I am Beloved

9/28/2020

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.

LUKE 9:46-50

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).

Saint John of the Cross revealed to us the truth that at the twilight of life we will only be judged by love. The Beloved Apostle, Saint John wrote that God is love. If God is love, then we will only be judged by God who is love.

In today's gospel, the disciples were arguing who among them are the greatest. They were probably trying to prove their greatness from the argument of doing or having. We see these arguments nowadays from the many posts that we see from different social media platforms. People are trying to prove their worth and their greatness from the place they have been, or what kind of food they have eaten for dinner or the kind of fancy restaurant or hotel they were staying.

"Jesus realized the intention of their hearts and took a child..." A child knows that he is beloved without having to be do anything or have anything to prove it. When we were children, we simply knew that mom and dad love us. This is reality is even more a reality with relation to God who is love.

In the eyes of the loving Father in heaven, you are a beloved and will always be a beloved. The whole world may never see what you have eaten, or have done, or have acquired as your possession, but as long as you are convinced of the Father's love for you, blessed are you.

"Jesus realized the intention of their hearts and took a child..." You are that child that Jesus took, I am that child that Jesus took to His side. If we let Him take us to His side, we will realize that the greatest reality is simply that you and I are deeply and eternally loved. In His eyes, every single one of us are great because we are patterned into His great image and likeness.

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.

When have you tried to compete for God's love? How have you realized you cannot do that?

Do you believe in God's love for you?

How can you live out the Lord's call for greatness?

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.

"I am beloved."

"The Lord calls me to greatness."

"The Lord loves me."

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?

You don't need to compete for the Lord's love, but He wants great things for you. How can you live His call to greatness today?

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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 Fr. Ervin Caliente, priest of the Diocese of Rockford.

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