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). As Paul, Barnabas, and companions are on the move from one town to the next, John – also known as “John Mark” – leaves them and heads back to Jerusalem. What’s the deal? Why did their friend and fellow missionary just get up and leave? There is lots of speculation on the exact reason for John Mark’s sudden departure, but don’t lose hope because John Mark will return as we read on in the days ahead. Life has been teaching me that friends often come and go; at times family relationships suffer splintering when members don’t see eye to eye; and sometimes people just choose to make a change, even when their reasons are hard to agree with. What’s the lesson in all this? Even when someone close to you seems to give up or take a step back on the Christian Mission - keep plugging along - just as Paul and the other companions did. They did not get discouraged; they did not lose hope; they did not throw in the towel; and they did not completely give up on their friend. They kept the faith and spread the faith! My friends, Jesus has given us a challenging, yet awesome life-giving mission...despite the bumps on the road, let’s continue to have joy in spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ! 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. When have you experienced the discouragement of losing the support or companionship of someone close to you? How can you find strength in Jesus to keep the faith and keep moving? In what ways is Jesus calling you today to spread the Good News? 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 I trust in you." "You are my hope in discouragement." "You are good." 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? Ask God right now for a moment today to share the Good News! Now that you've asked, go and do it. When the chance is given to you, share the truth of Jesus and the Good News you have found in Him. 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 Fr. John McNamara, priest of the Diocese of Rockford.
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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