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). Letting go. That’s what this reading makes me think of. Why hold on to what is old when the Lord is creating something new? And what better time than Lent to be thinking like this? Now is the perfect time to stop and pray about how your Lent is going, how are you growing in faith? It seems like all year I get into this comfortable and predictable rhythm of life. Even the unpredictable highs and lows seem predictable. I know desolation follows consolation and vice versa. I have good and bad habits; sometimes I feel a fire under me to act against them and other times I just go with the flow of the habits. For the most part, life makes sense; I’m familiar with the old. Then comes Ash Wednesday, and I suddenly feel like I’m living a whole other life. The extra fasting, prayer, and almsgiving I participate in during Lent challenges me. It’s the strangest thing… I know all of those things are good, yet I feel uncomfortable and lose sight of that predictable rhythm. The only thing I am sure of is that Easter Sunday is going to be something new. The difficulties and discomfort during Lent (“the things of the past”) “shall not be remembered or come to mind. Instead, there shall always be rejoicing and happiness in what I [the Lord] create”. As we are well into Lent now, let us not forget that God is with us still. He wishes to rid us of the darkness of sin that has trampled over the earth and bring us toward the light and joy in Himself. It is not too late to do what you need to do this Lent to prepare your heart and soul for Easter Sunday. Keep fasting, keep praying, and keep giving. These three are key in ridding yourself of the old to make way for the new. Do not be afraid of the discomfort and unpredictability of it; trust God! As the reading says, where you live in Heaven is the house you build for yourself on earth. Embrace your sacrifices now with Love so as to rejoice to your future with greatest Joy. 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. How is your Lent going? Have you broken through your normal routine for this season? Where is God calling you to grow or to let things go? What are you holding onto that you need to give to the Lord? 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 give it you Lord." "Take me deeper Lord." "Jesus, I trust in 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? Prayer, fasting and alms giving are key parts of our faith that we are called to grow in during Lent. How are you incorporating these into your spiritual life? What is one thing you could do more of to grow in the final weeks of Lent? 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 Katie LoBosco, a student at the University of Dayton studying Music Therapy.
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