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 / MeditateWhere does the life-water in your life flow from? For a Jewish person in the time of Ezekiel, this reading would have been rich with relatable metaphors and symbolism. You could spend an endless amount of time diving into the depth of this reading, but one thing stuck out to me - something that I think we all need to really consider today. Where does the water that give us life flow from? I have been really blessed to have had the opportunity for both life coaching and spiritual direction this past year or so (which I strongly encourage you all to take advantage of - especially spiritual direction). I thought I was a pretty self-aware person before all of that, but since then I can really understand why I do what I do, because I know where my life and motivation comes from. I have come to realize that my “primary motivator” is my relationship with others and that self-gain or personal achievements mean much less to me. That is not necessarily better or worse, that is just who I am. But why would that matter to thousands of people - most of whom I have never met? The particulars don’t matter… but what does matter is that I know how to find motivation when I need it, and I can see when water flows from areas that are not as pure and sincere. I know the source, and that changes everything. Even greater than knowing where my motivation comes from, I have learned where my life comes from - where our life comes from. My life-water flows straight from the heart of Jesus - from Love itself - and most tangibly in the Eucharist. The Eucharist is the “source and summit of our faith,” but not only our faith - our lives too. If we try to run to any “river” or “stream” that is not flowing directly from the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus, then we will always be left thirsting for more. It is the only source for true life and water that can nourish and sustain that life. “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10) The only way we can have that abundantly life is to run to the river of His love and mercy. Learn the source of things in your life. Learn the source of your life itself. Because when we know the source everything else begins to make sense. When we know the source of everything - God - life begins to have new meaning. Find the source of your life-water. 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. Where does the water that gives you life flow from? What is your primary motivator in life? What is the source of your life? What are you thirsting and longing for? Have you been running to the stream of life-giving water? 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 long for an abundant life." "I long for the life-giving water." "I long for you, God." 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? Take a look at your life and what gives you life. Think about where the Lord fits into that picture. Allow the Lord to be the one to give you life and nourish you through the Eucharist. 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 Sean Norris, Youth Minister at Our Lady of the Wayside Parish in Arlington Heights, IL.
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