Faith, Hope, and Love

1/2/2020

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.

Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-13

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).

Today’s first reading is a great Scripture to keep close to our hearts going into this new year. St. Paul is instructing us to be humble, gentle, patient, loving, prayerful, and peaceful. We are called to trust in God, our Father through Baptism which Christ has given us, and to be led by the Holy Spirit.

You can boil it down to this: grow in faith, hope, and love. People talk all about making resolutions for the year, and the Church has given us the greatest resolution we could make. While working out more and being more disciplined with studies or whatever are good things, our spiritual lives should be the priority. Everything is better with a healthy spiritual life. When you pray more and strive for deeper faith, hope more in the Lord, and love unconditionally, life is better. You’re less stressed, your problems are put into perspective, and you know that God is always on your side and working for your good. When you better yourself spiritually, there will still be struggles in your life, but nothing is impossible for God. The best thing you can do for yourself in 2020 is to grow in faith, hope, and love.

One way to grow is through daily prayer. If you’re taking the time to read this reflection, you’re probably off to a good start or already have the habit of daily prayer. Great job, but there’s always room to grow in the spiritual life. Maybe pray fifteen minutes every day, add five to ten minutes to your prayer time, or even have a daily holy hour. Whatever gets you closer to God and growing in virtue, do it. Ask for the graces you need; ask the Holy Spirit to bring you closer to Christ and our Father. However, remember to resist the temptation of comparison.

As St. Paul says in the last paragraph of today’s reading, we each have our own role in the Body of Christ. We are not all teachers, prophets, pastors, etc., but God has given each of us the graces we need to do what He has ordained us to be. You have a purpose and all the tools you need to live it out, just ask for the Holy Spirit to lead you. So, in 2020, grow in faith, hope, and love, asking for the help you need to have that healthy spiritual life. Don’t waste your time comparing yourself to others, but cling to Christ and seek to know our Father more deeply.

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 can you grow in faith, hope, and love? Which one do you find most challenging?

How often do you pray and open your heart to God? What aspects of your life do you need to let Him into?

Do you struggle with comparison? To what role in life do you think God is calling you?

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 trust in you."

"I am open to you."

"Lead me, Lord."

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?

Today, sit down and make some spiritual resolutions. What can you realistically do every day to grow in faith, hope, and love through deepening you prayer life? Think of ways to hold yourself accountable to your goal. Set reminders on your phone, put your Bible next to your bed, or have a friend or family member remind you. Do what it takes to have a healthy spiritual life.

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 Mary Griffin, a Vagabond Missionary in Greenville, NC.

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