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). "‘I do not know where you are from. Depart from me, all you evildoers!’" Those words are the scariest in all of scripture. I would never want to hear Jesus say that to me. Would Jesus really deny knowing me? Am I living my life in a way that would make Him say that? So you might ask "How in the world is this good news?" That's what the gospel is, right? Well, actually this reading is full of good news. How are we supposed to know that Heaven is worth it, if we do not have to work for it, if it's simply just given to us? My friends, this journey is not easy. It is not for the faint of heart. We are given an opportunity especially in this world to fight the good fight, to have the opportunity to truly walk through the narrow gate. As St. Paul says in his letter to Timothy "I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith." We can be heroes! This is such good news! Look at the lives of the saints, the men and woman who walked through the narrow gate. Saint Jose Sanchez Del Rio, was only 14 years old when he was martyred! Soldiers cut up his feet and made him walk to his death. The entire time he was shouting “Viva Cristo Rey!”. He was canonized by Pope Francis on October 16, 2016. Blessed Chiara Luce Badano suffered greatly with a rare and painful bone cancer, and in her last days at the age of 18 she planned her wedding with Jesus. Her last words were "Bye, Mum, be happy, because I am." These two extremely young saints of the last century are wonderful examples of this fight. They walked down the narrow path. If they can do it, through embracing all of the struggles that they faced, then you can too. We have been given an incredible opportunity to live in a culture that is against us, we have been given the opportunity to be heroes. So, friends, go out there and live a radical call to the gospel, because Jesus is not looking for lukewarmness, He's looking for the fire in your eyes, and in your heart. So go to Him, run to Him with all of that passion. You've got this, I believe in 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. "I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith." (2 Timothy 4:7) In what parts of your life are you struggling? Do you think Jesus would tell you to depart from Him? How can you give these areas over to God? What saint do you admire? Why? How can you follow their example? You are called to be a hero. How can you live that out? 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 have kept the faith." "This is the good news." "I am called to be a hero." 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? Today, look up a saint you don't know much about. It can be St. Jose Sanchez Del Rio, Blessed Chiara Luce Badano or another saint. Ask this saint to help you grow in holiness and be a hero. 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 Ron Nakis, a student at Franciscan University of Steubenville studying Theology and Catechetics.
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