Hope and Victory

4/12/2020

Step #1: Lectio / Read

Click 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.

John 20:1-9

Step #2: Meditatio / Meditate

Use the following meditation to help you reflect more deeply on the Scripture (you may want to read the passage again).

When I saw that my reflection for this month was for Easter Sunday I felt so unworthy. I prayed, “Lord, what is it that you want me to say about this miraculous day in the Church?”

The Gospel reading is so rich so I let the Spirit lead me.

First, one of the most sinful people - a woman - Mary of Magdala was the first person to come to the tomb. Jesus healed her from many sins, delivered demons from her and I cannot help but wonder about her faith as she went to the tomb while it was still dark.

Mary sees that the stone is removed and runs to Peter and the other disciple Jesus loved and shared the news. Both of them ran and even though the disciple Jesus loved arrived at the tomb first - he did not enter. He knew that Peter, the Head of the Church … The Vicar of Christ … The Pope ... should enter first.

When Peter entered, John’s Gospel made sure to include details about the burial cloths. They were not just on the floor or laying haphazardly. The cloth that covered Jesus' head was rolled up separately to send a message.

In Jewish custom, when the master of the house would begin to eat his meal, his servant would wait hidden. When the master was finished, he would crumple up the napkin, a sign that he would not return, “I am finished,” and the servant could clear the table. But if the master left the table and planned to return, he would fold his napkin and leave it next to the plate as a sign, “I will return.”

**John 14:27-28 - Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. You heard me tell you, “I am going away and I will come back to you"**

Peter and John went into the tomb, saw all they saw and believed ... even though the very last sentence of the Gospel says, “For they did not yet understand the Scripture that He had to rise from the dead.”

Do you believe like Peter and John do? Does your heart leap at this Gospel and the miracle of Jesus’ Resurrection? Let’s reflect on this mystery and seek our heart’s deep, spiritual faith in the Lord and celebrate in prayer and thanksgiving. Today is a day of victory! As St. Augustine said, "We are an Easter people and Alleluia is our song!" God bless you and Happy Easter - Jesus Is Risen!

Step #3: Oratio / Pray

These 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.

What would have gone through your mind if you were Mary, or Peter, or John in today's Gospel?

What does Jesus' Resurrection mean to you today?

In a time that feels so much more like Lent and Good Friday, in a time where everything seems to be taken away from us - family, friends, school, even the Sacraments - how can the promise of hope that Easter brings, bring us through this tough time in our world today?

Step #4: Contemplatio / Contemplate

In 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.

"Thank you for dying and rising for me."

"Jesus, I trust in you."

"We are an Easter people and Alleluia is our song!"

Step #5: Actio / Act

In 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 let us celebrate Easter! This year may be different, but don't let the joy of this amazing day be lost. Celebrate Christ's Resurrection in a special way today. Dress up, call your mom, make your favorite dessert; it doesn't matter how, but celebrate and find joy today because Jesus has conquered death and sin - He is Risen. "We are an Easter people and Alleluia is our song!"

Smartphone Lock Screen

The 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.

CARPE VERBUM