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). As we continue through the Acts of Apostles in this Easter season, we come upon the work of Philip the deacon (not to be confused with Philip the Apostle). A newly made deacon, he had been preaching to the masses in Samaria when he was called by God to bring the good news of Jesus to a single man, the Ethiopian eunuch. As a eunuch, this man would not have been able to be circumcised to become a fully member of the Jewish faith. That doesn’t stop him, of course, from worshipping God in Jerusalem and reading the Hebrew scriptures. I am always inspired by those who seek truth wherever they can find it and approach that task humbly. Directed by an angel, Philip approaches the eunuch and recognizes that he is reading about Isaiah’s Suffering Servant. In the time of Isaiah and for the Israelites, this wouldn’t have been a reference to Jesus, but would have been interpreted perhaps as some messianic figure or even Israel herself. In his private study, the eunuch learned that the prophets speak in different ways about different persons, telling us that he has a very thoughtful mind. He recognizes the fact the Scripture does not interpret itself, but needs the aid of some lens, some key to understand its fullness. Philip knows he has THE key, Jesus Christ, but notice how unassumingly he addresses the eunuch. He doesn’t tell him “I have all the answers”, but he recognizes the eunuch’s desire for truth. This is important for us as evangelizers, that we learn to see the search in others and not bulldoze it with knowledge. Even better is the eunuch’s confession of ignorance that opens himself up for learning. Truly, he who seeks shall find. It’s then that Philip opens up the Scriptures and preaches the good news of Jesus in the light of all of salvation history. Not only that, but the eunuch can now begin to see his entire life in the light of Christ. This is so essential for all of us, and something that we often do a poor job of. It can be easy to go through and see things that happen to us just as they seem to be or even in a negative light. We read life like the eunuch read Isaiah – desiring truth but without the right tools. On this side of the Resurrection, we have the ability to seeing everything anew in the person of Jesus Christ, finding where he is at work in our life. It takes admitting ignorance while seeking, and usually requires the help of another. However, being able to identify Jesus’ action in our daily lives is what leads us to greater faith, hope, love, and, like the eunuch being baptized, ultimately salvation. When we have this ability to apprehend, nothing can prevent us from fullness of life in Jesus himself. 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. In what ways are you seeking truth in humility? What questions do you have that you are seeking answers for or struggling to understand? How often do you identify Jesus' action in your daily life? Do you ask for his help in finding truth? How have you seen Jesus calling you to grow in faith, hope and love throughout this time of quarantine? 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. "Lord, I trust you." "Help me to understand." "Lead me closer to you." 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? In this difficult time, we will use our Action step each day to join with people around the world in praying for an end to the pandemic of the Coronavirus, for the healing of all those affected, and for the comfort of all those who have lost a loved one. The prayer below is from Archbishop José H. Gomez, President of the USCCB in his reflection and prayer: Holy Virgin of Guadalupe, Queen of the Angels and Mother of the Americas. We fly to you today as your beloved children. We ask you to intercede for us with your Son, as you did at the wedding in Cana. Pray for us, loving Mother, and gain for our nation and world, and for all our families and loved ones, the protection of your holy angels, that we may be spared the worst of this illness. For those already afflicted, we ask you to obtain the grace of healing and deliverance. Hear the cries of those who are vulnerable and fearful, wipe away their tears and help them to trust. In this time of trial and testing, teach all of us in the Church to love one another and to be patient and kind. Help us to bring the peace of Jesus to our land and to our hearts. We come to you with confidence, knowing that you truly are our compassionate mother, health of the sick and cause of our joy. Shelter us under the mantle of your protection, keep us in the embrace of your arms, help us always to know the love of your Son, Jesus. Amen. 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 Kevin Gregus, a seminarian for the Archdiocese of Chicago.
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. 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 few months ago I sat bedside of a ninety year old man who was preparing for death. He had never been baptized and apparently never had much interest in the faith throughout his life. Well, in the days leading up to my visit - by the grace of God, and the prayers of his family, this man opened his heart to the Lord and requested the sacraments. That bright Saturday morning when I visited, he was baptized, confirmed and received his first and last reception of Holy Communion. He “came to Jesus” in the closing days of his life on earth and the Lord did not reject him. A true moment of grace! In the Gospel today, Jesus says, “I will not reject anyone who comes to me.” St. Mother Theresa would say, “Jesus never said - get away from me. He always said - come to me.” The Lord has incredible graces in store for those who “come to Him.” Now we might have to take a slightly different approach than normal due to the restrictions on sacramental encounters at this time, but nonetheless, let us accept His invitation to “come to Him,” to “turn towards Him” and experience a true moment of grace. Jesus loves you! 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 have I witness or experienced a "moment of grace" this month? Have I been moving towards Jesus or running away from Jesus? Why? What fears do I have about approaching Jesus? How will I work towards healing those fears? 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. "Come to me." "Turn to God." "I am the bread of 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 the Lord bear fruit in you today? In this difficult time, we will use our Action step each day to join with people around the world in praying for an end to the pandemic of the Coronavirus, for the healing of all those affected, and for the comfort of all those who have lost a loved one. The prayer below is from Archbishop José H. Gomez, President of the USCCB in his reflection and prayer: Holy Virgin of Guadalupe, Queen of the Angels and Mother of the Americas. We fly to you today as your beloved children. We ask you to intercede for us with your Son, as you did at the wedding in Cana. Pray for us, loving Mother, and gain for our nation and world, and for all our families and loved ones, the protection of your holy angels, that we may be spared the worst of this illness. For those already afflicted, we ask you to obtain the grace of healing and deliverance. Hear the cries of those who are vulnerable and fearful, wipe away their tears and help them to trust. In this time of trial and testing, teach all of us in the Church to love one another and to be patient and kind. Help us to bring the peace of Jesus to our land and to our hearts. We come to you with confidence, knowing that you truly are our compassionate mother, health of the sick and cause of our joy. Shelter us under the mantle of your protection, keep us in the embrace of your arms, help us always to know the love of your Son, Jesus. Amen. 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.
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. Step #2: Meditatio / MeditateUse the following meditation to help you reflect more deeply on the Scripture (you may want to read the passage again).
What does it look like to be a Christian? The Resurrection happened, the Holy Spirit descended, but now what? We learn how to be, by looking to those who came before us. I think we don't often enough turn back to our own stories, our own story of how we began to live in relationship with Jesus. Take a moment before you keep reading; if you were asked to share a few minute witness about what brought you to the faith in a real way- what would you say? As you recall your story, it may be you sneaking off into the silence with Jesus despite all the bad examples around you...but more likely your witness is packed with a few incredible witnesses. Many of us can call to mind in gratitude some personal Christian heroes, who lived in authenticity, generosity, and strength. They chose to give themselves to the Lord, and in their choice you, too, have been shown a way by which you could begin to dig deeper with the Lord. These may be your parents, grandparents, teachers, dare I hope even your priests. However, as members of the family that is the Body of Christ, we have some even older ancestors in the faith who we can look to as we strive to live Christianity to its fullness. That brings me to a few of my personal heroes. For me, if Christianity is true, we have to give a resounding yes in every act of faith. Today is the feast day of St. Louis de Montfort who had incredible devotion to our Lady; he wrote some of the most compelling work about our Mother, founded in the rich Scriptural history of our Lady. If we think about it though, what was one of the greatest witnesses to faith Mary gave us? She said yes. Despite fear, she did not reject what God was offering her- which by her yes the world was graced with the God man who gave His life up for us. She could've questioned how this would hurt her in the long run, but she didn't worry about herself. She just said yes. Today we read an account of St. Stephen, a deacon and the first martyr, another example of true Christianity. The dude was hardcore, preaching the truth with a fire only the Holy Spirit could've brought. Stephen saw the writing on the wall; he was going to be killed if he kept preaching the truth of Jesus Christ. In that moment, he just said yes. If I have to die in order to live out the faith the way I'm being asked, then 'Lord, receive my Spirit'. Stephen could've backtracked, lied, skirted the line, but instead he freely gave his yes to the will of the Father. Just say yes. Our mentors, our saint heroes, our Blessed Mother, all knew that the Father's will is always, without exception, worth our resounding yes. The yes of our Mother, and Saint Stephen shows us what this whole Christianity thing is about. The Faith is freely accepting all the Lord has for us, trusting that He is going to take care of us. 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 does my story look like? How has God worked in my life before and how have I responded? What are the things in my life to which I easily say yes? School, sports, time on my phone or with friends, bingeing Netflix? What are the things to which I say yes with difficulty? How is God calling me to respond to him with my yes today? What does that look like? 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.
"Help me say yes to You." "Give me the strength to follow You." "Come, Holy Spirit." 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?
In this difficult time, we will use our Action step each day to join with people around the world in praying for an end to the pandemic of the Coronavirus, for the healing of all those affected, and for the comfort of all those who have lost a loved one. The prayer below is from Archbishop José H. Gomez, President of the USCCB in his reflection and prayer: Holy Virgin of Guadalupe, Queen of the Angels and Mother of the Americas. We fly to you today as your beloved children. We ask you to intercede for us with your Son, as you did at the wedding in Cana. Pray for us, loving Mother, and gain for our nation and world, and for all our families and loved ones, the protection of your holy angels, that we may be spared the worst of this illness. For those already afflicted, we ask you to obtain the grace of healing and deliverance. Hear the cries of those who are vulnerable and fearful, wipe away their tears and help them to trust. In this time of trial and testing, teach all of us in the Church to love one another and to be patient and kind. Help us to bring the peace of Jesus to our land and to our hearts. We come to you with confidence, knowing that you truly are our compassionate mother, health of the sick and cause of our joy. Shelter us under the mantle of your protection, keep us in the embrace of your arms, help us always to know the love of your Son, Jesus. Amen. 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. Robert Blood, 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. 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). People talk - a lot. And in this time of lock-down/quarantine/social-distancing, talking has become more valuable than ever. But, we need to ask ourselves if what we say matters. I don’t say this to mean that talk is cheap… quite the opposite actually. I really believe that if we mean what we say, then what we say can truly change us and others. Today, we see a small piece of the story of St. Stephen, the first person to die for Jesus, the first martyr. Because Stephen was spreading the good news about Jesus, those who had Jesus killed were incredibly scared of him. They tried to make up a false narrative like they did with Jesus, they tried to twist his words and make him seem like an evil and dangerous man. The problem for them was that every word that St. Stephen spoke mattered. He became transformed by the Word of God that he shared, that the scripture says, “all those who sat in the Sanhedrin looked intently at him and saw that his face was like the face of an angel.” Stephen became more holy because of his simplicity of action and word. He meant what he said, and his actions backed that up. He was honest and pure with his words and intentions. He was not hiding anything or holding back; he was completely transparent. So transparent that they could actually see God in him. We live in a society that loves to fake transparency. We love to show certain wounds that we are in control of so we seem vulnerable and honest, when really we are hiding such bigger and deeper wounds in our lives. I am not saying that we need to go tell everyone every detail of our lives, that would be imprudent and unchaste to be honest. But what I am saying is to let our words and our actions finally match up. Be honest. Be real. Be authentic. That is how people will see God in you. So today, try to purify your motives and be sincere. Let your words and actions say the same thing, and let God purify the rest of you through that. 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 your words and actions match up? Why or why not? Look at your friendships? Which friends call you to holier words and actions? Which friends do not? Who calls you to the Lord? 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. "Actions and words matter." "Call me to holiness." "Lead me Lord." 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? In this difficult time, we will use our Action step each day to join with people around the world in praying for an end to the pandemic of the Coronavirus, for the healing of all those affected, and for the comfort of all those who have lost a loved one. The prayer below is from Archbishop José H. Gomez, President of the USCCB in his reflection and prayer during coronavirus: Holy Virgin of Guadalupe, Queen of the Angels and Mother of the Americas. We fly to you today as your beloved children. We ask you to intercede for us with your Son, as you did at the wedding in Cana. Pray for us, loving Mother, and gain for our nation and world, and for all our families and loved ones, the protection of your holy angels, that we may be spared the worst of this illness. For those already afflicted, we ask you to obtain the grace of healing and deliverance. Hear the cries of those who are vulnerable and fearful, wipe away their tears and help them to trust. In this time of trial and testing, teach all of us in the Church to love one another and to be patient and kind. Help us to bring the peace of Jesus to our land and to our hearts. We come to you with confidence, knowing that you truly are our compassionate mother, health of the sick and cause of our joy. Shelter us under the mantle of your protection, keep us in the embrace of your arms, help us always to know the love of your Son, Jesus. Amen. 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 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. |
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