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 seems a little strange that someone we refer to as the “Prince of Peace” just told his Apostles that instead of peace, he is going to bring a sword. He also said that he is going to cause division in the household, even though the fifth commandment is to honor one’s mother and father. What is going on? I’ve heard it said before that the sword is the effect of his coming, not the purpose of it. That Jesus never promised it was going to be easy. Or, that the world is going to hate you because it hated Jesus first. Maybe you’ve heard things like these before too. Easy things we say, yet when they are playing out in the world, in our own lives, it is difficult. That’s when we wonder: Where are you, Prince of Peace? This Gospel passage really hit home for me because my decision to start living out my faith more seriously caused a lot of tension within my family. I was often tempted to be frustrated because it seemed “hard enough” to make these changes in my personal life, yet then it “made things worse” in other areas of my life too. By turning to God and choosing to say “yes” to Him, I felt entitled to a perfect and peaceful life. But, Jesus said to his Apostles: “Do not think that I have come to bring peace upon the earth.” Original sin has already brought death onto this earth. This life can’t be entirely perfect and peaceful, as it was originally intended to be (pre-original sin). “I have come to bring not peace but the sword.” It is hard and dirty work cleaning up the stains of original sin. You and I both know that cleaning can be gross and far from fun, but the result of it is very satisfying. Trust that Jesus knows what he is doing with the sword. Staying close and true to him may bring us much discomfort on this earth at times. It might get so bad that we are tempted to doubt that our loving God is behind it or that our Prince of Peace is walking with us, but keep your eyes on the cross. “Because he is a disciple- amen, I say to you, he will surely not lose his reward." 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. How has living out your faith caused conflict? Where in times of conflict have you seen Jesus as the Prince of Peace? Why is it important to sometimes be uncomfortable in sharing our faith? 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. “I have come to bring not peace but the sword.” "Prince of Peace." "Jesus, I trust in 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? Spend some time praying with the areas of your life that are causing conflict. Ask Jesus as the Prince of Peace to come. 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 Katie LoBosco, a student at the University of Dayton studying Music Therapy.
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