Friday after Epiphany

1/8/2021

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.

Luke 5:12-16

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).

When we read about the miracles of Jesus in the Gospels, we read about these incredible things happening oftentimes instantaneously. But I know I often forget or don’t think about how long these people in these Scripture stories were probably waiting to be healed or to receive their miracle. For all we know, the man in today’s Gospel may have been living with leprosy his entire life before encountering Jesus, the one who could heal him.

When waiting for a miracle or waiting for something good to happen, it can be hard to hold on to hope. It can be a lot easier, in some ways, to give into despair and assume our prayer will never be answered. God has incredible power to heal and make us whole again. Sometimes, that miracle happens in a moment, and sometimes, that miracle or healing takes place over a long period of time. Either way, the Lord is still working on our hearts, even as we are waiting to receive, if we are open to Him.

May we, like the leper, never stop praying and believing that our God can heal us, even in our deepest wounds. If you are still waiting on your miracle, don’t give up hope. Good things are coming.

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.

What have I been waiting on from God?

Do I still have hope and trust in God as I wait?

Where have I given into despair?

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 my heart."

"Make me clean."

"Thy will be done."

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?

Pray for an increase in the virtue of hope today, and ask the Lord to help you trust in His goodness and not give into despair.

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.

Today's prayer was prepared by Maggie Super.

CARPE VERBUM