Repent

1/7/2019

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.

Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25

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 was a kid growing up in the Philippines, my mother would take me with her when she went to the market to pick-up her order of meat, vegetables and fish. Unlike here in the United States, markets in the Philippines are outdoors with everything freshly harvested and caught to be sold for the day only. In the eyes of a small child, everything happens in the market and that includes the preaching of the Gospel.

It is not uncommon to see and hear four or five people who claim to be Christians, preaching and singing while their companions are standing in every street corner of the market holding baskets for donations. They would encourage people to repent and receive Jesus as their personal Savior and Lord.

Jesus' invitation to repent is not like those brothers and sisters of ours. We did not know who they were and I didn't have a clue where to find them if ever I decide to receive Jesus as my personal Savior and Lord. Jesus' invitation to repent is real and authentic. He desires to engage every single part of our being, our hearts, our minds, our bodies, so that it is possible to abandon the life of sin and darkness. In the sacraments, especially in Confession and the Holy Sacrament of the Mass, He still preaches to us His greatest invitation to friendship to Him. That's what repentance means: simply allowing ourselves to listen to the words of Christ and let Him gaze at us. Let Christ's words transform you. Let Christ's penetrating gaze before the Blessed Sacrament make you fully known and fully loved.

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.

Are you open to repentance? Do you hold in your sins or do you seek forgiveness?

Jesus invites you into friendship with Him, will you enter into relationship with Him?

Jesus wants you to be fully known and loved, what does this mean to you?

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.

"Jesus I trust in you."

"Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand."

"Lord I need 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?

Seek God's forgiveness. Go to confession, repent of your sins and know you are loved.

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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 Fr. Ervin Caliente, priest of the Diocese of Rockford.

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