Enabled

5/20/2018

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.

Acts 2:1-11

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).

Pentecost is a wild scene. The Apostles are in the upper room praying because Jesus told them to wait until the outpouring of the Advocate, the One whom He would send. Then, all at once, tongues of fire rest on the Apostles and they run from that room, proclaiming Jesus Christ and converting people from all over the known world.

One thing I love about being Catholic is that we have 2,000 years of tradition to help us understand the Bible, the world, and our lives. So when we think of something like Pentecost and wonder what that means for us today, we don't have to just imagine, but we can use the wisdom of the years to help us understand. And you know what that wisdom has always taught, over and over again? The Power, the grace, the charism, the experience of the Apostles at Pentecost where the Holy Spirit did miraculous things which they could never have done on their own is not just a historical fact: it's meant to be lived out in your life and in mine.

In the reading of the Acts of the Apostles today, we hear that the Apostles spoke in various tongues as the Apostles enabled. Brothers and sisters, all of the good works that the world around us needs to happen, the words that the people we love need to hear, and the persistence that we need to become the people we are created to be has been given to us in the Holy Spirit. The Lord our God does not hold back His Holy Spirit from us! No, He gives the Spirit in abundance, a Spirit which enables you and I to do and to become all that we've been created to do and to be.

First and foremost, it is the Spirit which enables us to be sons and daughters of the Most High God. Do you experience that reality?

It is also the Spirit that allows us to love our families and friends. Do you allow the Spirit to work in your life and teach you to love?

God's Holy Spirit allows you and I to become the people we've been created to be and to fulfill the tasks given to you. Are you trusting in that Spirit and letting Him guide your daily life?

Whenever we try to bring God's love to the world, to preach the Gospel, it is the Spirit who works in us. Do you let the Spirit give you the words to share God's love?

Whatever the situation, the same Spirit poured out on the Apostles at Pentecost has been given to you and I. There is nothing more that we need. Let's go forward today in boldness, enabled by the Spirit to be the people we're created to be and to live in that reality.

Happy Pentecost! Come, Holy Spirit!

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.

How well do you allow the Holy Spirit to guide your daily life? In what ways have you noticed the Spirit working in your life?

How can you grow in your ability to ask the Holy Spirit for help, for guidance, and for aid?

How can you today live in the boldness and trust that the Spirit enables you to live?

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.

"Come, Holy Spirit."

"I trust in You."

"Enable me to live in 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 some time today to intercede for the Holy Spirit to work in your life and the life of those around in ways that you need Him. Maybe it's a conversation you'll have this week, or a situation you aren't sure how to deal with. Maybe you want to share the Gospel with someone and you need help. Whatever it is, pray intentionally for the Holy Spirit to enable you to be who you've been created to be in that situation and then trust that He will be with you.

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 Jason Theobald, Executive Director of Carpe Verbum.

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