Consolation from the Heart of Jesus

3/28/2018

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 26:14-25

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).

On this Great and Holy Wednesday, it is so easy to focus on the character of Judas in the Gospel and forget the rest of the story. The story tells us that “Jesus was deeply troubled” because He knew that one of the men whom He had chosen to be His greatest collaborators and friends will betray Him. Upon hearing this awful news, the beloved disciple, John rested his head on the chest of his Master and Friend as if trying to console Him. John consoles Jesus, and Jesus consoles John.

To be betrayed by a friend or by a loved one or by anyone is a troubling experience for anyone. Many of our miseries in life are caused by our betrayal for each other, but that’s what happens when we put all our trust and all our hope to another human being. We are all imperfect as good as our intentions are. We are bound to fail or fail someone if we just rely on each other.

There is someone on the other hand who cannot fail us, not only because He is perfect but because He is perfectly in love with us. You and I have been created in His image but also been recreated by His suffering, death and resurrection. The invitation for you and for me is to do what the beloved disciple did when we are deeply troubled because another friend has hurt us.

Jesus is our friend. You and I are invited to recline and rest our head on His Heart. When betrayals and hurts happen, He invites us to come to Him and listen to His Heart beating for love of you. He understands our hurts completely because He Himself have been through it all. Let us allow ourselves to hear His Heartbeat of healing and consolation. Today, leave the company of every friend and loved one for few minutes. Rest with Him. In fact, do that everyday.

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.

Who do you rely on most in life?

When was a time when you felt betrayed by someone close to you? When is a time you may have betrayed someone you were close to?

Do you rely on Jesus? Do you take time to rest with Him?

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.

"Let me rest in you, Lord."

"You know my hurt, Lord."

"You are my friend, 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?

Fast from everything for at least a few minutes today, and spend time in silence and stillness, resting with the Lord.

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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 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.

CARPE VERBUM