Endurance

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. 

2 Thessalonians 2:16-3:5

---

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).

In college, probably around 2008, our priest gave a homily where he said that Cub fans know the true meaning of faith. These were dangerous words to say when in Missouri, the heart of Cardinal territory, but at this point it had been 100 years since the Cubs had won the World Series and more than 60 years that they had even played in it.

His point in this homily, which resonated in this Cubs fan's heart, was that Cub fans knew the meaning of perseverance, of showing up and cheering on a team only to see them fail. Yet, year after year, they came out, bought tickets, cheered them on and had hope that one day they would win and they would get to see it. The hope of Cubs fans was so strong that not even years of losing could deter them from believing that one day they would win.

In today's second reading, St. Paul is not talking about baseball, but he is talking about chasing your faith with endurance. St Paul speaks of knowing that the Lord is with you and let Him shine through all your actions. Even in bleak situations, St. Paul wants to encourage the Thessalonians and to give them hope when things look a little desperate. He is asking them to stand up for their faith and to pursue Christ, even when others are chasing them down. As he writes, he reminds them that the Lord is faithful and that Christ endured for them.

In our own faith, we must have our hope from God's enduring love for us. Never let us lose that hope that strengthens us and lets us see the love of the Lord.
​
Go and live out that with all joy you can.

---

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 live your life in such faith?

​Do you believe and trust in God's love for you and Christ's endurance for you? Why or why not?

​How can you have a stronger, longer enduring faith?

---

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.

"Jesus, I trust in You."

"Your Love Endures."

"Come Holy Spirit."

---

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?

Choose something today that you want to commit to spiritually, and do it. Maybe it is a rosary, or Adoration, or just a few daily prayers. Whatever it is you decide to do, give it all you have to endure day in and day out, and when it gets tough, remember how the love of God always endures.

---

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 Lisa Kendzior, Junior High Youth Minister at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Crystal Lake, 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.