Childhood Simplicity

10/2/2019

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.

Matthew 18:1-5, 10

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).

The message of today’s Gospel, on the feast of the Guardian Angels, is so incredibly simple. Although I’ve read through it numerous times today, I still want to over-analyze about it. Why?! Well it’s silly, but I am a worrier. I have excitement for many things in life, but I psych myself out of little things due to my fear and mostly due to my pride of wanting to hold on to unnecessary worries.

Let us stop and pause and just recognize one of the basic truths of the Good News that Lord wishes us to live everyday: Jesus simply loves us for us, not for what we do or say or how we flood Him with prayers, or if we return to Him after a while to ask for forgiveness - His love for us does not diminish but is constant, fulfilling, and stable. It is actually that simple. But as we grow older from our childhood when everything in life was simple, it becomes more difficult to remember this truth. More worries invade our lives in the places where wonder and simplicity were dwelling. It can become almost harder to be humble, small, simple, and trusting like a child, and there can be a tendency to let anxieties, fears, and doubts become the new tenants in our hearts.

Jesus is reminding us that a child does not lead a complicated life, they are in the present and they do not think or worry about tomorrow or next week. If we frequent the Sacraments, dive deeper into His Word, and listen for His promptings, we will know just how radical and simple His love is for us. Resist the urge to over-analyze, but practice being like a humble child- who desires only to rest with their Father. And let’s never forget that our Guardian Angels are eager to help us remain with Christ, like a child- with simplicity and purity.

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 worries and anxieties have invaded my life?

How can I live more in the present moment?

Where do I need more simplicity in my life?

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.

"Guardian angel, protect me."

"Jesus loves me."

"Remain with Christ."

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?

Let go of unnecessary worries, and be present in the moment today.

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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 Katy Praetzel, a worship leader in Pittsburgh, PA.

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.

CARPE VERBUM