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: Mediatio / MeditateUse the following meditation to help you reflect more deeply on the Scripture (you may want to read the passage again). In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord. Every one of us nowadays days know at least one friend or relative who has stopped going to church. Once in awhile, I would meet a person who asks me to pray for them because they have not been to church for a long time. Sometimes, I have asked them why they stopped going. Some of them say something like: “I stopped going to church because as long as I am not doing harm to others that should be alright." Others have said: “as long as I am not judging others that should be enough” or “as long as I am charitable towards my neighbor that is good enough”. Some would even ask me: “Isn't that what is church made for, isn't church just supposed to make us good people?” Yes, going to church or attending Mass should produce in us charity, goodness, kindness, and the ability to be people who abide in moral virtues. But, going to church is not just that. We are made for something more than just moral people. We are made for something better than just being good people. We exist to be totally united in joy, in love, and in adoration of the One God Who loves us and cares for all that we care about. The Archangels Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael - whose feast we celebrate today - have done their good deeds for our salvation, as was recounted in the Scriptures, but their eternal work is to sing praises to God. You and I are called to the same thing: to sing the praises of our God forever, in the sight of His angels. So let’s begin today, but also in every Mass that we attend. Sing God’s praises in your room or even in others’ company. Thank Him for His love and mercy. Practice singing now, for in heaven, it’s going to be a an eternal sing-along with the choirs of angels. Heaven is going to be a blast! An eternal song for those who are eternally in love! 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. What are some of the excuses you've made for times you've not been to Mass, to prayer, or some other commitment you've made to God? How can you commit to God even in the midst of those times when there are easy excuses to keep your commitment to Him? When you are at Mass, how do you allow yourself to encounter God and grow in relationship with Him? What do you think of when you imagine heaven? What do you think it will be like to spend eternity in relationship with God singing His praises in union with all of those around 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 will sing your praises." "I long for You, Lord." "Thank 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 way today to sing God's praises to the world. Share your joy in Him with another person, or take time throughout your day to pause and draw your heart to the heavenly joy that you are called to. 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 Fr. Ervin Caliente, priest of the Diocese of Rockford.
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