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). Today’s Gospel contains one of my all time favorite lines of Scripture: “Come, and you will see.” This invitation from Jesus Christ has transformed my life radically. This simple invitation contains so much power and promise, even if those two disciples don’t quite realize it yet. However, this invitation was meant not only for the those two disciples following Jesus in today’s Gospel. The Lord offers us this same invitation every day - to come and see. To follow Him and to experience the wonders and joys which He has in store for us. We do not just encounter Christ once, but we have innumerable opportunities to experience His love each and every day. In fact, I think we often encounter the Lord in ways and at moments that we don’t quite expect. Think back to the first time you really and truly encountered Christ. Did you really see it coming?! Maybe it was on a retreat, out in the wilderness, or in the silence of your own bedroom. Think of the power you felt in that moment. In those moments, the Lord invites us into something deeper. He invites us into relationship with Him. That invitation is not meant to be taken lightly. Because if you say yes, the Lord will transform your life and stretch your heart in ways that are often uncomfortable. But the Lord will also bring you more joy than you can ever imagine. Rest in that truth tonight. Maybe you feel the Lord calling you to something deeper, but you are nervous about what others might think or hesitant about the changes it will require you to make in your life. The Lord’s invitation to you is simple yet powerful: “Come, and you will see.” We read about all the miracles Jesus worked two thousand years ago, but He also wants to work miracles in your life this very day. All He asks is that you come, follow Him, and see. Then watch the beautiful plan that unfolds when you say yes to God. 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. What are some ways the Lord might be saying to you, "come and you will see"? Are you ready to say yes to this simple invitation? If not, what is in the way? How can you work on trusting the Lord more today so that when those invitations do come, you are ready? 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. "Come Holy Spirit." "I will follow You, Lord." "Here I am, Lord." 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? Take some serious quiet time to pray today. In that prayer, ask the Lord to show you some invitations from Him that you may be ignoring out of fear or anxiety. Take what the Lord gives you and bring it to spiritual direction or talk to your youth minister, parents, or priest about it. 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 Maggie Overbeck, Assistant Director of Youth Ministry at St. Mary's Catholic Church 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.
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