Bold

​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.

Jeremiah 26:11-16, 24

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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).

I don't know about you, but I have never stared death in the face like this before. Yeah there might have been times I felt like I was going to die, or was in an unfavorable situation, but never have I been surrounded by a large group of people and called out by name that I deserve to die. Jeremiah was in that exact situation today. 

I think the best place to start here is by asking; "What would I do if I were in his shoes?" Would I have physically fought my way out; or ran away; are tried to compromise; or have been bold like Jeremiah?

Jeremiah knew he could die, but he spoke truth. He knew that the truth was greater than anything that could happen to him. All of our decisions have consequences; big or small, good or bad. For Jeremiah, the consequence of betraying God was way bigger that the consequence of death! Do we have the boldness of faith to believe that as well?

Today is also the feast day of St. John Vianney. He is the patron saint of the priesthood. Just like Jeremiah, our priests choose to sacrifice everything and risk it all for the mission God has called them too. Let us continue to pray for our priests and let them know how grateful we are for their boldness of faith.

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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.

How is God calling you to be bold today?

Would you be able to choose being faithful to God over possible death? How about over possible teasing or loss of friends?

Is God calling you to the priesthood or religious life? How about someone you know?

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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.

"Here I am, Lord."

"I love You Lord."

"Jesus, I trust in 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?

Be bold. Go out and discern your vocation today, even if you have a million times before. Discern with a truly open heart and listen to God this time, don't just tell Him what you think you want. He has an amazing plan for you... are you bold enough to follow it?

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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 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.