CARPE VERBUM
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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). “The prophet sent him the message: ‘Go and wash seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will heal, and you will be clean.’ But Naaman went away angry, saying, ‘I thought that he would surely come out and stand there to invoke the LORD his God, and would move his hand over the spot, and thus cure the leprosy.’” As Lent continues, I always look forward to Easter with expectant hope. We know the amazing miracle that is to come at the end of this season, but often, these 40 days feel more like 40 years. Lately, as we dive deeper into Lent, I have found myself asking God to move some pretty big mountains in my life. In the midst of my fasting and prayer and offering things up to God, I’ve committed to praying for some pretty big intentions, but there is a part of my heart that fears that they won’t be answered. I worry that maybe Easter will roll around but those intentions might be left behind in the desert of Lent. Many times, I have asked God to heal things in my life, perform miracles, or move mountains, but then I get frustrated when God doesn’t make it happen in the exact way and timing that I want. Like Naaman in today’s first reading, I walk away angry because I feel like God is making me jump through hoops in order to make these things happen. Like Namaan, I think it will require just a waving of a hand, and I won’t have to do anything. God is true to his promises, and when he asks us to do something, it is not without reason even if that reason is difficult for us to understand. God told Namaan to go wash seven times in the river and he would be made clean. That wasn’t what Namaan had wanted to hear, but when he finally stopped resisting and did what God asked of him, he experienced profound healing and the answer to his prayer. Sometimes, it can be hard to discern exactly what God is asking of us, but we must listen and be open to whatever God asks of us. We are not passive bystanders in this world. God knows better than anyone else how to bringing us the healing and miracles that we desire and the path we need to take to get there. God calls us to action, specifically prayer, fasting, and almsgiving during this season of Lent. Even in the desert, God can still perform wonders. 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 are you praying for this Lent? Do you have a big intention? If not, make one now. What are you asking God to heal? Do you see Him working in your life? God is faithful and He keeps His promises. Do you believe this? 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 is faithful." "The Lord keeps His promises." "God performs wonders." 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? Today, write down three things you are asking God for this Lent. But them in an envelope and save it until Easter Sunday and open it to see how God has worked in your life. 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 Maggie Overbeck, Assistant Director of Youth Ministry at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Huntley, IL.
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