Do I Love Jesus More Than Anyone Else?

7/13/2020

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.

IS 1:10-17

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).

Do you love Jesus more than anyone else?

If we ever read scripture and it troubles us, or shocks us, or confuses us, or hits us in the gut in any way, this isn't reason to panic. In fact, we should be hopeful. Our strong reaction to scripture is a hint that Jesus has something to teach us. He wants to tear away misconceptions and, more than that, he wants to tear away the sin that clings to our hearts. We can't run away from that churning feeling in our gut, we have to stay with Christ and let him work.

So, ask yourself: do you love Jesus more than your family? Not all of us have the best family life, so maybe you need to ask yourself, "do I love Jesus more than my friends?" Some of us have friends that change, so the real question we should ask is: "do I love Jesus more than anyone else in my life?" If our answer is a quick yes, this might be an invitation too look more deeply at the question and ourselves. Could we really give up any other relationship for the sake of Christ?

Certainly, Jesus wants us to have loving relationships with those around us. He himself has put people into our lives. But sometimes its not obvious sin that gets in the way of our relationship with Jesus. Sometimes its the truly good things in life that become a stumbling block on our walk with the Lord.

Do you love Jesus more than anyone else? Your answer may be a sincere yes or a trepidatious no. Either way, its an invitation to talk with Jesus about it. He's not worried or panicking. He simply wants what is really in our heart. Its not that Jesus is jealous of our other relationships as we understand "jealousy." He simply wants our complete freedom in love, and the only way to get that is to truly put Jesus first. In fact, its precisely when we put Jesus first that all of our other relationships take on new life and meaning, and we also can let go of the toxic relationships in our life.

So, do you love Jesus more than anyone else?

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 love Jesus more than anyone else?

What are things in your life you prioritize more than Jesus?

How can loving Jesus set you free?

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.

"I love you Lord."

"Help me love you Lord."

"Jesus I trust in you."

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?

Spend some time today praying with your answer to the question do you love Jesus more than anyone else? Whatever your answer is, how do you live it out? How can you love Jesus more?

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 Fr. Anthony Sciarappa who was ordained in 2016 and is a priest of the Diocese of Pittsburgh.

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