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). There’s something really sweet about this Gospel reading. I’m not quite sure if I can put words to it, but reflecting on this reading filled me with a ton of warm fuzzies. That seems a little strange to say when part of the reading includes Jesus telling his disciples that people are going to kill them too… but considering the bigger picture in this reading, all I see is the love in it. “You have been with me from the beginning.” Jesus acknowledges that his disciples have long been faithful and will choose to testify in His name, not because they have to, but because they want to. How could they not after all that they experienced together? “I have told you this so that you may not fall away.” “They will do this because…” “I have told you this so that when…” With all of these quotes, I think of Jesus preparing his disciples for the scary unknown. Not only is He sending the Holy Spirit to stay with the disciples and continue to aid them, but Jesus is also giving them a heads up. I don’t know about you, but it always minimizes my anxiety when I know, at least generally, what to expect. “You may remember that I told you.” Jesus is not looking for an opportunity to say, “I told you so!" He is instead hoping that the disciples might remember in the moment when their hour comes that what is happening is not a surprise, but part of God’s plan. It is inevitable that we will face difficulties often, maybe not always in a life/death scenario, but nonetheless, we are not alone in them. Jesus prepares us for difficulties on the front end, like in the Gospel. Likewise, during the difficulties, we have the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, with us. We are in good hands. Our God loves us and takes good care of us! 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. Jesus is promises that it won't be easy, but that we are not alone. When have you seen God when you were going through a time? Jesus does tell us that we will have hard times and it won't be easy. Does knowing what to expect help ease your worry? Does the future stress you out? Why or why not? Jesus is promising that He will remain with us. When is it hard for you to remain with Him? 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 have been with me from the beginning.” “You may remember that I told you.” "Jesus takes care of me." 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? Today, whenever you feel jealous, nervous, anxious, remember that Jesus is with you. In these moments say a short prayer of "Jesus, you are with me." 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 Katie LoBosco, a student at the University of Dayton studying Music Therapy.
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