Real

4/25/2019

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.

Luke 24:35-48

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).

When I read today's Gospel, the one word that comes to mind is- real. All of this is so real. Jesus does so much to comfort the disciples in this passage. They had just witnessed their Lord, Jesus Christ die on a cross and now all of the sudden He is standing in their midst. It's no wonder He has to lead with "peace be with you." They were probably all FREAKING out. As He continues speaking, everything becomes clear. He is real. Jesus really rose from the dead. Everything He said would happen-did happen. It is all real and it is all occurring right before their eyes. It's like when you know something is amazing is about to happen but even when it does you are still in disbelief.

Is this real life? Jesus knows that this is pretty incredible, and He knows that He needs to pick their jaws up from the floor. There is one sentence in this Gospel that took me by surprise. I thought to myself, well that's random! The Lord is like, "Got any grub?" This is what I love about the scriptures and our Lord. He knows that the people are terrified. He wants them to know that He is not a ghost. He wants them to touch and feel that He is really with them. What better way to be with someone than to eat together? It's a huge part of community and family. We eat together. We break bread together. God chooses these everyday moments to show us His love and the reality that He is truly the one who saved us. Our Lord is so good at meeting our needs right where we are. He comforts them in this moment. He reminds them of all He said would happen, and He tells them that this is what is going on right now. They are witnesses to this amazing act of love and sacrifice. God truly died and rose for us! In every word, I hear Jesus' comforting tone. I hear Him speak to me of the beauty of the Resurrection. This Gospel just continues to beauty and joy of the Easter story. We saw Jesus die, now we see Him alive, and we want to go share it with the world. We can take that joy into every moment of our lives. Into every interaction. Into every small tiny movement of our day. Into every time we eat. Because just like that day, God is truly present in those too.

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.

What would you say to Jesus if you were there when He appeared to His disciples?

In what aspects of your life do you need to Lord's comfort?

How can you share the joy of Easter through your life today?

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.

"Thank you."

"I love you."

"Help me receive you."

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?

Today, live the Good News and share it with others through out the day. Through you interactions with others, in your words and deeds, love like Christ and share the joy of His resurrection with the people you encounter.

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.

Today's Prayer was prepared by Megan Kramer, a parishioner at St. Mary's Parish in Huntley, 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.

CARPE VERBUM