CARPE VERBUM
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Step #1: Lectio / ReadClick 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. Step #2: Meditatio / MeditateUse the following meditation to help you reflect more deeply on the Scripture (you may want to read the passage again). Confirmation is typically the ugly step child of the Sacraments...the forgotten event... the Catholic graduation! Yet we should not miss the incredible moment that we all experienced or will experienced at confirmation. Today's first reading points to confirmation and it's power. Disciples are baptized and after being baptized, Paul, who is a bishop, lays hands on them and gives them the gift of the Holy Spirit. And so we too become baptized, and then a bishop lays hands on us and confirms us with the Spirit. Sometimes we wonder, "I was baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit so why would I need a spirit I already have?" Great question, and I'm so glad you just asked me that! Think of it this way... when I make chocolate milk I have a glass of milk and put chocolate into the glass. What happens? The chocolate simply settles to the bottom and sits there. At this point the chocolate is in the milk, but the milk isn't changed. If I drink the milk I will not taste the chocolate. I need to grab a spoon and stir it up and then I have the fullness of chocolate milk. So we are baptized and the seed of the Holy Spirit sinks into us in order to be watered through religious education, Masses, confession, prayer and so much more. Then the bishop comes in bringing the "Divine Spoon" as he confirms you! Stirring up that Holy Spirit to allow you to be guided by God and set on fire to move forward bringing God's life to the world! Ask God now to re-stir the gifts and effects of your own confirmation and allow God to allow you to taste the sweetness of His Divine Life! Step #3: Oratio / PrayThese 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 gifts of the Holy Spirit do you need "re-stirred" in your life right now? How can that help you grow closer to God? How do you think we can take Confirmation and the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives more seriously? Have you let the Holy Spirit transform your life? If not, what are you waiting for? How has/can this change(d) your life? Step #4: Contemplatio / ContemplateIn 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. "Stir up your love in my heart Lord." "Come Holy Spirit." "Fill me up Lord." Step #5: Actio / ActIn 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? Take some time today to learn about the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit. Whether you are confirmed or not yet, the Lord wants to bless your life with these gifts, but we need to know them to recognize the great gift that they are. Smartphone Lock ScreenThe 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 Fr. Kyle Manno, priest of the Diocese of Rockford.
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