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). It's time for us to let Jesus calm the stormy seas in our lives. In today's Gospel, we read that Jesus had been on the shoreline praying as the apostles were in their boats, struggling against the windy seas. Eventually, Jesus walked out upon the water, and when the apostles saw Him and became afraid that He was a ghost, Jesus went over to them and revealed that it was Him. He climbed into the boat and calmed the seas, yet the apostles sat there in sheer disbelief. They had earlier witnessed the miracle of the feeding of the five-thousand and now had seen Jesus walk on water and control the weather, yet they still didn't comprehend Jesus' ultimate power as God. What the apostles failed to realize is that if they truly believed in Jesus, they had to believe He could perform miracles within their own lives and right in front of them. Jesus isn't just a "nice idea" or a far away figure. Jesus Christ is the Lord and Savior, and He has come to turn your life into a miracle. If we truly believe in Jesus Christ, we must believe He has the power to calm the seas of our lives. With the new year beginning, we all may face different struggles in our lives. A new semester has begun, friendships may be rocky, and families may have drama. No matter what the stormy seas are in our lives, Jesus is greater than all of those things. Even though He won't force anyone to fix the situations they are in, He will give us peace in our hearts to get through the storm. However, we must turn to Him if we want to find that peace. We must pray to God to give us the strength and understanding to overcome these situations, and we must remember that Jesus gave us the sacraments to give us the grace to overcome the struggles of this life and grow closer to Him. Today's Gospel is our reminder that only Jesus has the power to perform the miracles we need in our lives. The apostles saw Jesus perform the miracles in the Gospel, but they didn't understand what it truly meant. God wants to make you into a miracle by transforming your life to believe and trust in Him. These other miracles He performed were signs to us of the greater miracle He does by saving us, so we can be with Him in heaven. If we aren't turning to Him and believing, then we will forever be stuck facedown in our struggles. Today, let Jesus be the calm in your life. 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 do I need Jesus to calm in my life? Where am I in need of peace? Where do I see the Lord working miracles today? How will I turn to God today? 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. "God, I look to you." "Jesus, I believe in you." "Give me strength. Give me peace." 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? As you go throughout your day, recognize the areas you are struggling, and ask Jesus to give you the peace to accept those stormy seas and eventually overcome them. 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 Brendan Slovacek, a student 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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