Recognize Christ

2/5/2020

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 6:1-6

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).

“A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and among his own kin and in his own house.”

In today’s Gospel, Jesus is rebuked by His own hometown, the people that would know Him the best. These are the ones on paper that you would believe that would recognize Him right away, but their lack of faith makes them unable to see Him and accept Him as their savior.

Yet, this is still true today. Last year a study came out that said 69% of Catholics do not believe in the true presence of the Eucharist. The people who were born and raised in His Church, the home He created for us, don’t believe or recognize Him.

The Eucharist is the central mystery of our faith. It is what unites all Catholics around the world. It is the reason that we go to Mass on Sundays (it’s not the music, the homily or the donuts). It is meeting Jesus in the Eucharist and receiving His gift and His sacrifice which sustains us.

I was a life long-Catholic before I really encountered Jesus in the Eucharist in high school in Eucharistic Adoration. And as an adult, I had another conversion where my faith in the Eucharist became stronger.

We should always be trying to dive deeper into our faith. We should always be trying to grow that relationship with Jesus and to see Him as Lord. It is when we get complacent that we don’t. We become like so many in His home town who couldn’t recognize His greatness.

It is easy to go through the motions and not recognize Jesus. My challenge for you today is to not let that happen. What can you do to make sure that you do not take Jesus for granted, to really see Him? For me it is a prayer at every consecration, “Lord help me know you more,” and a genuflection before the Eucharist where I say in my heart, “My Lord and my God.”

So today, how can you set your heart on fire for Jesus and truly embrace Him?

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.

Where do I see and recognize Jesus in my daily life?

Where have I grown complacent in my relationship with God? Where have I taken God's presence in my life for granted?

How can I set my heart on fire for Jesus and truly embrace Him?

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.

"Lord, help me know you more."

"My Lord and my God."

"Lord, set my heart on fire for 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?

Identify one way that you have taken your relationship with God for granted, and come up with a prayer or other spiritual solution to help renew your vigor for Christ.

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 Lisa Kendzior from Bloomington, 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