Bridegroom

​​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.

Luke 5:33-39

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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 am about to preside over the matrimony of an engaged couple that I met a year ago.  Since then, the man did his preparation for his confirmation and was confirmed last Easter Sunday during the Vigil and his fiancé has been praying for him.  I have seen these two lovers grow in their desire to give themselves to God in the past year and I cannot wait to witness the day they give themselves to each other through marriage, a lifetime of committed love.  The beauty of their relationship is so evident that even the challenges for the preparations for the wedding day while both are working full-time jobs are nothing compared to the happiness of doing all things together, a shared committed love.

Today, our Lord Jesus refers to himself as the “bridegroom”.  A bridegroom is a man on his wedding day or just before or after the wedding.  As easy as it is to focus our attention on the fasting part of the gospel, it might provide us a greater grace today to just focus on the Lord’s desire to be your eternal bridegroom.  That means, the wedding feast is celebrated everyday, that love between the lover and the beloved is fresh everyday.  Jesus is the bridegroom of your soul and mine.  He calls us to look at Him everyday and share with Him our committed love, our all.

The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is the Bridegroom’s invitation everyday to total communion.  He gives Himself fully to the beloved who welcomes Him.  Let Him love you today.  If you can, come to the wedding banquet, receive the Bridegroom in holy communion.  Share with Him your committed love and never miss the Mass.  This is life. 

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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.

Do I think of Jesus Christ as my Bridegroom?

Have I ever considered the Mass to be like a wedding ceremony?

Am I committed to the Lord like a Bridegroom is to his bride?

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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.

"I love you Lord."

"I trust in your love for me."

​"I hope in your eternal love."

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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?

During the month of September, we ask that each day, for the Action step of our lectio divina, everyone prays a Divine Mercy Chaplet together for the healing of all victims of clerical abuse of any kind as well as for the healing and guidance of our Church.

For more information on why we are doing this or how to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet, click here.

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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 Fr. Ervin Caliente, priest of the Diocese of Rockford.

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.