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: Meditatio / MeditateUse the following meditation to help you reflect more deeply on the Scripture (you may want to read the passage again). We made it! We have officially reached the Easter season. I don’t know about you, but in those final days of Lent, it felt easy to become downcast, like the disciples in today’s Gospel. There were moments of long-suffering, just waiting for the joy that was to come at Easter. But maybe Easter came and went and things don’t feel all that different. I promise there is still hope! Jesus told His disciples that he would rise from the dead after three days, yet once it actually happened, they couldn’t believe it! They were still downcast and felt lost and confused. They didn’t completely understand what had just happened and probably were still reeling from the fact that their Lord was just crucified a couple days ago. Like those disciples, I think sometimes we lose sight of the effects and graces of the Resurrection once Easter Sunday ends. Jesus is walking right here alongside us, even if we don’t realize it. He’s continuing to reveal Himself to us in this season, as He did to the disciples on the road to Emmaus. Easter did not end on Sunday. We celebrate the joy of the Resurrection every time we go to Mass and recognize Jesus in the breaking of the bread (i.e. the Eucharist!). We are called to keep the fire of unquenchable joy and thirst for our Lord alive in our hearts at every moment on our journey to heaven. There is still hope to be found in this Easter season. May your heart continue to burn within you every time you encounter our Lord. 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. Where do you find hope? We are only 4 days (of 50) into Easter. How will you let the reality of the resurrection in to soak your soul? How will you encounter Christ in your life today? 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. "Jesus is risen." "Jesus is the bread of life." "Jesus I want to encounter you." 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? Jesus wants to meet you on the road today. When you encounter Him, will you recognize Him? Today, pay attention and tonight, reflect on where Jesus walked with you. 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 Maggie Overbeck, Assistant Director of Youth Ministry at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Huntley, 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. Comments are closed.
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