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). Today we celebrate the birthday of our Mother, the most beautiful daughter of the God, the Blessed Virgin Mary. Her birth signals something important for all of us. For indeed for someone chosen by God and was full of grace, every event in her life projects that grace for all of us. As a chosen daughter of Israel, she gave birth to the Author of all grace so that all of us can be freed from our own slavery. Mary, the New Eve’s birth is the beginning of the rebirth of humanity in Christ, the New Adam. She is never separated from Christ. All of Mary is given to Jesus and for Jesus. Her sole purpose and mission is to be the bearer and lover of Jesus, from His conception until His death, and continues even after His death and resurrection. As we celebrate the birthday of Mary, the Gospel reading speaks of the birth of Jesus. The Church recognizes that Mary’s birth is all about Jesus’ birth. All of Jesus’ physical body and traits are one hundred percent from Mary. The birth of Mary is a total preparation for the physical birth of Jesus. Today is a day to reflect how much of me is about Jesus? Am I all for Jesus or Am I all for myself? Mary gave all for Jesus. You and I are expected to do the same, nothing less. Just like Mary’s life is for Jesus, you and I are to give everything to Jesus. 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. Are you all in for Jesus? What is holding you back? Do you look to Mary as an example of faithfulness? How can you be more like her? How much of you is for Jesus? 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. "I am all in." "Jesus I give you everything." "Mary pray for me." 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? Today read the beginning of Luke and Mary's yes, where she gave it all to the Lord. Ask Jesus to help you be more like His mother. 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. Ervin Caliente, priest of the Diocese of Rockford.
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. Comments are closed.
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