One Thing

5/28/2018

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.

Mark 10:17-27

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).

The Gospel invitations to poverty, chastity, and obedience are so remote from our present culture that we often forget that they are roads to an authentic, happy life. There are even other churches out there that teach the erroneous teaching that prosperity is the ultimate sign of God’s love. It misleads the people of God and leads them to believe that when one is suffering, one is not loved by God.

Please look at the man who approached Jesus in today’s Gospel. He is one lucky man. Not only that he was a man with many possessions, a prosperous man, but he was also a man of virtue who followed all the commandments. Our own society now would probably consider him a great man, a man to envy, a man to look at and admire. Why not? He’s got everything that everyone wants in life. He was rich and nice.

Even our Lord did not say he was bad; in fact, the Gospel even emphasized that Jesus looked at him and loved him. Sometimes we immediately presume that because the Lord challenged him, therefore he was a bad person. Jesus does not challenge us because he dislikes us, but because He wants us to draw deeper into the gifts that He has given us. The virtues and possessions of the man in the Gospel came from God himself; our talents and possessions and loved ones are gifts from God.

Now, the man has everything except for one thing. That one thing is the one necessary thing that Jesus often speaks of. That one thing is purity, the purity of one’s being that enables one to will to love God alone in everything and above everything. Detachment is often the word we use, detachment from any worldly creature as to attach our hearts to God alone. It’s not easy, and Jesus knows it’s not easy, and that’s the very reason that we need to be fully attached to Him. If we do it alone it is impossible; but if we do it with God, all things are possible. That’s the one thing: to be fully attached to God alone.

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.

Imagine yourself as the rich young man in this story. What is your interaction with Jesus like as you approach Him? What do you ask Him?

In what was do you need to grow in that one thing, that detachment from the world and attachment to Him?

This week, how are you going to invite God deeper into your life?

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.

"All I need is You."

"All I am is Yours."

"Come, Holy spirit."

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?

As you enjoy this Monday, take some extra time in prayer, especially for those of us off for Memorial Day. Make use of this holiday to grow deeper in your relationship with God as you thank Him for all that He has done and invite Him deeper into your heart and your life.

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 Fr. Ervin Caliente, 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.

CARPE VERBUM