Small Matters!

​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. 

Matthew 25:14-30

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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).

We all have seemingly “small things” to take care of every day, but this does not mean these things are small in importance. Brushing ones' teeth is a small task, but it certainly has a great value to our personal hygiene; charging ones' phone overnight is a small matter, but in the 21st century it is almost vital to have a charged phone; or what about simply putting on a seat belt! It is easy to do “a small matter,” but incredibly necessary and important for our safety. 

Now, in the Gospel today, Jesus tells a parable, and in this parable we hear how the Master commended two of his servants for being faithful in small matters. These servants were responsible with what the Master entrusted to them. As disciples of Jesus, we can often get in the mindset that what our Master entrusted us with are “small matters.” Whether it’s daily prayer, daily silence, random acts of kindness, spiritual reading, the Bible, Mass every Sunday, confession when we have committed a sin, being mindful of the poor in our midst, etc . . . All of these might take a place in our mind and hearts as things that are “smaller” . . . in other words, we can think there are more important things to focus on. Well, if this isn’t the lie of the century, I don’t know what is!

The things of God must be #1, because we were created to be one with God. My friends, we are all attentive to brushing our teeth, charging our phone, and fastening our seat belts . . . it is that time again for us to place greater attention on what we can might call the “small matters” of God. Even entering in a little more deeply to these things of God can have a huge impact. In all these things mentioned, small is actually quite big!

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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.

What are some small things of your faith that you don't always pay attention to or take seriously?

How can you make room for small moments to give God attention and put Him first in your daily life?

Where is God calling your heart and mind deeper into relationship with Him in this prayer time right now?

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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.

"I choose You."

"You are enough."

"I give You everything."

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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?

During the month of September, we ask that each day, for the Action step of our lectio divina, everyone prays a Divine Mercy Chaplet together for the healing of all victims of clerical abuse of any kind as well as for the healing and guidance of our Church.

For more information on why we are doing this action step and a simple lock screen or how to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet, click here.

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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 Fr. John McNamara, priest of the Diocese of Rockford. 

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.