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). Today’s first reading, though short, is a beautiful look into the book of Amos. If you are not familiar with Amos, he was a sheep breeder who the Lord called to be a prophet. He warns the corrupt leaders, kings and priests of northern Israel of their hypocrisy and warns that they will fall. He calls the people of Israel back to the moral path God has given them, that they keep turning their backs on. I love that he is a sheep breeder. There is nothing more normal, more average than a sheep breeder. It is never easy to give people a message that they do not want to hear. Amos knows that, yet he gives the message anyway. As a result here he is kicked out of the temple. His response is so simple, so beautiful. Amos says that he is a sheep herder, who is just sent to do the Lord’s will and bring His word to the people. In today’s Gospel, the same message is echoed to the apostles. Go out and bring God’s word to the people. Again, Jesus chose the normal. He chose fishermen to go out and share the Word. This is the call we all have today. We are called to go out and share the good news and to bring others to Christ. It can be an overwhelming mission, one that often scares us so we turn the other way citing fear and not being good enough or not knowing enough. But the truth is God has equipped you with unique gifts, just as He prepared Amos and the apostles. So today know that God has prepared you, as normal as you are to share His words, His truth and His love. 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. Why do you think God chose Amos? Why do you think God has chosen you? What prevents you from going out and sharing the Word of God? How can you overcome those fears? What tools has God given you to carry out His mission? 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. "God chose me." "God calls me out." "Lord give me the strength to share You." 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? Make a list of the unique gifts God has given you. Then find one way that you can use each gift to share His mission. 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 Lisa Kendzior, Junior High Youth Minister at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Crystal Lake, 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. Comments are closed.
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