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). Sometimes when Jesus tells a parable I have a hard time relating to it. But that's not the case with today's parable. I feel like it is a pretty constant thing that when I invite my friends to do something they often end up backing out. They say yes but so many other things come up. Work. Family. Other friends. Or they are just too tired. Suddenly I'm left with plans and no one to share them with, just like the man in the parable. But he does something I don't do (I tend to be sad and then watch Netflix all by myself.) He instead goes out and invites others. He reaches out to anyone near him and offers the chance to share in that experience. It is easy to read the Gospel and put ourselves in the place of the man inviting his friends to dinner. We relate to people bailing. We can get frustrated with others saying I would never do that. But what if you turn the situation around? What if God is that man and you are the one to bail on Him? God has prepared a beautiful banquet for you. It has all of your favorite foods. (For me it would have the most amazing gluten free fried chicken and chocolate cupcakes.) There is beautiful china, silver candles and so much more. You know how much God has created for you. Do you show up? Often for us, I think the answer is no. We don't show up. We don't look at the world around us as a banquet God has invited us too. We see it through our own selfish and sinful eyes. We don't realize that we are passing on the best invitation: to have a personal relationship with our Lord. When does God invite you into His life but you are suddenly too busy? Is it missing Sunday Mass? Is it forgetting to pray every day? Is it not sharing your faith with others you meet? God has a big, beautiful life prepared for you. And He wants to share in it with you. Will you bail on 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. How often do I bail on God? What is the most common excuse or reason I have to not give God time and room in my life? How can I start saying 'yes' to God and no to my selfish desires? 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. "I choose you, Lord." "Thank you for loving me." "Help me say yes." 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? Don't bail on God today. Take time today to schedule an appointment with God in prayer and stick to it. Don't let anything get in the way of some good prayer. 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 Lisa Kendzior, Junior High Youth Minister at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Crystal Lake, 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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