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). I recently started watching The West Wing. And I have become a little obsessed. I finished season 3 in less than a week and I have started listening to the West Wing Weekly podcast. But it is not enough that I am obsessed with it, I have been telling everyone I know to watch it too. (Disclaimer: there’s some awesome Catholic scenes. There’s also plenty that doesn’t follow Church teaching, so it is up to your parents about whether or not you watch it.) So far one friend has listened to me, but I keep talking it up. If you’ve been around me in the last two weeks, you’ve heard me mention The West Wing. But, can I say the same thing about Jesus? Have I told other people about Jesus like I have talked to them about The West Wing? Have I listened to as many podcasts that have taught me about my faith? Or learned as many facts? Have I shared that Jesus has changed my life? This is the core of today’s Gospel reading. We read it as “ok, I have to not hide my faith.” But it is much more than that: we have to boldly proclaim it. Our faith should be the light that burns brightest. We should take that light and share it with others. Sharing our faith is hard. It is so easy to find many different reasons not to share it, or even water it down. But we can’t do that. In school, work and sometimes even in our own family sharing our faith can make us feel different, like an outcast. We must share it anyway. To share our faith is not a burden placed upon Christians, instead it is a great privilege. I once heard a story of an atheist who said, “I don’t believe in Christ. Because if you really believed that He saved the world, wouldn’t you tell that to everyone?” Christ did save the world. We must go out and share His life, death and resurrection. Because what Christ did for me changed my life more than episode of The West Wing (or any other TV show). It is our privilege to carry the Light of Christ. Share it with the world today. And as the passage ends, the more that we do share our faith, learn our faith and nurture our faith, the greater it will grow. 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. When, if ever, do I share my faith with others? How often do I seek opportunities to share Christ? What keeps me from sharing the Faith? How can I grow to be a light to others? 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. "You are the Light." "Strengthen me, Lord." "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? Share the joy of Christ with someone today. Even if it is a brief comment or short conversation, be bold and proclaim the Good News of salvation! 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 Lisa Kendzior, Junior High Youth Minister at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Crystal Lake, IL.
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