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). As a carpenter, Jesus certainly knew a thing or two about proper foundations. Let's take a second look at the parable from today's Gospel. Think about the "house" as your life: "Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock. And everyone who listens to these words of mine but does not act on them will be like a fool who built his house on sand. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. And it collapsed and was completely ruined.” (Matthew 7:24-27). In life, there will be times when we feel like disaster has struck. The figurative rain is falling, the winds are buffeting, and the floods have arrived. How can we prepare for life's disasters? I think a good way is to take some time today to look at our personal foundation. In Scripture and through the Church, God teaches us how to live a life with a strong foundation. Are we following God's Word and building our lives around it? Following God's Word will not prevent hardships and difficulty. Rather, God instructs us in Scripture so we can have strength in our trials from both a practical and spiritual perspective. God does not want our lives to fall in ruin. Jesus said he came so we can "have life and have it abundantly" (John 10:10). Obeying his word is the fastest and surest way to achieve those results. It's also important to remember that God is merciful and continuously seeking us (see today's Psalm). Even when we fall away and our weak foundation is failing, we can reach out to Him and find the mercy and love of our heavenly Father. Step #3: Oratio / PrayWhat are the foundations of your life? How can you make your life more solidly rooted in God, His Word and His Church? How do you react to hardship? Will you fall back on the sturdy rock of Christ or do you build your life on sand? How strong is your spiritual life? In what aspects of your life do you need to ask for God's help in order to grow spiritually? 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. "You are a firm foundation." "I will build my life upon your word and mercy." "I love 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? Today, really think and pray about what you life is founded on. Is your identity based on how God sees you and what He tells us through Scripture, or is it founded on how other people see you? After a good look at what your life is centered on, ask God for His mercy and help so that you may have a life that is unshaken by hardship or struggles. 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 Liam Brady, an accountant in Chicago.
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. Comments are closed.
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