Only Say the Word

​​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.

LUKE 7:1-10

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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).

“Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof. Therefore, I did not consider myself worthy to come to you; but say the word and let my servant be healed.”

These words should be very familiar to us since we say them every Mass during the Liturgy of the Eucharist. I will be the first to admit that for a long time, these words felt strange and foreign to me. I honestly felt like we were over complicating things by saying, “I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof.” Why can’t we just say, “I am not worthy to receive you”? Well, I think reading this story sheds a lot of light as to why we say what we say. In Mass we are acknowledging our own sinful nature and unworthiness to receive Christ in the Eucharist. However, there is a more important line than that, “Only say the word and I shall be healed.” It is not up to us to determine whether or not we are worthy, because the reality is that no one is worthy. We are so undeserving of the gift Christ gives us in the Eucharist, which is why it is a very good thing that we do not determine our own value and worthiness, but rather God does. 

Today’s story about the Centurion and Christ is one that should remind us that Christ deems us worthy, and it is Christ alone who determines our value. Chances are at some point or another you have felt unworthy of Christ and the good things He desires for you. Maybe that is something you are feeling right now. Regardless, today in prayer you should search your heart for anything that you believe makes you unworthy of Christ and His love and give that to Him and allow Him to show you your worth.

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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.

What wounds do you have on your heart? Invite the Lord into your heart and your wounds. 

Do you believe that the Lord wants to heal you?

How can you let God show you your worth today?

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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.

​"I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof.”

“Only say the word and I shall be healed.”

"Show me my worth."

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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?

In many ways it can be hard for us to see our own worth. Today, stand before a mirror and ask the Lord to show you your worth and to heal the wounds of your heart. 

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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 Jason Liuzzi, a middle school religion teacher at St. John the Evangelist School in St John, IN. 

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.