Newness

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.

RV 21:5-7

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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).

If you went to Mass today you would hear one of two different sets of readings we have for today, the normal readings for Mass or those for the feast of St. Catherine of Alexandria, a martyr in the early Church. In the readings for St. Catherine of Alexandria, we have a beautiful first reading from the book of Revelation that speaks to specific mindset in our culture today: newness.

Particularly as a society today, we crave all things new. A new iPhone, new Xbox, a refreshed timeline; we crave and desire the novelty of things being new in our lives. So when we hear the words of our Lord in today’s first reading, “behold, I make all things new,” we might be tempted to view God’s promise in the same light. This newness that He promises we might be tempted to think just equates to our lives being different, better, totally contradictory to how it was before.

But this sort of misses the mark of what God is saying to us. He makes all things new, but that doesn’t mean the same thing as we think it does in our earthly standards. God makes all things new, but He doesn’t necessarily get rid of them. Rather, God fulfills, perfects, elevates, what already is. When we begin to understand this is how God works, then we are freed from the idea that we always have to keep running: from our past, from our sin, from the bad circumstances we have in life. Instead, we are able to recognize that yes, God makes all things new, meaning that wherever you are at in life right now, in the good things and in the bad things, God Himself is the one thing that will always be constant for you, and if you are able to focus on Him, to turn to Him in prayer and the Sacraments, He will sanctify, elevate, and make new even the worst of situations you are dealing with. That doesn’t mean you need to run from them, but that God will give you the strength head on to deal with them and to be holy exactly where you are.

Today, remember that He is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. There is nothing in this life that will be better than the love that the Lord our God has for you and is calling you to. Trust in this love, and understand that today, He will make new every aspect of your life if you allow Him to continue to call you deeper and deeper into His own heart. AMDG.

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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.

How is the newness that God promises different from the newness of the earthly world? Which would you rather have? Why?

What do you need to give to the Lord? What is holding you back from running to Him?

When did you last turn to the Lord and ask Him to make you new? What did you need to give to Him? 

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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.

"Behold, I make all thing new." 

"Lord, I need you." 

"Make me new Lord."

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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?

Jesus wants you to come to Him so that He can make all for you new. Start off this week by going to confession and let the Lord make you new! 

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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 Matthew Maxwell, a graduate of Franciscan University currently working as a Youth Minister in St. Louis. 

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.