Step #1: Lectio / ReadClick 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. Step #2: Meditatio / MeditateUse the following meditation to help you reflect more deeply on the Scripture (you may want to read the passage again). Brothers and sisters: “do you not know that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” What stirring and exacting words St. Paul offers us in today’s second reading. Each of today’s readings touches upon this idea of God’s temple, both the heavenly city of God as talked about in the first reading and psalm to the temple of the body as described by Paul and the Gospel. So, why all this talk today about temples and furthermore, what does this mean for you? “You are God’s building,” says St. Paul. Out of all creation, God has crafted us with noble and unique dignity and purpose, to be set aside from all creation as a temple of God for the whole world. Think of what a temple is supposed to be in the first place: a dwelling place of God Himself. In saying that we are God’s building, that we are indeed the temple of God, St. Paul provides us with a life-altering fact about ourselves: God, namely the Holy Spirit, dwells within you! God. Dwells. Within. You. Woah. This fact causes us to pause and think a little differently about our brothers and sisters and ourselves does it not? The reality of this fact is that we have to protect and guard the temple, meaning we have to safeguard the dignity we have and increase in the holiness we are made for. A temple holds the presence of God within it, but it also is a place for God to be worshipped. In the same way, we have God’s presence within us, but we are just as well called to worship him and give him glory in everything that we do. Just as well, we have to recognize in profound humility what our bodily temples are made for – precisely for God to dwell within us and give glory to Him. When we use something outside of its intended purpose, we shortchange both the value of that thing and abuse what it was made for. The same goes for the body, the temple of God; if we choose things that deny ours or someone else’s personhood we deny that which we are truly created for and to be – a holy dwelling of God for the entire world. Above all, brothers and sisters, “know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells within you.” Not only is this true of you, but of anyone who is a human being. We are all created in innate dignity and purpose and are all called to play our own unique part in building up the kingdom of God. Embrace your role as called by God in this, and seek to empower everyone in your life to do the same. 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. How can you embrace you role as a temple of the Holy Spirit? How can you live out that reality? If everyone you encounter is also a temple of the Holy Spirit, how does that change the way you treat them and love them? How will you humbly praise and worship the Lord today for his dwelling within you? 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. "You are God's building." "The Spirit of God dwells in you." "The temple of God, which you are, is holy." 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? Reflect on this reality that you are a temple of the Holy Spirit and how that changes the way you live your life. Then, go live out that reality! 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 Matthew Maxwell, a graduate of Franciscan University and currently working as a Youth Minister in St. Louis.
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