Jealousy

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 21:20-25

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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).

Peter was just told that he will die, but Jesus invited him to follow Him anyways. A hard truth, but something Peter was willing to accept. Then, for some reason, he asked about John, the beloved disciple. An odd question, and Jesus only half answers it saying that it doesn't matter, even if He decides that John will never die. Obviously John did die, but he was the only Apostle to not be martyred, or be killed for his faith. He died a natural death. 

So why does this matter? Why did it matter to Peter?

As soon as I read this passage I thought about all the times I cared about other people's future out of jealousy and comparison. I thought about the ways I would obsess about how someone else had a "better future" ahead of them then I did. I thought about how ridiculous that really is, but how often it happens. And I know we all do it.

If we want to be true disciples, true Christians, we must simply desire the good of our brothers and sisters, regardless of how it compares to us. We should want others to have the best future possible and help them achieve that! There is no greater thing we can do on this earth than to love authentically. There is no room for this type of jealousy in authentic love. So stop comparing and worrying about your future and especially someone else's, and just love them 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.

In what ways do you find yourself comparing yourself to others? Does this ever lead to jealousy?

Do you ever obsess over someone else's future? Why do you think that is so?

How can you love someone more instead of always comparing?

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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.

"Jesus I trust in You."

"I love you, Lord"

"Come Holy Spirit."

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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?

Pray the litany of humility today. And if you find yourself comparing yourself to someone, pray for them instead.

Click here for the litany of humility.

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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.

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Today's prayer was prepared by Sean Norris, Youth Minister at Our Lady of the Wayside Parish in Arlington Heights, IL.

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.