Share Your Joy

​​​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.

PSALM 112:1-2, 5-6, 7-8, 9

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​​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).

I spend a lot of my day telling my children to be kind, patient, and loving to other people, especially each other. I am constantly intervening in the sharing wars that occur over the toys, and I explain to the little ones that we should share our toys and find joy in giving to others instead of ourselves. Quite frankly, it's exhausting and at times, I wonder why I'm even trying at all. But then I read today's psalm. One of the ultimate questions in our lives is how are we going to find happiness. Regardless of what the world tells us, our happiness is found in the Lord. When we listen to God's commandments and follow His example of love and charity, we will experience the happiness that comes only from God.

It seems almost counter intuitive that by giving or lending, we would be filled. But that's what the Lord calls us to do. "Lavishly he gives to the poor; his generosity shall endure forever; his horn shall be exalted in glory." When we value other people and how we can serve them, the Lord fills us with His love and joy. We place our trust in the Lord and therefore, "our hearts are steadfast and we shall not fear." Sometimes for me, its difficult for me to share the things that I really love. I'll share my salad with you or my old clothes, but ask me for my secret M&M stash, that's a whole other story. But the Lord calls us to be gracious and to lend to those in need. Not that people need my M&M's, but the act of me sharing of my best changes me and helps me grow into a more giving and loving person. And there will be more M&M's. There will be more of whatever we need when we give to the Lord.

Now many times when we read passages like this one, we immediately go to the ways we can give materially to the poor. We feel inspired to go through our closets and purge the old clothes. But today, I want to stop and think of the person in this passage. How can live out and be a psalm 112 person? How can I live my life in such a way that my very first thought is of others? When I receive a gift, I want my thoughts to go immediately to, "Who can I share this joy with?" When I am walking around, I want my eyes to go immediately to, "Who needs the gift of my smile or time right now?" I want my whole life to embody the graciousness and charity described here. Surrounded by the love of God, I can share my gifts with others.
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So today, I will look upon my children, fighting over the Lightening McQueen ride on toy, and I will smile. I will once again share the wisdom of the psalm that we must share we one another. And it will be worth it. I want to create little Psalm 112-ers. People who love others more than they love that ride on toy. 

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​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.

How can I share my joy with others?

Is sharing the small joys of my life my default?

​Who needs my smile today?

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​Step #4: Contemplatio / Contemplation

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 joy-filled."

"I love you Lord."

"My smile can make a difference."

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​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?

Be aware of the little things that make you happy today and share them with others. Maybe even start a conversation with "Let me tell you how great the Lord is..."!

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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.

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"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. "