Go Out and Bear Fruit

10/4/2020

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.

Alleluia JOHN 15:16

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).

Today’s first reading and the gospel both talk a lot about vineyards. And as much as I like wine with dinner and visiting vineyards, the first time I read through these readings I was a bit confused. Why would the vineyard be turned back into the wild? Why would the workers kill the son? Hopefully today you will hear a homily that dives deeper into one or both of these readings.

In praying over all these readings what came back to me was the simplicity of the line of scripture in the Alleluia. “I have chosen you from the world, says the Lord, to go and bear fruit that will remain.”

The Lord chose you. He chose you at your baptism and He continues to choose you every day. He always is choosing you, He is seeking you out and He is drawing you closer to Him. And why does He do choose you? Yes, it is because He loves you, but also you have a mission. You have a mission unique to you to bring others closer to Him.

We are called to the Lord from the world, but we are also commissioned to go back into the world and spread the word of Jesus. Our world still looks every different, and no you are probably not going on a large mission trip anytime soon. But the Lord still wants you to be bringing others to Him. What can you be doing on zoom to share your faith? Maybe it is gathering your friends for a bible study? What can you do on social media to share the gospel? What friend can you share your faith with over socially distanced coffee?

Go out and bear fruit. Keep trying, scatter seed, water it, watch it grow, and help someone else grow a faith that will remain.

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 is your mission?

How are you bearing fruit?

Where is the Lord calling you?

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.

"Go out and bear fruit."

"Here I am Lord."

"I have a mission."

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?

Where are you called to go out today? Pick a particular place and go there.

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 Lisa Majernik, a non-profit worker who lives with her husband and puppy in central Illinois.

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.

CARPE VERBUM