Enthusiasm

​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.

LUKE 19:45-48

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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).

Did you know the American Turkey as we know it, is going extinct?

Yeah. Neither did I. But my good friend, Father Michael Bruno did. He’s a faithful listener to radio news and he had just heard a story about the increasing plight of the American Turkey. It caught his interest.

When we were gathered in the student lounge at the seminary that afternoon, he began to tell a group of about eight guys sitting around drinking coffee about this terrible tale of the turkey.

He was so passionate. He was so animated. He was so emphatic. We couldn’t help but listen.

No! Say it isn’t so!

The butterball artificially injected turkey that can’t even stand up is replacing the noble bird of our nation’s history!

Soon the crowd grew to fifteen, then twenty, then thirty! We were hanging on his every word.

In today’s Gospel we hear the very same thing. The crowds around Jesus were hanging on his every word. I wonder why.

What made Jesus so interesting, so charismatic, so easy to listen to?

His authenticity. His passion. His desire to redeem.

​It’s reassuring to know that Jesus is no less passionate in speaking now than He was in Galilee 2,000 years ago. When He speaks today, we’ll hang on His every word. All we gotta do is listen.

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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.

Are you 'hanging onto every word' when you read through the Scriptures?

Are you interested in hearing more about what Christ wants to say to you about the happiness of eternal life?

Are you sharing the Gospel with enthusiasm and joy to others? 

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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.

"I want to know more about your Lord."

"I want to share you more with others."

"I want to be with you in eternal life."

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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?

Take a moment today to be grateful that you've heard the message of the faith. Find the joy and happiness in something Christ has done in your life and share it with someone today. It might be how amazing the clouds look during sunset, or how He's revealed something to you. Share it with joy and enthusiasm.

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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 Fr. Jon Bakkelund, priest of the Diocese of Rockford. 

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. "