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 laughed a little when I read today’s Gospel because, as Jesus repeatedly asks the disciples, ”Do you not understand?”, all I could think of was Stanley Hudson from the Office yelling at Michael Scott and asking, “Did I stutter?” I think this line is probably one of the most quoted from the Office and has been shared in countless memes across the internet. Stanley appears to ask this question out of a place of frustration with his co-worker. I wonder if the Lord repeatedly asks this somewhat similar question of the disciples because He so badly wants them to see the incredible wonders that God is working before their very eyes. We witness miracles all the time, but so many of us still doubt. While it is quite natural and human to have doubts, Christ continues to invite us to an ever deeper trust in Him, a trust that He will take care of us and provide for us in our every need. So often I feel like I’m the one that has to make everything happen. I feel like I have to be the one to plan out my life, make sure everything is in place, say all the right things, and meet or know all the right people in order to get to be where I want to be in life: whether with my career, my family, or my personal goals. The truth is we don’t have to make our lives happen. We just have to be faithful to God, and He will take care of the rest. God already has a perfect plan for each one of our lives, and honestly, in a lot of ways, that should be a relief. This doesn’t mean that we just sit back and be lazy and watch our life unravel, but we are called to be active participants in God’s plan. God wants to work with us to create something beautiful in this world. Our lives are incredible wonders and incredible miracles in and of themselves. I pray that you may come to see how truly beautiful and incredible your life is, and that you may discover the miracles of life that are all around us. 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.
How is Jesus asking me, "do you not understand?" today? What which specific areas am I struggling to trust in the Lord? How am I depending on myself to make things happen in my life and not on the Lord? In what ways can I invite the Lord into my decision making more 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.
"Help me see as you see." "Jesus, I trust in you." "I give you my life." 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 the Lord bear fruit in you today?
Pray the Litany of Trust today (you can find it online if you don't have one already) with the specific intention of handing over your life to the Lord in complete trust. If you have specific issues that you are struggling to hand over, focus on those and try to begin relinquishing your control and handing them over to God. Smartphone Lock ScreenThe 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 Maggie Super, Director of Youth Ministry at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Huntley, 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. Comments are closed.
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