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). I just decided to take up swimming, which I have to say isn't what I would call 'enjoyable'... In fact, most of the time I don't actually think I'm swimming, but just trying to survive in the water for 40 minutes while not hyperventilating and constantly choking on water. But as those 'in shape' people always say, 'swimming is the best exercise you can get' well my response... 'It's also the best way to feel uncomfortable and self-conscious...' I mean, right? We walk into the pool area knowing that we have no idea what to do, but attempt to be confident and then we stare at the water imaging how cold it most be. Then after a good 10 minutes of debating how to get in the water in the least painful way possible as to not shock our entire bodies because of the temperature of the water we then spend our time trying to swim well while some guy or girl is next to us passing us for the third or fourth time. I think this is at times how we also feel in our spiritual journey... we are scared of looking 'stupid' or 'not holy enough' Also we might not want to even jump into our faith because we are afraid of the difficulties, the people around us, or maybe are even afraid of how it will feel if we start diving deeper into our faith journey... well maybe we can just look around and see the people we know who are on fire for the faith and recognize that 'hey they are in there doing it and the water maybe isn't that scary, maybe I too can jump in and learn to swim in this faith journey'... so maybe the best question for today is, "what is going to convince you that the water isn't so cold or so intimidating?... I mean think about it... Is God that intimidating or does he simply live in a tiny host called the Eucharist... all you have to do today is walk down an aisle and consume God, then sit down and recognize, "God lives in me and I do not need to be afraid of anything because with Him anything is possible!" 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 holds you back from "diving in" to your faith? How can you relate to the rich man in today's gospel, struggling to have the courage to seek God's will here and now? Do you ever find God intimidating? Why? How can you more fully encounter Him in the Eucharist today? 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. "Father, give me courage." "Take me deeper, Lord." "God lives in me, I do not need to be afraid." 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 Lord bear fruit in you today? Today at Mass, after you receive the Eucharist, make this prayer, "God lives in me and I do not need to be afraid of anything because with Him anything is possible!" Smartphone Lock Screen Today's prayer was prepared by Fr. Kyle Manno, priest of the Diocese of Rockford.
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