Seeing Christ

4/3/2018

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.

John 20:11-18

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).

There are times when a passage in Scripture just hits you over the head, and you think, "Wow! This is so me." For me, the Gospel today is one of those passages. When we see Mary Magdalene weeping at the tomb, we see a woman so distraught about losing Jesus. Even when Jesus approaches her in that sadness, she fails to recognize Him. I love how John even goes as far as saying that she thought Jesus was the gardener. That would be me! So wrapped up in my own self that I fail to recognize the living God standing in front of me.

I'm like Mary Magdalene- more worried about my own stuff and focusing on all the hurt that has happened (and in her defense, a lot of deep stuff was going on in her life) that I can't see what miraculous things God is doing. I mean, Jesus is standing before her. ALIVE! But Jesus is not annoyed over her covered eyes. He simply calls her name. And she turns to him. This might be one of my favorite scriptures. That after Jesus suffering on the cross and rising from the dead, one of the very first things He does is call one of His distressed children by name. He calls her to himself. He embraces her in this time of worry and calls her to focus on Him and His Father's kingdom.

There are so many times that we get wrapped up in the business of our lives. We are trying to serve God and love others, but we fail to see Him in the little moments in our daily lives. We fail to see Him moving in our hearts. We miss those moments where He is standing before us calling us by name. But when we stop the frantic happenings and listen to the voice of God, we can hear Him call our name. He is always calling our name. He never tires of calling our name. Let us hear our names, call out to Him, and then run to our family, friends and the whole world with the Good News of the Risen Christ! Let's not just identify ourselves with the Mary Magdalene who thought Jesus was a gardener. Let's identify ourselves with the Mary Magdalene who saw the Risen Christ and ran to tell all the disciples. Wow!

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 are you so focused on that is taking your attention off of Jesus?

How are you seeing Christ in your life in this season?

What is Jesus saying to you today as he calls you by name?

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.

"Help me see you, Jesus."

"Alleluia."

"Thank you, Jesus."

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?

Mary Magdalene, after recognizing Christ, ran to tell the disciples all that she had seen. Take some time today to be intentional about sharing the news of Christ with one person!

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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 Megan Kramer, a parishioner at St. Mary's Parish in Huntley, 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