CARPE VERBUM
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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). A common practice among many businesses is the custom of having an “open door” policy for its employees. Its purpose is that every manager's door is open to all the employees encouraging open communication with the boss. Let’s leave the strict business definition aside and think about how “open door” policies affect our daily lives. One way it plays out is when people come and go in our homes as they please. As a teenager, I remember one friend in particular had an open door policy at all times; we could come and go as much as we wanted, but eventually the door got so beat up over the years from the traffic that it could barely even close and it had to be replaced. It was a door, but not a very good door. Now let’s look beyond doors in the literal sense, but think about all the areas of our daily life that have a sort of “open door” policy...whether it is Facebook, grocery stores, restaurants, friendships, movie theaters, DVD players on the TV, etc. In our modern day culture we can basically enter through the doors of many different things that offer us their attention, communication, comfort, and supposed security; some great, others perhaps not so good. In the book of Revelation today, St. John tells us about a vision of an “open door” to heaven! He goes on to describe all the beauty of heaven with all of God’s creation praising the One who sits on the throne. Who is the one on the throne? Jesus Christ! Who is the door to heaven? Jesus Christ! Who has an “open door” policy with us? Jesus Christ! There is no greater gift in our lives than the gift of God the Father sending His Son to be the “door” that opens the pathway to our salvation. Recall that the door to heaven was closed prior to Jesus’ passion, death, and resurrection, but now there is an “open door” policy for those who wish to enter. Certainly doors have a purpose of keeping things out, but let’s think of the more Christian perspective on doors...they are meant to let people in. Jesus is the door to eternal life. Let’s honestly reflect...Are there any other doors in our lives that are receiving more frequent in and out than the One Door which truly matters? 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. Do you take the Lord up on his open door policy and openly communicate with Him on a regular basis? Do you have an open door policy with the people around you? Are you open to inviting new people into your life, listening to and supporting them, and speaking to them about your faith? Are there any other doors in your life that are receiving more frequent in and out than the One Door which truly matters? 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, you are the way." "Jesus, you are the path to salvation." "Jesus, you are the door to eternal life." 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 Lord bear fruit in you today? Pray about the ways in which you need to have more of an "open door" policy in your life, both in your relationship with others and in your relationship with the Lord. 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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