Imitate Christ

​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 10:25-37

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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).

If you've ever spent any time on TikTok you're well aware that it's a platform to imitate other people. The crazy part is that some people become famous for their imitations and re-envisioning of other celebrities and characters. Sometimes we get caught up in the vain attempts to try to imitate our idols or to seek our own glory, instead of what actually leads us to heaven. We spend so much time trying to live in the world and inherit the world that we forget about the inheritance that God gives us as His sons and daughters.

​We aren't of this world, but sometimes we try so hard to belong in it that we forget that the only imitation necessary for fulfillment is imitating Jesus Christ. You don't need to be the next Eminem or Ariana Grande to find your place in this life or the next. As a matter of fact, Jesus points out that you are called to imitate Him and show love to the world around you instead. In the Gospel today, the young man questioning Jesus about inheriting eternal life tries to justify not showing love to all people. He seems to think that if he can prove that someone is not his "neighbor," meaning that he is not of similar origin or faith as him, he doesn't need to show love to him.

Jesus responds to him with the story of the Good Samaritan, who came upon a man that had been attacked on the side of the road and ignored by many other people that were going past. The Samaritan, however, not knowing the man and not being of the same region took care of the man and brought him to a place where he could safely heal. All too often, we have a "crowd mentality," where we see people ignoring those in pain or sometimes see people causing pain and we join in by imitating them. But Christ calls us to imitate him and show love during those times. If we see TikTok as an example of how imitation can be contagious, then we know that the love of Christ that we imitate can be all the more contagious in this world. Especially now, with all the issues going on in 2020 from racial tensions, to elections, to the pandemic, sometimes people just need to hear that they are loved, they are worthy, and they matter.

​You can show Christ to the world through your imitation of Him. This world can only ever offer you so much, but Christ can offer you so much more. Why imitate something that is so incomplete as worldly desires when you can imitate the love of Christ that helps you inherit eternal life? Imitating the world leads to fakeness, but imitating Christ leads to fulfillment of what you were placed here for: love. Go out and imitate Christ today.

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​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.

Have you ever tried to imitate Christ? Why or why not?

How can being like Christ help you love your neighbor?

​How can you imitate Christ today?

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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.

"Imitate Christ."

"Help me be like you."

​"Love my neighbor."

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​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?

Reread the gospel. What is one way you can be more like Christ today? 

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​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.

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Today's prayer was prepared by Brendan Slovacek, a student at Franciscan University of Steubenville. 

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.