A Real Conversation

3/15/2020

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.

John 4:5-42

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).

The Samaritan woman is alone at the well around noon. You may already know that this would have been an odd time to be drawing water from the well. Middle Eastern cultures tend not to do much around noon - the sun can be brutal at that time. Instead, women would more likely draw water for the day earlier in the morning while the sun was low. She's alone at the well, and it becomes pretty obvious why during her conversation with Jesus. She has had five husbands, and is likely a social outcast because of that.

Or perhaps she hasn't been shunned from the community. Perhaps she has pulled herself away from friends and family because she doesn't think she deserves their company because of the life she is living.

Sin is isolating. It makes us feel alone, drives us to be alone, to feel as if we don't deserve love or compassion. Either the effects of sin punish us, or we punish ourselves in a vain attempt to earn forgiveness.

Jesus Christ changes all of this.

He knows who this woman is. He knows all of her sin and he is not ashamed to go to her and be with her. He's compassionate, but he also draws her sin out into the light. He does this, not to shame her, but to set her free.

Maybe your sin has forced you to be alone. Maybe you've forced yourself to be alone after sinning. Maybe it feels like you've been living a double life and the real you, the hidden you, is unlovable. Jesus doesn't see you like that and he doesn't want you to see yourself like that. He knows you and all of your sin and he loves you. He wants to set you free. So maybe, this lent, it's time to have a real conversation with Jesus, one that you've been putting off for a while. You don't need to be alone any longer.

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.

What is one thing in your life that sometimes causes you to isolate yourself from others?

How has your sin isolated you currently or in the past?

How can you let Jesus heal that today?

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.

"Here I am Lord."

"Come Holy Spirit."

"Jesus I trust in you."

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?

Have a real conversation with Jesus today. Tell him the darkest secrets on your heart and let him give you the eternal water from the well of forgiveness.

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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 Fr. Anthony Sciarappa who was ordained in 2016 and is a priest of the Diocese of Pittsburgh.

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