Encounter

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. 

1 Thessalonians 2:7B-9, 13

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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).

I’ve had the same Bible since I was a freshman in high school. This Bible has journeyed with me across the world and has had soda spilled on it more than once. Some weeks it is opened more than others, but every time I open it, I am amazed by the power in the words I read. I think sometimes we pick up the Bible like it’s any other book on our shelf. It’s all too easy to forget that when we read the Bible, we are not just reading mere words on a page. We are encountering a person, the person of Jesus Christ. 

We are called to share the Gospel, but some of us probably know from experience that we cannot just tell people God is real and expect them to magically believe every word we tell them. In our attempts to share the Word of God, we are called to build relationships and to share our very selves. Jesus Christ did not become incarnate simply to share a bunch of wise sayings. He became incarnate to have a relationship with you and with me, and to invite us into relationship with one another through the Church which He established. 

St. Paul speaks of this same idea in today’s second reading - he shared not only the gospel of God, but also his very being and his friendship. St. Paul shared the Word of God with the Thessalonians, and it had such a strong impact on them because of the deep love and the intimate relationship he had with them. What a joy it is to encounter and to share the Word of God with those we love. My sincere hope is that you fall deeper in love with the Word of God today and allow the Word to work in and through you.

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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.

Does your love for people match the amount you try to preach to them? Why or why not?

Do you first share the Gospel through relationship or teaching? Why? 

How can you encounter people like Paul did in today's reading? How can this change the way you share the Gospel?

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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.

"Lord, I love You."

"Here I am Lord."

​"Come Holy Spirit."

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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?

Let love come before your words today. Love by what you do, so you can change hearts by what you say. 

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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.

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Today's prayer was prepared by Maggie Overbeck, Assistant Director of Youth Ministry at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Huntley, IL.