Growth

9/19/2020

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.

Luke 8:4-15

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).

My husband and I recently bought a house, and I have quickly learned how terrible I am at keeping plants alive. Our house came with a number of beautiful flower beds, bushes, and luscious green grass. In less than a month, the flowers have completely wilted, the bushes are half dead and growing in every direction, and the grass looks a lot more brown than green. I can honestly say that I am able to relate to the parable of the sower in a whole new way.

Whether you are awesome at taking care of plants or are more like me in that regard, Jesus reminds us in today’s Gospel that we have to pay attention to what we are planting, where we are planting it, and how we are going to help it continue to grow. Seeds grow in rich soil that continues to be cultivated and cared for through perseverance. The Word of God bears fruit in those who keep Christ as their foundation and persevere through the growing pains as they continue to cultivate a life of faith.

Growth isn’t simple or easy. I think it can be easy to read this parable and think that once the seed is planted in good soil, the work is done. While the soil provides the foundation for growth, growth still takes a lot of work. Growth doesn’t happen just on the surface; some of the most important growth happens in the depths of the soil.

In our faith, we must continually root ourselves in the rich soil, allowing those roots to grow ever deeper. My prayer for each one of us is that we take the time to allow our roots to grow deeper and to encounter the Word of God each day.

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 the place in your life where you can see God has planted his roots deep, in good soil? Where in your life is there some rocky ground that makes it hard for your faith to grow?

How can you allow God's Word to take root more deeply in your life through prayer and perseverance through trails?

At this moment of your life, how is God calling you to grow in your walk with him?

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.

"Lord, take root in my heart."

"Jesus, I trust in you."

"Help me to grow in your love."

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?

Do something outside! Cut the grass, water some flowers, rake some of the first leaves that have fallen; whatever it is, take time to care for and be in nature, and when you do let the things of nature teach you about growth in your life of faith.

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, 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.

CARPE VERBUM