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). What are you passionate about? What are you on fire for? What is something that you will always stand up for and will always defend? Jesus wants us to be on fire for our faith. He wants to set the earth ablaze with the love of God! Fire is often used as a symbol of the Holy Spirit in the Bible, and this is one of those examples. Jesus was saying that he wanted the earth to be filled with the Holy Spirit, and it is! At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came to earth in the form of tongues of flame, and the Holy Spirit has never left us. At Confirmation, we receive the fullness of the Holy Spirit who fills our hearts with gifts that give us an even greater passion for God, if you let Him. When you open your heart to God, grow in your relationship through prayer, and receive the sacraments, the Holy Spirit sets our hearts on fire with His love. It's not a destructive fire, but one that warms us and fuels us for our journey. What happens when you are passionate about something, but your friend totally disagrees? I really like the New England Patriots, but a ton of my friends really dislike them. I stand up for my team when they are insulted and bashed by my friends, but I am not on fire for the Patriots. I am a passionate fan, but my heart does not burn for football. My heart burns for God, and it can be really difficult to get along with people who are opposed to Him. When Jesus says that He has not come for peace but to cause division, He does not mean He wants the world to break into factions of hate. He desires unity, for all people to gather into the one flock, the Church, to worship and love God as a community. However, some people are not open to God and His love. We all know someone who is completely against the Faith, whether it is the Catholic Church or Christianity as a whole. What Jesus is saying here in the Gospel is that He wants us to be so passionate about our faith, that we would never concede or compromise our love for God. That no matter what someone says against you, you would never give up faith, hope, and love for the Creator who formed and died for you out of love. So, if you and a friend are divided because they think your faith in God is stupid, that might not be the worst thing. Always love that person who is against you or hurts you, and never hurt them back, but hold fast to your faith. Be passionate, burning for joy and love of God and share that love with others. Let the Holy Spirit set your soul on fire and never let go of your faith in God. 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 are you passionate about? Are you on fire for God? Is He someone you will always stand up for and defend? Why or why not? When someone questions or insults you because of your faith, how do you react? What can you do to be more on fire for God? 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. "I love You." "Set my heart on fire." "Help me be passionate." 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 the Lord bear fruit in you today? Be blazing with selfless love today. Jesus was so passionate about you that He died on a cross. Love others, even the ones that annoy you, with that same vigor. 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 Mary Griffin, a graduate student of theology at Franciscan University of Steubenville.
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. Comments are closed.
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