Genuine

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. 

John 21:20-25

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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).

In today’s Gospel Jesus twice asks Peter, “What concern is it of yours?”, a statement in reply to Peter’s curiosity about John remaining around longer than the other disciples.

Concern for another can be two-fold. We can have a "healthy" concern for another when we desire what is best for them; this is the essence of love. Or we can have an "unhealthy" concern for another that produces within us an anxious spirit of comparison. The latter was the disposition of Peter in this story. He was comparing himself to John.

A big part of living in the daily will of God is to have a genuine concern and love for others, instead of taking part in that nasty disposition of comparison – which is an unhealthy concern of another. Every passing day is a day to thank God for the uniqueness of each of us. Each one of us is a little different from the other, but we are all beautiful gifts from God.

Please take this to heart...God loves you and has a plan for you – do not try and be someone you are not. Jesus teaches us a lesson; let’s put to rest comparing ourselves to others, and be busy about a genuine love for oneself and for others.

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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.

How are you living in relationship to others? Do you have a genuine concern for them, or do you constantly compare yourself?

What are some of the gifts God has given you that you are grateful for? Take some time to acknowledge those things and thank God for them, knowing that they are given to you by him.

As the Easter season comes to an end, what are some of the graces you are thanking God for during this season, as different as it may have been?

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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.

"Jesus, I trust in you."

"Thank you, Lord."

​"I choose you, Lord."

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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?

In this difficult time, we will use our Action step each day to join with people around the world in praying for an end to the pandemic of the Coronavirus, for the healing of all those affected, and for the comfort of all those who have lost a loved one. The prayer below is from Archbishop José H. Gomez, President of the USCCB in his reflection and prayer during coronavirus:

Holy Virgin of Guadalupe,
Queen of the Angels and Mother of the Americas.
We fly to you today as your beloved children.
We ask you to intercede for us with your Son,
as you did at the wedding in Cana.
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Pray for us, loving Mother,
and gain for our nation and world,
and for all our families and loved ones,
the protection of your holy angels,
that we may be spared the worst of this illness.

For those already afflicted,
we ask you to obtain the grace of healing and deliverance.
Hear the cries of those who are vulnerable and fearful,
wipe away their tears and help them to trust.

In this time of trial and testing,
teach all of us in the Church to love one another and to be patient and kind.
Help us to bring the peace of Jesus to our land and to our hearts.

We come to you with confidence,
knowing that you truly are our compassionate mother,
health of the sick and cause of our joy.

Shelter us under the mantle of your protection,
keep us in the embrace of your arms,
help us always to know the love of your Son, Jesus. Amen.

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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 Fr. John McNamara, priest of the Diocese of Rockford. 

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.