Our Joy is Complete

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. 

John 3:22-30

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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).

So the joy of mine has been made complete. 
He must increase, I must decrease. 

The simple joy of discipleship is knowing Jesus and learning to let Him be the master of our lives. John's words here are so profound–the journey of our life is to let Jesus increase so that we may decrease. The more we can allow Him to shine through us, the more we will become who we were created to be, and the more with John we can see our joy become complete. 

A few years back Pope Benedict XVI published three books called Jesus of Nazareth. When talking about these books, he described them as his "personal search for the of the Lord." I think this is such a beautiful sentiment. John found Jesus, the one who he was waiting for, the one who he preached about coming after him, whose sandals he was not worthy to untie, and knew that in this Jesus his joy was complete and the rest of his life was about decreasing so that the Lord's will could more actively be done in his life and that he may show Jesus to the whole world. In a similar way, Pope Benedict was writing about the journey that each of us must go on: a journey to seek and find the face of God in the person of Jesus. 

In your life and mine, Jesus is not hiding. He is right there, coming in front of us to be in relationship with us. He is there each time we're at Mass, Adoration, and Confession. Jesus is completely present to us, by our baptism, each time we sit down to pray. Jesus is present to us when we open our Bibles and pray His Word. Jesus is present to us in the poor, the lonely, and the forgotten who we love and care for. Jesus is present to us in the friends and family surrounding us with whom we join together to care for and love one another. 

In all of these ways and more, Jesus is yearning to make himself known to us. In our encounter with Him, we find that our joy becomes complete, and we long for him to increase in our lives. Let's seek him today, tomorrow, and every day the rest of our lives; for when we seek Him, we find Him, and in finding Him our joy is complete. 

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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.

Where do you see Jesus moving in your life today? How is he revealing himself to you right now?

In what ways would you long for Jesus to increase in your life? 

How have you experienced the joy of knowing and following Jesus?

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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.

"Jesus, I trust in You."

"My joy is complete in you."

"May you increase and I decrease."

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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?

Surround yourself in some way today with people who bring you honest joy. Hang out with a friend or family member, call someone you haven't seen in a while, or reach out to a co-worker or classmate who makes you laugh and grab a cup of coffee with. Let the joy of the Lord enter into the relationships and experiences you have today. 

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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 Theobald, Executive Director of Carpe Verbum.

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.