Joy

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 6:1-5

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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).

The other day I was cleaning the grill and I took all the little pieces apart. I pulled the grates off and took out the little ceramic covers that protect the flame. I took out the trays and cleaned out all the soot, all the little chunks of stuff in the bottom. I got out some bleach wipes and just really went to town scrubbing everything down. Then, about an hour and a half later, I was staring at a shiny, glistening, pristine, lovely little grill. I felt good. What a nice way to spend a Saturday morning. A job well done.

The Germans have a word, Arbeitsfreude. It means the joy that comes from work. I sure experienced some Arbeitsfreude on Saturday morning. 

But, in my own life, and I think it a lot of our lives, we suffer a particular temptation. We can so easily let what we’re doing, what we’ve done, what we failed at, and what we’re attempting to do give us joy. We can let so many jobs, tasks, goals, objectives, and accomplishments give us joy. We can let so many whatevers give us joy.

Today’s Gospel reminds us that Jesus is the Lord of the Sabbath, the day of rest and of worship.

So let me propose a different word: Christianischfreude! We could call it the joy that comes from knowing Christ intimately. Joy, a deep wellspring of joy within us, not because we have done anything, accomplished anything, or achieved anything – but joy just because we know Jesus and follow wherever He leads. 

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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.

What is the work the Lord has specifically called you to right now? How are you using that to bring Him glory?

How often do you take time to pause, to reflect, and to focus on the joy that the Lord gives and truly offers you?

​Where is the Lord leading you now? How is He calling you into deeper intimacy with Him?

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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.

"You are my joy."

"You lead me."

"I choose to follow You, Lord."

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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?

Take some time today just to be. Maybe you take your morning coffee and relax. Maybe you enjoy the sunset this evening. Whatever it is, give yourself time just to be and to bask in the intimacy the Lord invites you into.

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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 Fr. Jon Bakkelund, priest of the Diocese of Rockford.