Memorial of Saint Thomas Aquinas, Priest and Doctor of the Church

1/27/2021

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.

Mark 4:21-25

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)

Okay, you know the movie Tangled? I hope so! If not, make that your next movie night because you seriously need to see it!
Okay, back to the movie, if you’ve seen Tangled then you know in the very beginning, Rapulzel’s captor, Gothel (who she only knows as her mother) has hidden the magic flower so she can use it for herself. Spoiler alert: Gothel is the bad guy in this movie. She used it for selfish reasons and kept it hidden until one day the castle guards found it. What happened when that glowing, magic flower was discovered? The power it contained saved both the Queen’s and Rapunzel’s life.

What’s my point? Well, in today’s gospel, Jesus says, “Is a lamp brought in to be placed under a bushel basket or under a bed, and not to be placed on a lampstand? For there is nothing hidden except to be made visible; nothing is secret except to come to light. Anyone who has ears ought to hear.” When I was reading this, my mind went to that scene where the glowing, magic flower is hidden under what looks like a basket. The power it contained had the potential to do so much good, but Gothel chose evil whereas, the King chose good. It would never have done any good hidden away like that.

I find myself relating to the flower in this analogy (I know it’s weird, just stick with me…) I can either keep quiet or I can speak out. I have a unique set of gifts and talents that the Lord has given me! But, how am I going to use those? Will I choose to use them selfishly and not share them? Will I choose to use them for good and share the gifts that the Lord has given me? Jesus also says, “Take care what you hear. The measure with which you measure will be measured out to you.” Jesus tells us that if we choose good, if we choose to give of ourselves, if we choose to share our gifts and serve those around us, then more will be given to us. Friends, Jesus promises us great rewards in Heaven for serving His Kingdom here on earth!

If you’ve seen Tangled you know it ends SO WELL! That stems from that choice of good over evil.

Who do you relate to in this analogy? Where do you need to share more of yourself? What gift could you use more to serve those around you? Take some time in prayer today to ask the Lord to show you the gifts and talents He has given you, and then ask Him to give you the grace to use them for good!

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 gifts can I be using for your kingdom?

Am I generous with what you have given me?

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.

Jesus, I am here.

I worship you.

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

Find that area in your life right now that you are not living to the fullest and give it your all for the Glory of God.

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Today's reflection was written by Anna Roche.

CARPE VERBUM