A Change of Plans

3/19/2020

Step #1: Lectio / Read

Click the link below or open your Bible to the passage and read through the reading at least once, paying attention to what is happening in the text.

Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24A

Step #2: Meditatio / Meditate

Use the following meditation to help you reflect more deeply on the Scripture (you may want to read the passage again).

Happy solemnity of St. Jospeh! He shows us humility and faith through uncertain times in ways that are no less than inspiring. There's a lot we can relate to and we can really learn from his example.

I bet St. Joseph had a great plan for his life before he was betrothed to our Blessed Mother Mary. He had a career and a life, friends and family. One day, however, all his plans were changed. His betrothed was pregnant and he was not the father. Now I bet he never expected that to happen. His simple solution was to get a divorce and embarrass Mary as little as possible, but God had other plans for Joseph. The Lord communicated in a dream that there was a divine plan through all of this, that while this all may be unexpected and even painful for Joseph, God was working and in control. Joseph trusted God and followed the divine will which brought salvation to all men, even though in doing so, Joseph had to give up his plans for his life.

I think a lot of people can relate to what Joseph went through. Schools are closing, semesters are ending, people are distancing, and almost nothing is going to plan because of Covid-19. But do not be afraid and do not wallow, God always has a good plan for your life. Your plan for for 2020 may have been thrown way of course, but give it up to God. He always brings some kind of good out of difficult situations and He is working in your life right now. Trust that the Lord is with you and has great plans for you. Follow St. Joseph's example and follow where the Lord leads you, even if it means humbly giving up your plans and walking by faith.

Step #3: Oratio / Pray

These questions are to be used to talk to God; have a conversation with the Lord about these questions and what is going on in your heart as you pray today.

In what ways is the Lord inviting you to trust His plans and surrender your own to Him?

How can you follow St. Joseph's example of humble faith and trust through these trying times?

What areas of your heart are you holding back from God? How can you invite Him in and grow in your relationship?

Step #4: Contemplatio / Contemplate

In this step, you listen. Stop talking, let God speak to your heart. You may repeat one of these short phrases to focus your mind on the Lord.

"I trust in you."

"I will follow you."

"Lead me, Lord."

Step #5: Actio / Act

In light of today's reading and your time spent in prayer with the Lord, what concrete action or actions will you take to let this encounter with the Lord bear fruit in you today?

In this difficult time, we will use our Action step each day to join with people around the world in praying for an end to the pandemic of the Coronavirus, for the healing of all those affected, and for the comfort of all those who have lost a loved one. The prayer below is from Archbishop José H. Gomez, President of the USCCB in his reflection and prayer:

Holy Virgin of Guadalupe,
Queen of the Angels and Mother of the Americas.
We fly to you today as your beloved children.
We ask you to intercede for us with your Son,
as you did at the wedding in Cana.

Pray for us, loving Mother,
and gain for our nation and world,
and for all our families and loved ones,
the protection of your holy angels,
that we may be spared the worst of this illness.

For those already afflicted,
we ask you to obtain the grace of healing and deliverance.
Hear the cries of those who are vulnerable and fearful,
wipe away their tears and help them to trust.

In this time of trial and testing,
teach all of us in the Church to love one another and to be patient and kind.
Help us to bring the peace of Jesus to our land and to our hearts.

We come to you with confidence,
knowing that you truly are our compassionate mother,
health of the sick and cause of our joy.

Shelter us under the mantle of your protection,
keep us in the embrace of your arms,
help us always to know the love of your Son, Jesus. Amen.

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The following image is here for you to save and use as a background or lock screen on your smartphone or device to help you carry today's Lectio Divina with you the rest of the day.

Today's prayer was prepared by Mary Griffin, a Vagabond Missionary in Greenville, NC.

If you have anything you'd like our team to pray for, please go to the page of our website called "Prayers" and let us know how we can pray for you today.

CARPE VERBUM