Step #1: Lectio / ReadClick 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. Step #2: Meditatio / MeditateUse the following meditation to help you reflect more deeply on the Scripture (you may want to read the passage again). Happy Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe! Any time I think of our Blessed Mother, I can’t help but remember her “yes” to the Lord. And whenever I remember her “yes,” I can’t help but feel grateful. Today’s first reading from Zechariah tells of a heavenly Father who didn’t just watch from heaven as we spiralled into sin and death. “See, I am coming to dwell among you, says the Lord.” What comfort those words can bring! He didn’t merely come to visit us, but to dwell among us. To make His home in us. To become one of us. To become the sin that overpowered us. To die for us, and raise us to new life in Him. It all came from one little word spoken by our Blessed Mother: Yes. They say when the angel Gabriel asked Mary to be the Mother of Jesus, all of heaven held its breath. It’s like the Lord was asking permission -- even though He didn’t technically need it -- to dwell among us. All the hosts of angels and all creation stood utterly still, and waited for Mary’s response. Her "yes" -- that one little word -- changed everything. And all creation exhaled and rejoiced: “See, I am coming to dwell among you, says the Lord.” On this Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, we recall a humble man named Juan Diego. Just as Gabriel asked Mary to bear Jesus to the world, so did Mary ask Juan Diego to do the same. He was a simple, humble man who believed he was completely unworthy to fulfill the task given to him by our Blessed Mother. Juan Diego even tried to avoid her! But in the end, he was obedient to the Lord’s will through her, and his "yes" -- that one little word -- changed everything. What am I getting at here? Back to the first reading. “See, I am coming to dwell among you, says the Lord.” As I prayed with this passage, I thought of Mary’s yes. I thought of Juan Diego’s yes. Then it felt as if the Lord pointed at me and said, “What about you? What’s your answer?” The Lord asks permission to dwell inside of me. To enact His will in me. To bear Jesus to the World through me. Like Juan Diego, I’m sure I’m incapable of doing so many of the things He asks of me. I insist that He’s got the wrong person. Go ask someone holier than me, Lord... But I know He still asks and waits for my answer. “See, I am coming to dwell among you, says the Lord.” So what do you say? Will you let Him accomplish His will in you? It all begins with one little word. Step #3: Oratio / PrayThese 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. Will you let God accomplish His will in you? How are you saying "yes" to the Lord and to His will today? How can you glorify and magnify the Lord? Step #4: Contemplatio / ContemplateIn 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. "Yes, Lord." "I am coming to dwell among you." "I give glory to you, Lord." Step #5: Actio / ActIn 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? Say "yes" today. Give the Lord permission to work in and through you. Smartphone Lock ScreenThe 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 Dan Wolff.
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