Mystery and Wonder

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. 

John 6:60-69

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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).

Be comfortable in the mystery!

As I sit down and write this reflection for our Gospel today, I’m also awaiting the call from my mom bearing the good news of my new niece or nephew. My sister is in the hospital about to give birth and it will be a surprise to all on whether it is a boy or girl. We all can’t wait and it is certainly exciting, especially with the mystery involved about not knowing if it is a boy or girl.

This week we have been reflecting on John chapter 6 and how Jesus clearly states that He is the Bread of Life; that when we eat this bread we literally consume His Flesh and Blood, which in turn gives us life. It is a hard statement and our Gospel speaks of “many of his disciples returning to their former way of life and no longer walking with him,” because of this hard teaching. 

Once again we have the opportunity to remind ourselves: “Be comfortable in the mystery!” There are many things in life or more specifically in our faith that can be hard to grasp, but just because the answer is not visibly in our face, does not mean it’s not true. Even though no one in my family knows the answer yet, we will have the answer soon on whether a boy or girl is born; this reflection also went through the computer and somehow reached everyone’s phone or device this morning...in my mind I have no idea how this is possible, but it happened. And most importantly, Jesus is really present in the Eucharist as He said, even though Holy Communion still looks and tastes like bread. 
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Brothers and sisters, mystery and wonder are good, please don’t run from it, reject it or go back to former ways. Rather, trust with all your heart in the Lord’s words and enter into the mystery. 

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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 are some things you know to be true, but are still a mystery?

How can you learn to trust even if you cannot fully understand?

Do you believe the Eucharist is truly Jesus? Can you articulate why?

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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 love You Lord."

"Come Holy Spirit."

"Jesus, I trust in You."

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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?

Spend some time with Jesus today. If you can go to Adoration, go! If not, find a Catholic Church that is open and spend some time with Jesus in the Tabernacle. Ask Him to help you understand this beautiful mystery a little more today.

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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.

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Today's prayer was prepared by Fr. John McNamara, priest of the Diocese of Rockford.

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.