Abundance

4/23/2020

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 3:31-36

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).

“He does not ration his gift.” Man oh man if that doesn’t hit right to the heart. “He does not ration his gift.” I think maybe this line strikes me so much because if I’m being honest with myself, I often act as though I believe that God does, in fact, ration his gifts. As though there’s a limited supply of grace or of love; as though I have to prove I’m worthy of it, earn it, if I’m going to be a recipient of it.

But I love this gentle reminder from John the Baptist today, this reminder that reveals to us the reality that our God doesn’t know how to ration - he doesn’t know what it is to give out only in half portions. He is a God of abundance. It is within his very nature to give us always more than we could expect, always more than we could deserve, always more than we could ever dream of.

This reality is at the very heart of the Easter message, is it not? The sin of Adam and Eve, casts humanity out of right relationship with God. It would be enough, it would be plenty, if the Lord had just seen fit to restore that which had been broken. But true to his character, he gave us more.

Through the Passion, death, and Resurrection of Christ, our relationship with God is not merely restored, it is transformed into something even greater than what Adam and Eve experienced. This is why the Church sings out during the Easter Vigil, “Oh happy fault, which gained for us so great a Redeemer!” It is a song a celebration over God’s abundance and generosity.

In every season of our lives, my friends, God wants to give us more.

So whatever it is that you desire from the Lord today (whether it’s pease, patience, joy, clarity, wisdom, understanding), rest assured that he wants to give it to you... and so much more. I pray that our God of abundance would pour out his generosity into your heart today and that you might be open and willing to receive it. Amen.

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.

How do you view God's grace? Do you feel as though you have to earn it or prove your worthiness?

Do you see him as the God of abundance? How can you grow in trust and understanding that God will never ration his grace and love for you?

What do you desire of God 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.

"You never hold back."

"Pour out your grace."

"Lord, I need 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?

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 during coronavirus:

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.

Smartphone Lock Screen

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 Lauren Wright, a Youth Minister in Rockford, IL.

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