Growth

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 13:24-43

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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).

​Wheat among weeds...

Sometimes, I feel like my life is surrounded by weeds, whether it’s negative people dragging me down or the unfavorable circumstances of life that are out of my control. While I wish I could surround myself with only positive people or change my circumstances, it’s not always that easy. But rather than allow it to drag me down or stop my own personal growth, I think it can be an opportunity to rise above.

Towards the beginning of this pandemic, I remember hearing a priest say, “Real growth happens in times of suffering.” Those words resonated with me and have stuck with me over the last couple of months. The weeds of life try to stop our growth or tell us it is too painful or not worth it, but God continues to call us to dig deep and root ourselves even deeper in His love.

If God were to simply remove the weeds from our lives, then there would never be any adversity. If there was never any adversity, then there really would never be any need for growth. When we find ourselves in the thick of the weeds, it can be hard to see a way out, but I encourage you to never give up. God is still present and is making beautiful things out of us.

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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.

What are some things in your life that are preventing you from growing? How can you still find a way to grow?

What are some relationships in your life that are preventing you from growing? How can you fix them so you can still grow?

How can you let adversity be a path to growth instead of despair?

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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."

"I love you Lord."

"Help me to grow."

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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?

Take a look at the things you complain most about in life. Take those things and pray about how they can be avenues of growth instead of something to just complain about. And finish of your prayer by being thankful.

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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 Maggie Super, Director of Youth Ministry at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Huntley, IL.

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.