Nothing Stands in the Way

10/31/2019

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.

ROM 8:31B-39

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).

As today is Halloween (all Hallows Eve) which is to be a day to remember All Souls and Saints that have gone on before us, there have been some crazy twists and turns in how we celebrate today. Don’t get me wrong, I am all about the candy, but it is also a day that can easily get carried away with what is thrilling. Have you noticed the emphasis on fear, horror, and death? Some people love the excitement of being scared to the point of belief in fantasy creatures, while others are easily surprised and prefer other fall activities over a Haunted House any day (um me!) But for us as Catholics, I can not imagine a better first reading exhortation reminding us to live in Christ’s light than Paul’s letter to the Romans. I mean Wow- talk about speaking Truth, especially on a day that can be so fixated on glorifying death and darkness.

St. Paul proclaims with such a language as it is being read, how could we NOT live in the Lord's triumph?

“It is Christ Jesus who died, rather, was raised,
who also is at the right hand of God,
who indeed intercedes for us.
What will separate us from the love of Christ?”

When I ponder these words I feel silly because I forget this truth on a daily basis. When my car needs repaired, when I feel a rift in my relationships, when my problems seem too heavy to share openly with the Lord- do I actually respond like these trivial things cannot separate me from His unconditional love? Then I read on and am welcomed by consolation, peace, and light.

“For I am convinced that neither death, nor life,
nor angels, nor principalities,
nor present things, nor future things,
nor powers, nor height, nor depth,
nor any other creature will be able to separate us
from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

In other words, we have nothing that can stand in the way of His love. We have nothing too big or too much that He cannot handle. Our struggles, our insecurities, our worries do not scare Jesus away, but rather they are a vehicle to which we can draw near to His Sacred Heart. If we glorified the Lord today just as much or more as creepy things are glorified, we certainly would be changed and victoriously believe in something, someone, who is not just a story by a fire, or a tale in the dark- but our real and tangible Way, Truth, and LIFE!

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.

Nothing stands between you and Jesus's love. Do you believe that? Why or why not?

What are some of the things that get in the way of knowing God's love for you?

What are you doing today to give glory to God?

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.

"Jesus loves me."

"Jesus died for me."

"Nothing separates me from His love."

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?

Today, spend some extra time mediating on this verse and reflect on how nothing seperates you from His love:

“For I am convinced that neither death, nor life,
nor angels, nor principalities,
nor present things, nor future things,
nor powers, nor height, nor depth,
nor any other creature will be able to separate us
from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

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.

Today's prayer was prepared by Katy Praetzel, a worship leader in Pittsburgh, PA.

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.

CARPE VERBUM