Saying "Yes"

8/15/2019

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.

1 Corinthians 15:20-27

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).

Happy Feast Day!

What a marvelous celebration today as we celebrate the Assumption of Mary, body and soul into heaven. We remember that it was through Our Lady's 'yes' that salvation came into the world, and by that 'yes' she received the grace of the cross in a radical way that she went body and soul immediately to heaven even before the resurrection of the body which is to come.

All of this matters, of course, because of Jesus.

"Christ has been raised from the dead,
the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep."

In Jesus' death and resurrection, he is the firstfruits of all who die, the one who rises first from the dead and makes a way for each of us. Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of the Father, the Second Person of the Holy Trinity, became man to a woman named Mary who was betrothed to a man named Joseph. Jesus took on everything that you and I face – temptation, judgment from others, the anger of others, people gossiping about him and hating him, the death of loved ones, people leaving his side: all of it. He faced it all because you and I have to face it all and he went before us not just to show us that he could fight the battle but to make a way and show us that he has already fought our battle.

In Mary's 'yes', she received the grace of the cross at the moment of her conception and at the end of her earthly life was assumed, body and soul, into heaven. You and I will live out our lives here on earth, die, and – God-willing – find ourselves with her in heaven for all of eternity, praising the Father with all of the angels and saints.

How do we get there?

It's Jesus. Jesus who is the firstfruits, Jesus who fought the battles for us and continues to fight for us and he does not lose. He invites us to take on whatever the world throws at us, right up to and including death, and know that it can never defeat us because he has destroyed every sovereignty, every authority, and every power and made a way for us to enter the Kingdom for all of eternity.

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 battles are you facing today? Are you letting Christ fight your battles with you and through you?

Are you trusting that Jesus has faced every challenge you have faced? How can and will you say "yes" to him in faith like Mary did?

Knowing that Jesus has destroyed every sovereignty, every authority, and every power and made a way for us to enter the Kingdom for all of eternity, how will you go out with confidence to face whatever challenges with boldness and faith?

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 yours."

"I trust you."

"Lead me to the Father in heaven."

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, picture what it would be like to be in heaven with God, Mary, and the angels and saints. Really picture yourself there basking in God's glory and praising Him in perfect joy. Really soak in what that would feel like. Then ask God, through the intercession of Mary and by her example, how He is leading you and walking with you to make what you just pictured a reality.

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 Jason Theobald, Executive Director of Carpe Verbum.

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