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). Perhaps one of the most frequently asked questions in the world is, “how are you doing?” or some similar form of that question. And one of the most typical responses to that question is… “I’m doing well, but busy!” This can also become the common reason why we might miss Mass or our time of prayer; “I’m just too busy.” In the Gospel today, we see Jesus and the disciples “super busy,” that they didn’t even have an opportunity to eat. Jesus recognized their busyness and told them to go off to a deserted place with him and rest for a while. Let’s admit it right now…for the most part we are all “super busy” from day to day. We are busy with school, homework, our jobs, ministries, workout schedules, sports, extra-curricular activities, appointments, errands to run, staring at the computer, people to visit, and a host of other things that consume those hours of the day that we are awake. Jesus of course respects our attentiveness to all these good and important tasks and encounters throughout our day, but let’s not miss the important invitation in today’s Gospel. Jesus says, “Come away and rest for a while.” When it comes to time of rest with God, I hope we don’t respond...“I’m just too busy.” The disciples needed rest and time away with Jesus, and we all need the same kind of rest, a time to learn, listen, petition, praise and/or reflect. Let’s not forget to spend a little of our time each day resting with the Lord. “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.” 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 you busy doing? What are all the things currently consuming your day? When do you make time for the Lord in the midst of all the things that keep you busy? Where do you go to rest and relax? When was the last time you went on a retreat? 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 the Lord." "Lord, give me rest." "My heart is restless until it rests in 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? Look into going on a retreat soon whether it is a personal retreat or a retreat with your parish. If you need help finding one, check out your parish's website or different ministries to see what they have to offer. 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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