Step #1: Lectio / ReadClick 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. Step #2: Meditatio / MeditateUse the following meditation to help you reflect more deeply on the Scripture (you may want to read the passage again). Have you written a research paper lately? I always struggled with the bibliography. We all know that whenever you write a research paper it’s important that we have good quality sources that provide accurate information on the topic. In the most recent school I attended, using Wikipedia, certain authors, blogs, or some media sources were at times seen as questionable sources for accurate information; often times the material provided, lacked accuracy. In the first reading today from the Acts of the Apostles, a Jew named Apollos spoke and taught accurately about Jesus, but it was in a somewhat limited way. So, Priscilla and Aquila came along, they listened to him speak, and then they took him aside and explained to him the Way of God more accurately. Our daily lives are bombarded with information, and regarding our Catholic faith often times we’re given crazy and outright inaccurate information about the person of Jesus. From TV shows, movies, books, Wikipedia, televangelists, school teachers, friends and even family members may know and share some things about Jesus, but at times it can be far from accurate information. Today and moving forward we are invited to turn our attention to the best sources for information about Jesus and the Catholic faith. When was the last time we searched the Catechism, referred to a Church document, flipped through the YOU CAT, quizzed a priest, or sat down with Sacred Scriptures to find an answer to those questions we might ponder? We have been promised by Jesus that the Holy Spirit will be with His Church in order to provide the fullness of truth. Faith wavers, people stumble, and grades plummet when we use questionable sources. May we always seek to learn and know the Way of God accurately with good quality sources. Step #3: Oratio / PrayThese 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. Where or to whom do you go for accurate information regarding the faith? Where are you going to learn more about your faith? Have you encountered or heard something that seemed contradictory to the Catholic faith? How did you respond? How do you spread the truth of your faith? Do you explain the whole truth, or do you hold things back? Step #4: Contemplatio / ContemplateIn 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. "Teach me, Lord." "Guide me in your ways." "Seek the truth." Step #5: Actio / ActIn 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? Think of a question or topic about the Catholic faith that intrigues. Spend some time today learning more about that topic using the Bible, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, or the Youcat. Smartphone Lock ScreenThe 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. John McNamara, priest of the Diocese of Rockford.
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