Just Do It

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

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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).

​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. 

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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 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?

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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.

"Lord, increase my faith."

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

​"Just do it." 

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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 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.

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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 Sarah Freddino, a FOCUS Missionary at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, FL.