Love and Good Works

1/31/2019

Step #1: Lectio / Read

Click 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.

Hebrews 10:19-25

Step #2: Meditatio / Meditate

Use the following meditation to help you reflect more deeply on the Scripture (you may want to read the passage again).

"Let us approach with a sincere heart and in absolute trust... for He who made the promise is trustworthy." -Hebrews 10:22,23

Jesus has instructed us to love God above all else and to love our neighbor as ourselves. It can be really hard to love God above all else, even to approach Him in prayer. There is always something we can busy ourselves with, like homework, social media, friends, sports, TV, and the list can go on. It is hard to love God above all else, but He knew that we would struggle. I mean, look at the Old Testament, even at St. Peter. For centuries people have messed up and followed things of the world instead of God, but that is not the end of the story. His love for you never ends and He always puts you first. Your Father in Heaven seeks you constantly, relentlessly. He has promised us this and He is the most trustworthy. God always keeps His end of the deal, even when we fall short. You can go to Him always, no matter what is going on in your life. Go to God with a sincere heart and trust in His love that He will never stop offering you.

As we are called to always turn our hearts to God and love Him above all else, we are also called to love those around us. St. Paul tells us in today's reading that "we must consider how to rouse one another to love and good works" (Heb 10:24). I fail every day to love those around me and I pass up on the opportunity to help those around me too. But I have great friends who call me to love as Christ does and to do good works like He did. Be the kind of Christian who loves like Jesus through words and actions. Be the friend who encourages others to do the right thing out of love for them and surround yourself with friends who will do the same for you. Always turn your heart to the Father, to His love and mercy, and in turn share it with the people around you.

Step #3: Oratio / Pray

These 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 do you put first in your life? What do you need to reprioritize?

What are the things that keep you from turning to God? What do you need to share with Him now to fully open up to Him?

What is something small you can share God's love with someone through your words and actions today?

Step #4: Contemplatio / Contemplate

In 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 put you first."

"I need your love."

"Help me love like you."

Step #5: Actio / Act

In 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 some quality time with God in prayer and really open up to Him about all those things that are wearing you down and pulling you away from Him. After soaking up His love, ask for the grace for the strength and courage to love and serve the people around you today. Then go out and love and serve like Jesus.

Smartphone Lock Screen

The 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 Mary Griffin, a graduate student of theology at Franciscan University of Steubenville.

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.

CARPE VERBUM