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). Happy New Year one and all! This is the very first day of a brand new year of our lives. A year that right now is pristine, full of hope, and abounding in the potential for great things. Thank God for all the opportunities ahead of us this upcoming year. Let us all resolve to embrace this hope, and endeavor to realize the great things God desires for us. The blessing of Aaron in today’s passage from the Book of Numbers has always been one of my favorite readings in the Bible. It is simple and profound. Its exhortations to the Lord for the benefit of others, in my opinion, are about the finest desires you can have for the ones you love: “The Lord bless you and keep you! The Lord let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you! The Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace!” I earnestly ask our Lord to grant all of these incredible blessings to everyone reading this throughout this upcoming year. May the Lord bless you all, and keep you safe. May He reveal to your hearts the glorious light of His face, so that you may reflect it to all whom you encounter. May he lavishly shower you with abundant grace, love and peace each and every moment of 2017, and beyond. 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 were some of the blessing from 2016 in your life? Even if it seemed like a tough year, where can you find God's blessings? In the midst of so many "New Years Resolutions" what are some "resolutions" that you should make to let the Lord in your life more this year? Who are some people in your life that need your prayer? Maybe they have asked for it, or maybe they would never ask for prayer. Ask the Lord who you can start this year of praying for, and maybe even what they need prayers for. 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. "May the Lord bless you." "And give you peace." "Thank you Jesus." 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? Think back to your time of prayer. Take some time to think of a practical spiritual resolution to try this year and actaully stick to it. Do not try to do too much, keep it simple! Write it somewhere that you will see everyday (like your mirror or your wall) and do it! 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 Jim Lundgren, a parishioner at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Crystal Lake, IL.
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