Have You Seen Christ?

3/2/2020

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.

MATTHEW 25:31-46

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).

Have you seen Christ?

In the Gospel today we are given an image of what it will be like when the Son of Man comes in his glory....sheep and goats...left and right...reward or punishment, but to sum it all up, we will be judged and rewarded according to our love.

There is a true story of a veteran priest who visited Mother Teresa’s community in India and received a tour of the streets of Calcutta by Mother. They found a man lying on the streets in terrible shape, extremely ill, dirty, and basically helpless. Mother Teresa told the priest to pick the man up and carry him back to their convent. He hesitantly did. Upon arrival at the convent Mother preceded to tell the priest to now bath the man. At this point it became even more challenging for the priest to comply with Mother’s request, but with God’s grace, he did as she asked. When finished the priest told Mother Teresa, “That was the first time I saw Christ in my life.”

“Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.”

As we journey through Lent, let’s keep our eyes and hearts open to the brother and sister who seeks the gift of our love. And respond generously.

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 you doing for Christ? How are you serving His people?

Have you seen Christ? Where? How did you respond?

How can you be more like Christ?

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.

"Have I seen you?"

"How can I serve you?"

"Lord, I need you."

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?

Today, pay attention to all who crosses your path? How can you serve them? Find one tangible way to do this today.

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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 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.

CARPE VERBUM