Be Real.

​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 6:53-56

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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 they were leaving the boat, people immediately recognized him.
They scurried about the surrounding country    
and began to bring in the sick on mats
to wherever they heard he was.
Whatever villages or towns or countryside he entered,
they laid the sick in the marketplaces
and begged him that they might touch only the tassel on his cloak;
and as many as touched it were healed.”

As I read today’s gospel, I am blown away by the faith of the people. They recognize Jesus immediately, they bring their sick to Him, asked for His healing and then experienced it. 

They see, they come, they ask and they are healed. Their faith is so strong that it is that simple. But why is it not like that today?

It is. I know in my own life that my issue is more that I don’t ask. I go to Mass, I sit in adoration, I look at Him, recognize Him, but I hold back. I don’t tell Jesus my heart, my deepest desires, the places I need healing. 

And really it is a bit silly that I don’t, He knows it all anyway, but I don’t take it to Him. I hold on to all my things, even when Jesus is offering to carry it for me. 

Recently, I have challenged myself to stop, and be real with Jesus. To approach Him like they did two thousand years ago. I go and I approach Him, and I tell Him everything. Sometimes I yell, sometimes I cry, sometimes I sit there and make lists of gratitude. But I go to Him, and my faith is changed. My relationship with Jesus is stronger, I know Him and I know that He knows my heart. 

Let’s start out this Monday with a new commitment to be real with Jesus. Let’s seek Him out so that we each can be real with Him and let Him into our hearts to heal them. 

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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.

What are you you holding back from Jesus? 

When you see Jesus, how do you approach Him? How can you run to Him?

​Where in your heart do you need Jesus to heal you?

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​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.

"Heal me Jesus." 

"Lord I need you."

​"Help me be real with you."

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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?

Sit down and write Jesus a letter. Tell Him everything about your day, and everything that is in your heart. Be real with Him in your letter and let Him work in your life. 

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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.

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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.