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). "For human beings it is impossible, but not for God. All things are possible for God." Take a second and reread that last sentence. All things are possible for God. What a beautiful thought and truth. There are so many times when we can look around and feel quite hopeless. In today's Gospel, we hear the commandments. Then we hear that we need to sell our belongings. Then we hear how incredibly difficult it is to enter the Kingdom of God if we are rich. The people at the time were focused on the I. I need to stop doing these things that are against the commandments. I have to sell all my belongings. It's no wonder that at one point, they just stop and ask Jesus "how is this even possible?" And they are right to feel a little exasperated. Mostly because they are focusing on the I and not Jesus. We follow the commandments and leave behind our belongings because we are following God; we are in love with a person. We are choosing a life lived for Christ. And apart from Him, of course, it's going to seem super hard and almost impossible. Because we are human. We have many weaknesses. But for God. He sees possibilities. He sees the whole picture. He doesn't just see the one moment. For Him, all things are possible. When we give our lives to Him and leave behind our possessions, old ways of doing things, and more, He can do seemingly impossible things. There is so much hope in this passage. Peter, good ol' Peter, is so bold with our Lord. He basically says, "Lord, we have done those things and followed you." The Lord replies, which I imagine He does with a smile because He knows their hearts, that He will not forget them. He knows and will magnify our hearts and bring us into the Kingdom of God with Him. It's such a beautiful hope. And I think we can all agree that we could use some hope and some light today. All things are possible for God. If we follow His way, we too can do impossible things with Him. 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. What are some things in your life right now that are only possible with God? How do you think you can grow if you really believe that all things are possible with God? Do you trust yourself more, or God more? Why? 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. "Jesus I trust in You." "Come Holy Spirit." "I give it all to you God." 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? Try praying first. Let prayer be your first response before you try to do things on your own. Be humble and let God work first, even in the small things, and then you will be able to let Him do wondrous things in the big things. 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 Megan Kramer, a parishioner at St. Mary's Parish in Huntley, 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. Comments are closed.
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