Continuing the Story

4/15/2018

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.

Luke 24:35-48

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).

This Gospel passage feels all too familiar to me. I don’t mean that I’ve read it numerous times, but it resonates with me in a personal way…like I’ve been there before…

I’m thinking of a time when I had encountered Jesus unexpectedly, on my own road to Emmaus, and how I invited Him into the home of my heart to stay with me, that He took that opportunity to make Himself known to me in a way I would understand: in the breaking of bread. I was a greatly excited so I shared what had happened with all of my other friends from church. I was starting to discover my place in the “church crowd”.

Then I encountered Jesus unexpectedly again. It happened in a different way this time, and it took me a little bit to recognize Him again. I had a lot of questions, a lot of doubts. Without even asking for a sign, He proved to me that it was indeed Him and He was as real as ever. Jesus became my friend; He related to me on a person-level, and initiated a genuine relationship with me. I knew Him with my heart.

Then He gave me the grace to begin to know Him intellectually. In a very short time, I suddenly realized what was really happening at Mass. I began to better understand what I read in the Bible. It got to a point where I felt like I could probably answer someone else’s questions about God or the Church, and I kind of even wanted to.

Then Jesus told me that I am a witness of Him. I am witness to His love and His goodness and His mercy. He made it clear that I understood something that everyone in the world ought to know, yet most didn’t even seem to care about. I had a beautiful relationship with the One who desires a close relationship to every person on this Earth, even though many don’t even want to know Him. Because I knew God in my heart and my mind, Jesus made it known to me that I would soon have a very big responsibility.

I have a very big responsibility. And so do you.

Whatever your story, I know it’s a good one. Do you remember when you first noticed God pursuing a personal relationship with you? Is it happening now? What was it like when you first started understanding the significance of what you read in the bible? What do you feel when you suddenly understand something new?

The only part left of the Gospel of Luke after this reading is the Ascension of Jesus into Heaven (which we will celebrate in several weeks). Jesus fulfilled what He came to Earth for and trusted His disciples to continue that work in His name, with the help of the Holy Spirit. We had better get on 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.

Do you remember the first time you noticed that God was pursuing a personal relationship with You? What did that experience feel like?

Where are you in your relationship with the Lord right now? What has He been doing in your life recently?

How is God calling you to share His truth with those around you through your personal story in your life right now?

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.

"You are real."

"I long to share You."

"Thank You for Your love."

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?

Take time today to pray through and write out your personal account of when you first met God and what was like. Then, throughout this week, take opportunities to share that with those you encounter.

Smartphone Lock Screen

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 Katie LoBosco, a student at the University of Dayton studying Music Therapy.

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