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). A couple of years ago I was on a cruise with my mom, and it was a blast! Every day we would sail around the ocean, stop at beautiful islands to explore and then at night we would see amazing shows, from comedy to ice skating and one thing that is unforgettable was the food! I mean who wouldn't love high quality food that is all you can eat, which indeed I did eat all I could! In fact, every night my dinner would consist of at least two steaks that was followed by two desserts, so indeed I was enjoying myself! Yet, the interesting thing about a cruise is that it cost extra money to have a 2 person table and since my mother and I are cheap and don't mind talking to strangers we settled for sitting at a table for 8 each night with random people. We would make small talk and talk about the daily adventures of visiting islands, but nothing life changing. Then one meal we sat down with these 5 ladies in their late 20's and before we ate one of the girls looked around the table and said, "Who wants to say grace?" All of a sudden my jaw dropped because I was so amazed and my mom turned to me and said, "well go ahead!" I said grace and then told the ladies that I was studying to be a priest and the rest of the meal was filled with amazingly fruitful conversation about the Lord and His love! I remember after the meal going back to my room and mediating on the beauty of those women's boldness at the dinner table with complete strangers. They didn't know us, we didn't know them, yet they were not afraid to proclaim their love of Christ and for them grace before meals was not an option, but just something that a person should always do. I reflected deeper and thought, "wow I'm studying to be a priest and I thought that it would be rude or awkward to say we should pray at a table of strangers, yet those women were not afraid of the glory of God, and were truly proclaimers of His love!" You see that invitation of, "who wants to pray?" was simply a mustard seed, yet those women were not afraid to plant that seed and allow a large bush of God's joy to grow at our table that day and even to this moment that meal was the best of the entire trip. So let us not be afraid to plant small mustard seeds and allow the Lord to do His work and bring about His glory! 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. Reflect on a time someone you witnessed someone planting a mustard seed of faith. Maybe they shared their faith with you or with someone else. How did that experience bless you and bring you closer to the Lord? How often do you plant small, simple mustard seeds of faith? What prevents you from doing so? What is it like when you do share your faith with someone else? How does that experience bless you? Talk to the Lord about how often you share your faith with others. Ask for His help with the obstacles that prevent you from doing so. Thank Him for the times you've been able to share your faith. How is the Lord calling you to take the next step in sharing your faith? What can you do to make it happen? 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. "Jesus, help me plant seeds of faith." "God, use me to bring your love to others." "Come, Holy Spirit, fill me with Your courage." 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? So what is that next step the Lord is calling you to take in sharing your faith with others? What practical goal can you set for yourself today to make it happen? Make it small, simple and attainable... like a mustard seed. 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 Fr. Kyle Manno, priest of the Diocese of Rockford.
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