Carpe Verbum
  • About
  • Join
  • Contact
Picture

CARPE VERBUM


Turn Back

1/31/2020

 

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.
2 SAMUEL 11:1-4A, 5-10A, 13-17

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).
A man after God’s own heart. Except when he makes some of the biggest mistakes in Scripture. Today we see the humanness of one of the greatest characters in the Old Testament. I used to find it weird when I read stories like this in the Bible, but I have started to realize how important it is.

Honestly, I am my own worst critic. I know my sins better than anyone else and oftentimes that can be pretty discouraging. While others may see me as a “man after God’s own heart," I often feel more like the man a slave to my own heart. And I know I am not alone. I know we all feel this way, when we mess up or let our hearts focus on something else. And then you read a story like this one today.

Maybe you are like David and are struggling with lust or selfishness. Maybe you are struggling with greed or envy. Maybe it is pride or laziness. It doesn’t really matter what your vice is, we all sin, we all fall short. No matter how much our heart is striving to follow God, we aren’t perfect. Today’s story tells us that is okay. Well, that imperfection is okay at least. See David’s sin lead to more sin and then to more sin, and this is the cycle we often get caught in as well. And it could have ruined David, just like it can ruin us. The more comfortable we get with sin, the more slippery that slope gets.

Sin is not the end of the story though, our mistakes are not the end. God is merciful and always gives us a chance for redemption. Eventually, David confessed his sin and was able to turn his heart back to God. We have to do this as well to break the cycle that sin creates. That is why Confession is such a great gift for us, the chance to safely and confidently separate ourselves from sin and turn our hearts back to God.

So next time you are struggling with falling short, don’t let the cycle of sin keep you down. Realize that brokenness and imperfection are natural and pick yourself up, turn your heart back to God, and keep striving for greatness.

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.
Are you your own worst critic when it comes to the spiritual life? Not believing what other believe say is true about you?

Do you get caught up in all the things you've done wrong, thinking that they're too much for God to forgive you? Or too big to change and fix?

When was the last time you went to confession? Do you make it a regular practice in your life?

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.
"I'm sorry Lord."

"I love you Lord."

"I'm turning back to 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?
Take time today to examine your conscience. Where have you fallen short? Where have you done well? It's not enough to only examine the things we've done wrong and have contrition for them ... that's important. It's also important to recognize the things we've done well and praise the Lord with them. 

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.
Picture

Today's prayer was prepared by Sean Norris, a theology teacher at JSerra Catholic High School in Orange County, CA. 

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.

Light of Christ

1/30/2020

 

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.
Mark 4:21-25

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).
​In every Catholic parish, the light of Christ burns brightly every Easter Vigil and scatters the darkness that surrounds us. The Paschal Candle that symbolizes the Lord Jesus, triumphant in conquering death and sin is relit every time a son or a daughter is reborn in baptism. Every baptized person shares the resurrection of Jesus and the light of His triumph.

Jesus said to his disciples, “Is a lamp brought in to be placed under a bushel basket or under a bed, and not to be placed on a lamp stand?” The gift of light that we received in our baptism, do we keep it in or should we use it to bring the light of Jesus in our surroundings?

This light that we received needs to be reignited by a relationship with Jesus. He is the light that never ends, without prayer, without friendship with Him, our light is bound to fail. Jesus desires to keep our light reignited. The more we let that light shine, the more He increases it in us.

Today, let us be Christ’s light to those who surround us. There is a lot of darkness in many lives. Let us share with them the light of Jesus with our loving actions, with our joy. 

May Jesus be today the light of our life.

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 are  you letting the light of Christ shine on to your surroundings?

Do you allow Christ to burn brightly through you? Are you allowing Him to increase in you through friendship and prayer with Him?

How can you increase the flame of Jesus within you?

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 are my light."

"You are my life."

​"Live in me, Lord."

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?
Today, let the love of Christ shine through you. It can be difficult to confidently radiate Jesus to all those you encounter, but today, let that light of Christ burn brightly for all to see. Ask God to give you the grace you need to increase the fire in your heart and to share His love through your actions. Trust that He is with you always. 

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.
Picture

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.

A Place to Dwell

1/29/2020

 

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.
2 Samuel 7:4-17

​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).

​As a magazine editor, I always am thinking about words.

And I’m always thinking about words that would make a good magazine name for cover copy or a new entrepreneurial adventure.

One word that I have been stuck on for the past few weeks has been the word “dwell.”

There’s something about it that’s minimalistic and simple, but it says so much. And maybe it’s the double “L,” but it looks so appealing to me too.

Where we dwell is where we reside. But the connotation of it to me is it’s a place where we stay. A place we find rest and find comfort. A place that simply isn’t shelter, but a home. A place that lets us rest so we can be fully ourselves and fully alive when we leave it.

Of course, it’s already a magazine title (as many of my favorite words are). The brand Dwell focuses on modern living, home design ideas and inspirations, and using “the power of good design to enhance our lives and to build stronger communities.” It’s a place for architects and home enthusiasts to ponder and find creativity to enhance the places in which we live.

In today’s first reading the Lord gave a message to David via Nathan, starting with, “Should you build me a house to dwell in?”

The Israelites had been wandering in the desert after leaving Egypt, with the Lord of Hosts “in a tent under cloth.”

The Lord didn’t utter a word about it, He said, but helped the Israelites “destroy the enemies” before them and be with them “wherever they went.”

But, the Lord continues, that He will give them rest from their enemies.

“I will fix a place for my people Israel;
I will plant them so that they may dwell in their place
without further disturbance.”
…
“It is he who shall build a house for my name.”

Even the Lord wants a home and a place to rest. That is one beauty of the Catholic Church, and the home we have for Jesus in the tabernacle in our churches.

The Lord also has a home in our hearts, wherever He leads us and wherever we wander.

But the Lord also wanted a place for his chosen people: A place where they could stay, a place they could dwell.

Is your home a place you can dwell? Is there a place in your home that can bring peace, rest and quiet from the turbulent outside world?

This Sunday during his homily, our priest talked about giving the Bible a prominent place in our homes.

Is your Bible somewhere you can see – do you even know where it is? Is your Bible in a place where you can touch out and reach it in moments of turmoil and distress? Is it in a place of honor and respect?

Is your home a place where you are free from your enemies – or are you inviting them inside your home, whether it be in the form of violent video games or pornography?

Is it a place that restores you and allows you to be fully alive and ready for life when you leave it?

Let’s make our homes a place where we can dwell. Let us cultivate it to be a place where we can stay and be protected from the outside world – and a place where the Lord can then dwell with us, abide in us and offer His protection.

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.
​
Where can I dwell with the Lord?

​How can I make my home a place where Christ is more visible?

Do I need to free my home of any sinful objects, actions, or dangers that might be hindering my relationship with Christ? 

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.
​
"Dwell with me."

"Build me a house."

​"Peace, rest, quiet."

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?
​
Place a holy image somewhere prominent in your room or locker or another place where you will frequently see it. Every time you see the image, take a moment to invite the Lord to dwell with you.

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.
Picture

Today's prayer was prepared by Andrea Scott, a writer and editor based in Washington, D.C. 

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.

Rejoice!

1/28/2020

 

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. 
2 Samuel 6:12B-15, 17-19

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).
​I was not familiar with this passage from 2 Samuel, so I went back to the bible and read a bit around it, as well as some footnotes and cross-references. I now understand that these events happened after they attempted to transport the ark of God on a new cart (which was forbidden) by people who were not of the family of Koath (which was also forbidden). While that was happening, David and others danced and rejoiced because they thought what they were doing was good, efficient, and pleasing to God (though was actually disobeying God).

When one of the oxen stumbled, Uzzah, one of the people transporting the ark on the new cart, reached out to stop the ark from falling off (though it was forbidden to touch the ark). God instantly struck Uzzah down because of his insensitiveness to the sacredness of the ark (which was much more than a reflex reaction to stop it from falling). David was angry and confused about God striking down Uzzah, and decided to leave the ark of God with Obed-Edom, who was of the family of Koath (the family that was not forbidden to carry/care for the ark), for several months until David learned that God blessed that family for having the ark in their home (thus, obeying God).

When we get to today’s first reading, we see David rejoicing more than he was during the first attempt of transporting the ark and giving more frequent and more extravagant offerings to the Lord than was necessary. Once the ark was successfully brought in and put in its place, David continued to make offerings to the Lord and shared a meal with all of the people present.

It may seem tempting to think that there are more “efficient” or “practical” or “relevant” ways to do God’s will in our present day and age than what was originally passed down through our Catholic faith and Tradition. David thought that it would be better to transport the ark on a new and improved cart rather than the way God commanded them to. God was clearly not happy with them disobeying his commands, but notice how quickly God’s anger turned to mercy once they repented and did what was right.

God’s love and mercy is so great and present the moment we turn towards Him, and isn’t that something to rejoice about? The Old Testament seems to have all sorts of occasions for making offerings and celebrating with dancing and feasts; although it may look very different nowadays, the concept still remains.

When was the last time you celebrated- truly celebrated- the great love and mercy of God? Let’s not take anything for granted. The life and death of Jesus Christ was no small matter; let us pay Him homage and celebrate with thanksgiving this second chance we were given to choose God!

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 I fall into the same way of thinking that David did- that I can do things better my own way than God's way?

Where in my life have I seen God's mercy instead of his judgment? How can I look for mercy more?

When was the last time I celebrated all that God has done for me? How can I bring more gratitude and celebration into my life 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.
"Have mercy on me, Lord."

"Thank you, Jesus."

​"Not my will, but your will."

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?
Find a way to celebrate God's love and mercy in your life today: maybe through feasting and treating yourself to something special to eat or pampering yourself in a small way, gathering with friends to celebrate in a community, or spend extra time in prayer thanking God for his love.

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.
Picture

Today's prayer was prepared by Katie LoBosco, a music therapist for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Cincinnati.

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.
<<Previous

    Archives

    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016


    RSS Feed

Picture
  • About
  • Join
  • Contact