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). Do you know Jesus wants to heal you? In the Gospel today, we hear a familiar passage of the paralyzed man being lowered by his friends to Jesus. But what struck me as I read through the passage again was that Jesus was surrounded by all of these people wanting to hear him teach, “and the power of the Lord was with him for healing.” Even though everyone was expecting to hear Jesus teach to them, there was an even greater lesson to be learned: Jesus wants to heal us. Sometimes I think I’m taking up God’s time on my silly little issues, like friend and relationship troubles and struggles with the same sin. But God WANTS to be with us through everything. He wants to draw close to us, especially in our brokenness, and heal us. So often I find myself wanting to be healed of a particular vice or thorn that has been in my life for while. Even though my healing is not as drastic as a paralyzed man getting up and walking, each time that I walk out of the confessional, Jesus has completely healed me of all of my sins. Even when I continue to falter and stumble, Pope Francis reminds us of just how much God wants to heal us: “God never tires of forgiving us; we are the ones who tire of seeking his mercy” (Joy of the Gospel). We have a hard and long journey to holiness here on earth and we need to be surrounded by people who will remind us of Jesus’s love, healing and mercy when we get down. Do you have people around you that will hold you accountable and bring you to Jesus when you need it most? Seriously, how great are this man’s friends who will climb on top of a roof, carefully bring him to the roof, cut a hole in the ceiling, and then lower him down among a crowd to Jesus?! We all need friends who will do this for us: gently be with us when we need them and know exactly when to push us closer to Jesus. I pray this Advent season that you (as well as myself) are able to humbly go to Jesus and ask for his healing forgiveness. I pray that you have friends who will guide you along the way and bring you closer to Jesus. 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. Do you know that Jesus wants to heal you? Who are people in your life that bring you to Jesus? How do they do this? Where in your life do you need to ask Jesus for His healing? 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. "Heal me Jesus." "Guide me Jesus." "Show me the way to the Lord." 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? Who are your friends that can hold you accountable? Set a goal to grow closer to Jesus this advent and ask for Him to heal you in whatever way you need, (daily Mass, Confession, a daily decade of the rosary), and ask your friend to help you be accountable. 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 Kayla Essner, a high school Math teacher in Denver, CO.
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