Step #2: Meditatio / MeditateUse the following meditation to help you reflect more deeply on the Scripture (you may want to read the passage again).
Like most major cities, Philadelphia has a large population of homeless men and women. It’s not unusual to find some of them ask for food or money at a traffic light. Most are harmless but often ignored. One summer day, while at work in one of Philly’s popular tourist neighborhoods, I saw a minivan pull over on a side street. Three teenagers and their dad hopped out with brown bag lunches in their hands. They passed out the lunches to several homeless men. The guys weren’t looking for recognition; just looking out for the less fortunate. The moment of charity served as a reminder that we are all linked together. Today’s first reading outlines how quick life can change. It magnifies the importance God puts on keeping one another accountable and helping stay on the right path. We never know when we will be the one reaching for a helping hand. At the same time, we can’t be too prideful to accept assistance. 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.
How is God calling me to rely more on him and less on myself? In what ways am I actively looking to my brothers and sisters' needs and trying to help hold them up in acts of love and service? Is it difficult for me to accept help from others? What about from God? How can I learn to accept more readily and humbly? 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.
"The Lord hears the cry of the poor." "Help me to trust in you." "I want more of you and less 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?
Find one way to reach out to someone(s) who is in need of help. It could be a message or comfort or support, a physical act of service, a charitable donation, or something else. Look to those who are in need and give of yourself freely, not for gain but for the sake of love. 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 Brandon Hudson, a news reporter in Philadelphia, PA. 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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