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).
Why does Jesus tell people not to say anything when He heals them? How can you possibly have your deafness and speech impediment healed instantly and not share it with everyone? In today’s Gospel, it says the more Jesus ordered them not to, the more they proclaimed it.
I completely understand this because I, too, have had miracles in my life that I couldn’t keep to myself. Have you ever had Jesus heal something broken in your life and you did NOT shout it from the mountain top? Maybe you were worried about what the world would think of you. If they knew you were THAT broken what would they say or would they like you anymore? Would you be judged? I have had both happen to me, so I speak from experience. I kept one of the biggest miracles to myself for years until this last December - the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. I was in morning prayer and God put on my heart, “Today is the day.” I laughed and said, “Uh, that is not what we planned. We agreed we will share everything when my second book comes out!” Well, how do you say, “No” to God? You don’t. So, I obeyed and got on social media and recorded videos sharing the miracle healing from my 20 year addiction to marijuana during my consecration to Jesus through Mary that ended on the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Before God graced me with courage to share this, I was too attached to the world and the judgement or rejection of others. That is why I didn’t share it for so many years, even when I started my ministry. But when He asked me to go public on December 12, 2019, it was so that I not only glorify what He did in my life, but for His loving mother who interceded for me on her feast day. I am in a much deeper relationship with God and humbly surrendering to His will every moment. He gifted me with the Fear of the Lord and granted my prayer of detachment so I could live for Him only, my audience of one. The last part of the Gospel brings it home for each of us, “He has done all things well. He makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.” I reflected on this very differently as a result of my speaking aloud and not being mute about the things He has done well in my life. Maybe, through the testimony of my addiction there might be one, two or three deaf people who hear my story and go to God for healing or have a change of heart about marijuana. May God's will be done. Let’s share all our miracles, no matter what. The feedback I have received for sharing this deep secret I hid for decades has been very positive. My purpose is to glorify all of God’s great work, “He has done all things well.” The world needs to hear the great things God has done in your life, too. The world needs hope of healing and the love of Jesus and Mary. 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.
Have you ever been healed of something? Big or small?
Do you read the stories of miracles in the Gospels and think "well that was then, this is now"? How often do you share about how Jesus has saved you? 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.
"I trust you Lord."
"I love you Lord." "I want to praise you Jesus." 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?
Find a story of healing in the scriptures or in your life. Reflect upon the goodness of the Lord and how he has rescued His people. Then tell someone about it.
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 Kendra Von Esh, an International Catholic Speaker, TV News Anchor, Radio Host and Author with a passion to help others deepen their relationship with God and the Faith. 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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