Carpe Verbum
  • About
  • Join
  • Contact
Picture

CARPE VERBUM


Just Do It

11/8/2016

 

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 17:7-10

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).
​Have you ever heard that classic tagline Nike uses to advertise their merchandise? In today's Gospel, it seems a lot like Jesus is saying exactly that: "Just do it!"

Leading up to this Gospel passage in the Gospel of Luke, the disciples have just asked Jesus to increase their faith. And how does He respond? As He so often likes to do, Jesus responds to their request with a parable and a question in today's Gospel reading. How can the disciples increase their faith? Today's parable of the servant shows us that Jesus is telling His disciples to increase their faith by simply doing what they are called to do. This is the same for all of us. How can WE increase our faith? By putting on our imaginary Nike sneakers and just doing it!

As a young adult, something I am always concerned about is the future. What am I going to be doing one year from now, one month... what am I even going to be doing tomorrow? I'm so obsessed with the idea of what I WILL be doing, and what God WILL call me to do, that I am, in a way, neglecting the present moment He has given me. If I want to increase my faith in God, then I need to do exactly what God has called me to do in this present moment of my life, rather than obsess over what I am going to do later on down the road.

It's not an easy thing to do, but I want to encourage you all. Take a moment during your day today and ask yourself: "Am I doing what God has called me to do in THIS very moment?" We are called to love and serve God and others, just as the servant in today's Gospel is called to serve his master. Don't worry about yesterday or tomorrow, but serve God in THIS moment. Do not be afraid, my friends. Trust that God has a plan for you TODAY, and just do it. 

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 areas of your faith do you struggle with or need to work on? How is the Lord calling you to grow in your faith?

What is the Lord calling you to do today, at this very moment? 

What things, whether in the past or the future, do you need to let go of in order to focus better on what God is calling you to do in the present moment?

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.
"Lord, increase my faith."

"Lord, show me how to serve you better."

​"Just do it." 

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 Lord bear fruit in you today?
Don't worry about yesterday or tomorrow. Focus on today and how you will serve the Lord in the present moment.

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.
Picture

Today's prayer was prepared by Sarah Freddino, a FOCUS Missionary at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, FL. 

Comments are closed.

    Archives

    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016


    RSS Feed

Picture
  • About
  • Join
  • Contact