By the Side of Jesus

9/22/2017

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 8:1-3

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).

Do you remember when you first met Jesus? When your heart encountered His deep Love for you? What happened in you?

Each soul may interact with Jesus differently, but I think we all have something in common: when we meet Jesus, we want to stay close to His heart. When we feel His merciful love washing away our sinfulness and raising up the goodness of our created humanity, we want to remain on the journey with Jesus wherever that may take us. To be loved unconditionally is rare and radical and something that is true for us every moment.

Our Lord traveled town to town to heal those who were hurting the most, and heal them He did! The Gospel speaks of these freed women continuing to support Jesus in serving new towns because they knew the impact He had had in their lives. They gave of their resources yes; but I think more importantly it says they were with Jesus and the apostles. They could have given money, or oils, or goods and that would’ve been a great deed in thanksgiving for Jesus healing them, but they had met Jesus. In meeting Jesus their hearts realized that in spending time with Him they became more alive in who they were created to be; they became a part of a heavenly mission.

As Christians we are bombarded by need. We see the need of the poor at home and abroad, shocking amounts of monetary need. We encounter the pain of loneliness in people we meet daily. We hear about this charity and that ministry and this fundraiser and it can become overwhelming. Jesus has done so much good for me. Jesus has loved me in my brokenness. He’s forgiven me. He’s brought me deep joy in being known. The desire to serve every need of the world may rise up in us from our gratitude - and to give to any cause we can is noble and some cases necessary - and yet the women in the Gospel today teach us how to live in the spirit of gratitude. We live in the spirit of gratitude by remaining by the side of Jesus. If Jesus wants to enter into a vulnerable conversation with another person about how life is really going, I want to go there. If Jesus wants me to give more of my time in service, then I’m ready to throw on a pair of gloves and start working. If Jesus wants me to wake up a few minutes early so that I can let Him love me at the beginning of the day, my alarm clock will be set.

These women who were free of their infirmities were beside Jesus heading to each town, unaware of what was to come, and yet they continued to give. Where is Jesus leading you today?

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 you remember when you first met Jesus? What happened in you?

How can you thank Jesus for what He has given you?

Where is Jesus leading you today? How can you remain by His side?

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.

"Jesus, lead me."

"I want to follow you."

"Lead me Lord."

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?

Today, thank Jesus for all He has done in your life. Then spend some time asking Him where He wants to lead you and follow Him in gratitude.

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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.

Today's prayer was prepared by Robert Blood, seminarian of the Diocese of Rockford.

CARPE VERBUM