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). Sometimes life just isn’t fair. There are clear issues in our world that make it harder for people at no fault of their own. We love to blame others and call them names for all this hatred in the world, but have you ever stopped to realize the times you are also at fault? Like when you don’t listen to something just because your mom or dad said it. Or no matter what your little sibling says, they are wrong because you are older. Or everything that political party or person says is wrong and evil no matter what. Or he/she is too religious or not religious enough or likes a different song at Mass than me, so they aren’t credible at all. We all fall into these traps, my friends, all of us. It may be small and trivial now, but it can prevent us from seeing and knowing truth. We need to honestly love and listen to people if we want to know truth. People will be wrong and they will be right. You will be wrong and you will be right. But if you complain about someone who fasts all the time and never drinks, then you call someone who does eat and drink a glutton and drunk, you will never know truth. You will only know hatred and division. People are not simple, and that is beautiful. Someone you disagree with on almost everything can be right, and you may even agree on more than you realize if you weren’t so obsessed with proving them wrong. Instead of trying to prove others wrong, let’s seek truth. Who knows, you may learn something and finally realize that people are pretty awesome. I mean they - we - all are made in the image and likeness of God after all. 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. Am I focused on truth or on being right? How does that affect my relationships with others? How often do I listen to others who have differing views than me? How can I grow in humility so that I can respect others while seeking and spreading truth? 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. "Lord, you are truth." "Jesus, I want to know you." "Jesus, I trust in 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 the Lord bear fruit in you today? Be courageous and encounter someone who has differing views than you. Be a witness to Christ's love through your words and attitudes, even if you only say "hello" or "have a nice day." Take time to put your judgments aside and focus on the truth of Christ. 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 Sean Norris, Youth Minister at Our Lady of the Wayside Parish in Arlington Heights, IL.
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