CARPE VERBUM
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Step #1: Lectio / ReadClick 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. Step #2: Meditatio / MeditateUse the following meditation to help you reflect more deeply on the Scripture (you may want to read the passage again). So we are a few days in to the New Year, and I am sure many of you have made resolutions for this year; exercise more, eat a more healthy diet, invest more in your relationships, pray more, etc. The list could go on forever. I would like to suggest one very specific, possibly life-changing resolution that may have not made your initial list: a greater opening of your eyes to see Jesus every day. In the beginning of today’s Gospel, John is hanging out with two of his disciples as he watches Jesus walk by. How did John know this was Jesus? Had he seen him before? Upon seeing Jesus, John calls out to Him with a conviction so great that the two disciples standing nearby drop everything to follow Jesus. It is one thing to be able to see Jesus, and it’s another to live our lives convicted of His truth and presence. John was convicted of the presence of Christ, and this conviction is what stirred the hearts of the disciples around him. I go about my day attached to my phone and confined to my calendar. There are some days where I realize that I haven’t even looked up to say hello to anybody. It is at the end of these busy days that I find myself thinking, “Did I pass by Jesus today and not even say hello?” As Christians, we need to be ready to encounter Christ at any moment. We need to be able to witness to His presence in our lives with a conviction so strong and so bold that it will stir the hearts of those around us. What do you need to do this New Year to open your eyes to the presence of Christ in your every day? Do you need to pray more? Do you need to seek out good, holy friendships? Do you need to break sinful habits? Make it a goal this year to see Jesus in your every day. It will transform your life, and the lives of those around you. 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. How can you open your eyes more to Jesus this year? How can you encounter Him each and every day? What are your resolutions? Which ones will help you seek holiness more? How can you be a witness of the faith to those around you? Do you tend to share your convictions with others? If not, how can you be more bold? 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. "I choose You this year." "Help me be bold." "I long to see You." 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 Lord bear fruit in you today? Make a resolution to see Jesus every day, and find a way to commit to it. Write it down, share it with a trusted friend, etc. Set a way that you can check in throughout the year and make sure you are taking the time to encounter Jesus daily. 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 Connor Flanagan, a Youth Minister and Catholic Musician who lives in St. Paul, MN.
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