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). Today is the Feast of St. Matthew, Apostle and evangelist. He was a tax collector, he probably had a love of money and thought it would make him happy. I bought into this lie myself, and I think a lot of people fall into this lie and believe that money will solve everything. I speak from experience, it doesn’t. Matthew received the call from Jesus, a simple “follow me”, and he got up, left his money and followed him. I know that feeling, too. When he called me, I left my career to share the love and mercy of Jesus and the sacramental graces I received through the beautiful Catholic Church. His mercy saved me as I was a sick, sick soul - a huge sinner. In the Gospel, the Pharisees criticized Jesus for sitting with tax collectors and sinners. Throughout the New Testament, Jesus tries to show them many times that the ‘law’ is not above or different than mercy and love. Following the law can never contradict loving thy neighbor; if it seems like it does, we are misunderstanding the entire point of the law. Jesus says: "Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. Go and learn the meaning of the words, I desire mercy, not sacrifice. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners." His mercy is for all of us, and this is a reminder that we must love everyone, even the most horrid and evil people. We should not judge, but pray for those who need Jesus’ mercy and love, knowing that we too are constantly in need of his love and mercy. So, let’s follow the example and ask for the intercession of St. Matthew to follow Jesus wherever he calls us. Be not afraid and follow him. 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. In what ways in your life have you fallen into the trap of looking to things in the world – money, popularity, success, etc. – for your affirmation and joy instead of to God? How is God calling you today to, like St. Matthew, leave everything and follow him? How can you be more loving to those around you who are struggling with sin and help them come back to Jesus? 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. "St. Matthew, pray for me." "I will follow you." "Thank you for your mercy." 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? Reach out today to someone in your life who may be struggling. When we have relationships with people who drift from God, it is important that we distance ourselves from falling into temptation but not that we lose sight of the person who we care for. Find someone you care for and maybe grab coffee with them or just text them. Show them, through your care for them, God's love and mercy today as Jesus showed St. Matthew when he encountered and called him. 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 Kendra Von Esh, an International Catholic Speaker, TV News Anchor, Radio Host and Author.
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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