent

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 02 May 2023 10:00:00 -0500

Episode 11: Living in a pasture

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 25 Apr 2023 09:45:00 -0500

Love, love the definition of pasture that we find in Psalm 23. I also love how the Prayer After Communion opens up the Scripture for us.

Episode 10: What if getting "more" from Mass means you need to bring a gift?

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 18 Apr 2023 10:00:00 -0500

Episode 9: 2nd Sunday of Easter - Prayer Over the Offering

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 11 Apr 2023 09:45:00 -0500

Episode 8: The Blessing of the Fire - Easter Vigil

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 04 Apr 2023 10:00:00 -0500

By far my favorite liturgy of the year, and it starts off with fire! What's not to love.l

Episode 7: Palm Sunday The Prayer Over the Offering

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 28 Mar 2023 10:00:00 -0500

Episode 6: Becoming the qualities of Christ

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 21 Mar 2023 09:00:00 -0500

Words sometimes don't mean what we think they do, this prayer is an example. Praise God for his patience as he brings us out of ignorance and instills His qualities into us.

Episode 5: The Preface for the 4th Sunday of Lent

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 14 Mar 2023 18:00:00 -0500

Putting ourselves and mankind in the place of the man born blind was a fascinating way to lectio this week's liturgy.

Episode 3: 3rd Sunday of Lent Prayer over the Offering

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Tue, 07 Mar 2023 10:00:00 -0600

2nd Sunday of Lent - Prayer Over the Offering

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Wed, 01 Mar 2023 12:00:00 -0600

In our scripture readings for the Second Sunday of Lent, we see heaven on earth. The Gospel tells us of the Transfiguration of the Lord. Jesus turns dazzling white and Elijah and Moses appear on the mountain. We also find heaven on earth in the Prayer over the Offering.

As we receive these glorious mysteries, we make thanksgiving to you, O Lord, for allowing us while still on earth to be partakers even now of the things of heaven. Through Christ our Lord.

We receive. In this prayer we learn that thanksgiving should be in our minds and on our tongues as we receive glorious mysteries.

Our glorious mysteries are the bread and wine, that through the working of the Holy Spirit become the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus Christ. This is where the natural world meets the supernatural. While still on earth, we are partakers, or sharers, of things of heaven.

To receive, or "percipientes" in the Latin form of the prayer, means to take to oneself or to take in wholly.
What happens when human nature receives the Divine? The word that comes to mind is fruit.

Mary received the words of Gabriel when she said “May it be done to me.” Human met the Divine and Jesus came into the world. (Luke 1 and 2)

In Acts 1:8 Jesus tells the Apostles that when they receive the Holy Spirit they will also receive His power. They would be witnesses to the work that He wants to do through them. They chose to receive.

How do you change when you receive the Divine? Just like Mary and the Apostles, we, too, should bear fruit.

If you want to see more fruit in your life, I propose that you re-think the prayer, fasting, and almsgiving of Lent. Yes, these are things that we do, but the true purpose of doing these things is to receive. The Christian life is based on receiving.

Jesus died and rose again so our sins could be forgiven. We only need to receive his forgiveness.

Our relationship with God also requires us to be in a position to receive. He doesn’t want our hands busy doing, trying to earn his love, he wants them open to receive. Our prayer, fasting, and almsgiving should put us in a position to receive.

The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass also gives us the opportunity to receive. At every mass, the natural world is overshadowed by the Divine. As we receive the glorious mysteries, our hearts should be filled with thanksgiving as God gives us, while still on earth, a taste of heaven.

Thank you for praying with me,
Julie

1st Sunday of Lent - Prayer After Communion

julie@lectiotheliturgy.com (Julie Storr) — Wed, 22 Feb 2023 23:00:00 -0600

This week we Lectio the Liturgy with the Prayer after Communion for the first Sunday of Lent.

Renewed now with heavenly bread, by which faith is nourished, hope increased, and charity strengthened, we pray, O Lord, that we may learn to hunger for Christ, the true and living Bread, and strive to live by every word which proceeds from your mouth. Through Christ our Lord.

The prayer shows another facet of the beauty of receiving Communion. When we receive the Eucharist, we are renewed and gain greater capacity for the theological virtues, faith, hope, and charity. God gives us these virtues, which enable us to act as His children. We can’t earn them; they are a gift.

To have faith nourished, hope increased, and charity strengthened is a blessing that I haven’t thought much about when I receive communion. Perhaps it’s because there’s so much in this Sacrament: spiritual food, the Body of Christ, our own identity as the mystical body of Christ, and now greater virtues is added to the list. I’m quite confident that we won’t have the complete understanding of the Eucharist until we get to Heaven, when we won’t need to receive communion anymore.

In the next part of the prayer, we ask God that we may learn to hunger for Christ, the true and living bread. These words mean exactly what they say: learn to desire to eat genuine, alive, bread.

It is an interesting thought, isn’t it? True and living, genuine and alive bread. Heavenly bread. The Eucharist. Bread we can’t live without. Bread we should hunger for.

Have you ever had a realization that you can’t wait for the weekend just so you can go to mass? Have you ever felt a hunger for Christ? It’s not a typical physical hunger. This is the type of hunger that makes us realize that we have a desire that only God can satisfy.

This is not the hunger that Satan tempted Jesus with when he met Jesus in the desert. Jesus had fasted for 40 days and Satan is sure he’s wanting to eat. He approaches Jesus with this challenge: change the stone into bread. In his response, Jesus’s quotes Moses in Deuteronomy 8:3. Before entering into the Promised Land, Moses gave the Israelites a review of their desert wanderings. He reminds them that during their journey, God caused them to be hungry and fed them with manna to teach them that "man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.”

We rely on physical food, but do we remind ourselves that we also rely on spiritual food? Just like the Israelites, we, too, live on the word of God, the Scriptures. We also live on the Word of God, his Son, the Eucharist.

Perhaps the challenge lies in learning to desire God. St. Augustine wrote, "The entire life of a good Christian is in fact an exercise of holy desire. You do not yet see what you long for, but the very act of desiring prepares you, so that when he comes you may see and be utterly satisfied.” (Tract 4, Tractates on the first letter of John)

Life is filled with desires, some are good for us and some are not. St. Augustine adds that when we continue to desire, we shall be filled. We just need to pay attention to what it is we desire. Jesus was tempted and won the battle. May we trust in his grace for our own victory to desire the word and the Word that comes from the mouth of God.

Thanks for praying with me,
Julie