Pursue Christ

​​​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.

Mark 6:53-56

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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).

They “begged him that they might touch only the tassel on his cloak; and as many as touched it were healed.” 

When I was little and we would go to Cubs games, I would beg my dad to stay after for autographs. We would hang out by a fence and yell and scream at our favorite players. Sometimes they stopped, and we were so excited for a minute - until the next player walked out and didn’t stop. After many hours of waiting we left disappointed. Or now I have a bunch of shirts I can’t throw away because Cubs of the 2000s signed them. The joy that came from meeting them faded, and was replaced by the need for something else. 

The Gospel of Mark tells us that Jesus couldn’t go anywhere without the crowds following Him. He often had to leave towns or camp on the outskirts. But still the people flocked to Him. They would wait hours and get close to him anyway they could. They were seeking healing from Him. So great was their faith was that they just needed to touch His cloak to be healed. He offered something to them that they couldn’t get anywhere else. Today, Jesus still is offering us that healing. 

What if we pursued Christ like the people of that town? What if we pursued his love and his healing the same way we follow our favorite athletes, singers or movie stars? People wait in line for hours for a glimpse of someone, but for what? A selfie? Or an autograph? 

Jesus offers us something much greater. He offers us the total and complete freedom that comes with being a son or daughter of Christ.

This healing can help us experience love, be patient with our friends and our family and have the courage to proclaim Christ to the world, but are we looking for it? Are we seeking Christ out to have a relationship with? Are we letting Him in? 
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Pursue Jesus with great faith. Take your concerns to Him and place them before Him. Jesus offers us true freedom and healing, will you seek it out?

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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.

Who or what are you pursuing in this world? What would it be like if you pursued God with the same vigor or intensity?

What lengths are you willing to go to in order to meet and encounter Christ?

Why do you want to pursue God? What do you desire healing and freedom from?

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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.

"You are good."

"You pursue me."

​"You give life."

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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?

​Do not be afraid to pursue Jesus, and seek out the true healing and freedom that the Lord wishes to offer you.

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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 Lisa Kendzior, Junior High Youth Minister at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Crystal Lake, IL. 

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.