CARPE VERBUM
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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). There was a show on MTV about 10 or 12 years ago called Rob and Big, not a show I’d recommend, but it was about two friends: a skateboarder and his body guard. The theme was an incredibly catchy tune about being best friends. Celebrating the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul made me think about what a gift it is to have a best friend. Peter and Paul are both big name saints, and so it wouldn’t have been shocking for the Church to keep their feast days separate and yet, here we are celebrating this friendship, this brotherhood, of faith. I am already being poured out like a libation. Friendships usually begin and grow with a common interest; maybe both people like country music, or painting, or playing Fortnite. When you meet someone for the first time those sorts of hobby conversations slowly build a relationship, but with Paul and Peter there was something bigger at play. Both men were living life their own way, until they met Christ; Paul on a horse, Peter on the shore. The meeting of Christ became the beginning of the story of how life got flipped turned upside down. From that first meeting both men were given the mission to be poured out for the sake of another. It’s easy to let days fly by, taking what we want, only engaging with what will quickly satisfy our simplest desires, and yet meeting Christ both Peter and Paul were willing to give up everything and learn how to live a new normal of sacrifice. Each of us have a unique story of faith, a unique story that is worth reflecting on and sharing. Do you remember meeting Jesus and it rocking your world a little bit? Maybe it was a singular moment that caused you to go all in, maybe it was more gradual but you’ve begun to trust He is the one to follow. How has meeting Jesus changed how you see and live life daily? If it’s hard to see a change, that doesn’t mean you’re a failure, it means we are place where we can fix our eyes on Jesus and pray for the grace to fall deeply in love with Him. We’ve seen Peter and Paul both trip in trying to live out of that place of conversion. It takes time. Paul loses his temper, Peter denies, and we choose lesser goods. Yet, Christ’s call for us to be poured out entirely hasn’t gone away. The faith wheels might feel like they’re spinning in place, even though you deeply desire to give everything for Jesus. How can we jump start again? I think we look back to the fact we are celebrating a joint feast day. You don’t have to navigate your story; your conversion, your mission, your being poured out, alone. We are one body of Christ. The Lord knows that we need a team, and especially we need a close brother or sister in Christ to help us continue to cry out to the Lord for strength in agreeing to a life of self-sacrifice. The Lord is incredibly proud of your efforts. Lord, show us our team, and give us the strength to live a life of a resounding yes. 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. Who is your best friend? How have you deepened your faith together? When have you turned your back on the faith for something else? How did you find your way back? How did your conversion change your life? Who is on your team? How are you striving for Jesus together? 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. "Pray for me, Sts. Peter and Paul." "Lead me to Christ." "Help me bring others to you." 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? Editor's Note: We are now returning to a different action step each day. Thank you all for praying with us the Prayer to Overcome Racism and the Prayer during coronavirus – please continue to pray these with us. In order to fully enter into the experience of Lectio Divina, we will once again have a daily action step geared towards the readings and reflection of that day. Today, write your best friend a physical letter (not a text, snap or email) and thank them for the impact they have had in your life and share how they have brought you to Christ. 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 Fr. Robert Blood, 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. Comments are closed.
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