Step #2: Meditatio / MeditateUse the following meditation to help you reflect more deeply on the Scripture (you may want to read the passage again).
“When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he tucked in his garment, for he was lightly clad, and jumped into the sea.”
I always laugh a little at the image of Peter wildly jumping out of the boat, fully clothed, swimming as fast as he can back to shore to meet Jesus. This image resonates with me all the more this year, given our current situation. In some ways, it kinds of feels like we are all isolated in our own boats, just staring at the other boats around us from a distance and waiting for the moment when we can all be reunited on the shore. I’ve had conversations recently with friends about where will be the first place we go or what will be the first thing we do once quarantine is over. Part of me can’t wait to see my friends again and to go out to my favorite local restaurant. But honestly, the thing I wonder most about is what it will be like to go to Mass and to receive the Eucharist again. Will I greet Jesus with the same reckless abandon as Peter did? Will I hurry as fast as I can back to church to greet the Lord? Will I remain with him for awhile, sit with him, and “have breakfast” with him? It has been over a month now since I last went to Mass, in person, and received the Eucharist, and it is crazy to think that in all my years of being Catholic, I have never gone this long without receiving the Eucharist. If nothing else, I hope that this time brings me a greater appreciation and respect for the Eucharist and the Church. I hope that even from a distance, I can continue to recognize the Lord who waits for me on the shore. And I hope that when all is said and done, I return to him with reckless abandon and a heart full of hope. 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.
Are you ready to run with reckless abandon to the Lord?
Is your heart full of hope, even in the midst of being isolated at home? Are you ready to get out of the boat? 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.
"Help me run toward you with reckless abandon."
"I love you Lord." "I am hopeful." 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?
In this difficult time, we will use our Action step each day to join with people around the world in praying for an end to the pandemic of the Coronavirus, for the healing of all those affected, and for the comfort of all those who have lost a loved one. The prayer below is from Archbishop José H. Gomez, President of the USCCB in his reflection and prayer during coronavirus:
Holy Virgin of Guadalupe, Queen of the Angels and Mother of the Americas. We fly to you today as your beloved children. We ask you to intercede for us with your Son, as you did at the wedding in Cana. Pray for us, loving Mother, and gain for our nation and world, and for all our families and loved ones, the protection of your holy angels, that we may be spared the worst of this illness. For those already afflicted, we ask you to obtain the grace of healing and deliverance. Hear the cries of those who are vulnerable and fearful, wipe away their tears and help them to trust. In this time of trial and testing, teach all of us in the Church to love one another and to be patient and kind. Help us to bring the peace of Jesus to our land and to our hearts. We come to you with confidence, knowing that you truly are our compassionate mother, health of the sick and cause of our joy. Shelter us under the mantle of your protection, keep us in the embrace of your arms, help us always to know the love of your Son, Jesus. Amen. 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 Maggie Super, Director of Youth Ministry at St. Mary's Catholic Church 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. Comments are closed.
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