Chosen

7/23/2020

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 13:10-17

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’m an only child. When I was younger I had a very close friend named Nic, who was also an only child. So we hung out together a lot. We were like brothers. Over time we’ve grown apart, but every once in a while we touch base with each other again, and we pick up right where we left off.

The thing about Nic is that I’ve had some of my deepest conversations with this guy. We’ve talked about life, faith, struggles, and just ridiculous and funny stuff too. He’s brutally honest with himself and others. He’s a deep thinker with great insights into people and life. He has great courage, especially when it comes to standing up for what he believes and speaking out for injustices. He has helped me explore my faith and challenge me in ways that few others have done.

He’s not Catholic though. He doesn’t believe in God.

In today’s gospel the disciples ask Jesus why He speaks in parables, to which He replies, “Because knowledge of the mysteries of the Kingdom of heaven has been granted to you, but to them it has not been granted.” Every time I read this verse, I think of people in my life like Nic. People who have such integrity, intelligence, courage, resilience, kindness, honesty, and more. But Nic doesn’t know Jesus. For some reason, the “knowledge of the mysteries of the Kingdom of heaven” has not been granted to him... but it has been granted to me.

Sometimes I half-jokingly ask God why He chose to give me faith, and not my friend Nic. Honestly, Nic would probably make a much better Catholic than me. His intelligence and honesty would make him an amazing defender of the faith. His courage and genuine care for others would make him a great evangelizer.

So why didn’t the Lord give faith to Nic, instead of me?

I’m not sure I’ll ever know the answer to that question here on this earth. And maybe one day Nic will come to know Jesus (That would be AMAZING). But here’s the bold and convicting reality that I come face to face with whenever I read Jesus’ words in today’s gospel:

The Lord chose me.

I may think that God should have chosen someone else. I may struggle to be the Catholic the Lord has called me to be. I may wonder why Jesus successfully made me His disciple, instead of others who would be “better” Catholics. But in the end - despite my lack of understanding - there’s one thing I know for certain.

The Lord chose me.

I may not understand why, but I do understand that this great gift He’s given me is also a profound responsibility. I only hope that I can carry that responsibility in a way that pleases Jesus.

Here you are reading this reflection and striving to deepen your relationship with Jesus every day. You know what that means, don’t you? The Lord has chosen you too. A great responsibility has been laid on your shoulders. You may or may not understand why, but the fact remains: Jesus has chosen you.

What are you going to do about it?

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 does knowing that God chose you deepen your relationship with Him?

How does your life change when you choose to follow Christ and have faith?

What will you do to live out your faith today and follow Jesus?

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.

"Thank you, Jesus."

"I will follow you."

"Help me to understand."

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, own that Jesus chose you. Spend time in prayer quietly soaking in the implications of that fact. After some good time in prayer, spend the rest of the day choosing Jesus. Put His love and your faith first, not yourself or other people or the comfort of the things you rely on. As Jesus has chosen you, follow Him in return. At the end of the day, journal about the moments you actively put Jesus first and the difference it made in your day.

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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 Dan Wolff, husband, father and spreadsheet extraordinaire in Crystal Lake, IL.

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