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). Where’s the mind and heart this Lent? In the Gospel this morning, Jesus and the Jews got in a pretty heated discussion. The Jews think He is possessed and crazy because of His claims to be greater than Abraham and the prophets. They wonder who He is and why He speaks so confidently of his relationship with the Father. In the midst of all this Jesus affirms His union with the Father by saying, "I do know Him, and I keep His word." Holy week is quickly approaching, but here is something during these last days of Lent for us to reflect on in regards to our own union with God - "Do I know Him, and keep His word?" There are certainly voices surrounding us daily that sow seeds of doubt, saying, "We cannot know the Lord and keep his word." These voices are manifest in many ways... "Don’t spend extra time in prayer, you will be bored and distracted throughout; keep watching all the noisy TV shows because His voice is so hard to hear anyway." Or what about keeping His word? A typical response may be, "Oh, this is tough to do in a world of temptations, don’t worry, keeping His word is just a suggestion anyway." These few examples are lies! There is nothing more important and fruitful for our lives than to get to know God better and being more focused on keeping His word. On this last week of Lent, let’s resolve to approach Him in prayer, receive the sacraments frequently, and live according to His commands. 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. Do you know God and keep His word? Do you have a relationship with God that you maintain through prayer, especially prayer with the Scriptures? Do you follow God's loving commands? What is your greatest distraction from prayer? How can you overcome it? How can you more faithfully and fully devote your heart to God 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. "I want to know You." "I love You." "I will follow 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? Go to Mass and Reconciliation today or some time this week. Try going to a daily Mass in addition to Sunday Mass. Let your heart be opened to God's unending love and mercy that He so earnestly and urgently wants to give you. Through these sacraments, redirect your heart to God, to knowing Him and His commands of love, as you continue to prepare for Easter. 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 Robert Blood, seminarian 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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