Forgiven

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. 

Matthew 9:1-8

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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).

We all have something that we want Christ to miraculously heal. It could be some physical ailment or some trouble in our lives, but we all have something we wish God would swoop in and fix. Today's Gospel shows us that, yes, God can heal/fix anything, but it is much greater that He forgives our sins.

I think the sacrament of Reconciliation can be scary or stressful. Sometimes I feel like I don't even have to go. These are lies I tell myself, it's my pride telling me that. The fact that God wipes away our sins, makes us totally clean and just FORGIVES us perfectly, is crazy. It's so easy to take this massively important reality of our faith for granted!

When Jesus suffered and died on the cross, it was so we could receive God's mercy. It's the way God willed for us to come back into a relationship with Him after thousands and thousands of years of sinning. Today, we still sin, but it's not the end of the story. Our sins separate us from God, but now Christ washes us clean of everything we do to distance ourselves from Him. All we have to do is have a truly sorrowful heart for the sins we have committed and go to Christ through the priest and ask for His mercy. When we tell Him our sins, it can be hard, scary even, but it's miraculous. Our relationship with God is more important than our physical sufferings or day to day troubles. The fact that we can be reconciled with God and enter into eternal life with Him is greater than a perfect life on earth.

Let us rejoice in knowing that we are reunited with God. Let us rejoice in the fact that He wants to heal every wound or problem in our lives, but that most importantly we are able to have a perfect, loving, and authentic relationship with God who is Love. 

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​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.

When was the last time you went to the sacrament of Reconciliation and ask for God's mercy?

Do you see this sacrament as a way to be reunited with God? How can you grow in your understanding and appreciation of the sacrament?

In what way do you need God's spiritual healing today? How Reconciliation help you grow closer to God and accept the graces He wants to give you?

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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.

"Heal me."

"I'm sorry for my sins."

"I need You."

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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?

Go to Reconciliation! Go receive mercy! If you cannot go today, look up local Confession times in your town or at your church. Even if you cannot go to a scheduled time at a local parish, most priests take appointments for Reconciliation. They want you to have God's mercy too! Once you find a time you can go, put it in you calendar or phone, or whatever you use to remember to do things. Go receive the graces God wants you to have!

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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.

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Today's prayer was prepared by Mary Griffin, a graduate student of theology at Franciscan University of Steubenville. 

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.