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). Today’s Gospel is short, but to the point. Jesus is being very direct with His disciples about what is going to happen to Him. He predicts His passion several times, yet they still don’t seem to get it. They don’t get it and they are too afraid to ask Him about it, so they just continue on with their lives. How often are we like the disciples? We have God’s love and His mission right in front of us but we cannot clearly see it. We continue on our way without questioning or even noticing what God is doing in our lives. We are blinded either by doing what we think is best, the opinions of others or letting so many distractions get in our way. Are we really so busy that we can’t let God interrupt us? I am a planner. I like knowing exactly what is happening. I write down exactly what I need to do on a post-it. I like knowing exactly how I will spend my weekend. I schedule everything in. Planning out time to do everything might make me productive, but in reality, I am also not letting God interrupt me or into my plans. I might tell Him exactly what my plan is for the day, but I don’t let Him change it. How often do I miss what He wants from me? I think the moments I miss most of all are the small moments when He wants me to know I am loved. In waiting for the giant fireball of God’s love, I don’t hear Him in the gentle breeze. I am like the disciples, where Jesus is telling them that He is going to die, and I walk past going on through the day with my plan. Instead, I need to stop, turn off Netflix, and let God in. I need to find time for silence. To make time for daily Mass and adoration. I need to hand over my schedule to God. Because, when I let God in then I become more who I was meant to be. When we are going about our day, how do you start it? Do you pray at the beginning of the day? Do you make to-do lists? Do you have a schedule of school, practice, homework, bed? Are you letting God interrupt your day? Don’t be so busy you miss what He wants you to know. 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. What is the one thing you absolutely have to do every day? What happens if you don't get it done? Do you let God interrupt you? Does He come into your day? Or do you brush Him off? How can you let God interrupt your plans 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. "God I give you my day." "Lord, interrupt my plans." "Jesus, I don't want to miss 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 Lord bear fruit in you today? Today, plan a time for God to interrupt you. Before you start your homework or after your practice, give Him some time that you usually give to something or someone else. 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 Lisa Kendzior, Junior High Youth Minister at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Crystal Lake, IL.
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