Step #2: Meditatio / MeditateUse the following meditation to help you reflect more deeply on the Scripture (you may want to read the passage again).
I've always thought today's Gospel was a little odd. Why didn't the 5 virgins who had the oil just share with the others? What harm would it have done? I mean, if I had come without enough oil, I'd want someone to share with me? On the other hand, would I share my extra with someone else?
But is it about the oil at all? I don't think so. I think the Lord is trying to tell us to be prepared for the long journey. To come with the intention to stay and wait however long it takes for Him to arrive. It's possible that the second coming of the Lord will happen during our lifetime. St. Paul thought it was possible during his lifetime. We are called to be ready. Not by stocking up on olive oil to burn in a lamp, but by preparing our hearts and giving ourselves over to the Lord. For me the 5 foolish virgins represent people with a "wait and see" attitude. They say things like, "I've got plenty of time to change my life." Or they might say, "I'll convert when I'm older." Or even, like the saint we celebrate today, St. Augustine, "Lord, make me chaste, just not yet." There will always be time to get more oil, more time to amend my life, more time to figure out how to follow Jesus. On the other hand, the 5 wise virgins are prepared for His coming whether it's in an hour, tomorrow, 2021, or not in their lifetime. We're called to be like these wise virgins. It's time to follow Jesus. Right now. Today. There will be no better time. It's not because the end of the world is coming soon (even if all the memes about 2020 are predicting it). It's because the Lord is calling us to follow Him today; He wants your heart today. Right here. Right now. Be like the wise virgins, preparing your hearts today for the coming of the Lord. You may not experience the bridegroom returning for His second coming during your lifetime, but I can guarantee He wants your heart today, right now! 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.
Are you preparing your heart for the Lord's coming?
Do you think you are being a wise or foolish person when it comes to prayer and giving yourself to Christ? What do you need before you give it all over to 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.
"I give You all."
"Here's my heart, Lord Jesus." "Help me be wise." 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?
Take some time today to reflect on where you've given your heart. Is it with the Lord or tied up in worldly things? Find some time to go pray with Jesus in His house.
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 Katie Herzing, a former youth minister turned parish evangelization consultant living in North Carolina. 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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