Royal Dignity

​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 20:1-16

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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).

I have a confession to make: I love The Princess Diaries movies a little too much. The idea of leaving behind ordinary life as an awkward elementary school kid in order to become royalty is every child’s dream (or maybe just mine). In The Princess Diaries 2, My favorite part is when Princess Mia notices a young orphan girl being bullied as she passes by in a parade and she stops everything to comfort the girl by telling her that everyone can be royal if they believe it. Princess Mia then hands out crowns to all of the orphans and invites them to walk the rest of the parade route with her.

Today we celebrate the Memorial of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a day in which we honor Mary as Queen of both Heaven and Earth. Because we do not live in a monarchical country, many of us may struggle to recognize what the role of a queen is. A true queen rules her people in justice and compassion by enacting laws that help them live to the fullest in their country. Just as Princess Mia reaffirmed the dignity of the orphans by treating them like royalty, Mary’s queenship invites us into a deeper understanding of our own dignity as children of the King.

Pope Leo XIII once said that “an almost immeasurable power has been given to Mary in the distribution of graces,” meaning that God has given her the powerful ability to assist in our salvation. While on Earth, Mary participated in our salvation by becoming the mother of God and she continues her work by interceding for us in Heaven. Mary uses her relationship as mother of the King to plead on our behalf for the graces that we ask for in prayer. Because of Mary, we are like the orphaned children that have a queen to place a crown on our heads and remind us of our dignity that is rooted in Christ’s kingship.

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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.

​How do I live out my dignity as a son or daughter of the King?

How has Mary lead me closer to Christ the King?

Where in my life would I like to ask Mary to intercede for me and pray for me?

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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.

​"I am a child of God."

"I am a son/daughter of the King."

"My dignity is rooted in God."

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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?

Ask Mary to lead you to a deeper understanding of your identity as a son or daughter of the king in light of her own queenship.

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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 Kristen Fanella, a student at Loras College.

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.