Something New

6/3/2018

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.

Hebrews 9:11-15

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).

For some reason when I think about old and new, my thoughts immediately turn to my running shoes. In my shoe bin, I currently have two pairs: an old, ratty pair, and a brand new pair. The old ones still have some life in them, but they aren't really working out the best due to the large holes. The new ones are beautiful and clean. They perform well (not that I use my running shoes for actual running, of course) and I like them. The new shoes are way better than the old.

Now what on earth do shoes have to do with the reading from the Book of Hebrews? It's this concept of Christ being a mediator of a new covenant. The old covenant was full of the sacrificing of animals and lots of blood. But Christ came to die for our sins and bridge the gap between God and us, the gap caused by sin. He created a new covenant and, by doing so, He opened the doors to the Father. We can now approach God with confidence. Christ's sacrifice is far greater than that of a cow or sheep. By His own Blood, He died for us all. Better blessings have come from this sacrifice. We have a more direct access to God. If those animal sacrifices were good and pleasing in the Old Testament, how much more pleasing is Christ's sacrifice of His very life? Christ now reigns in Heaven, and He has opened the relationship channels between God and His people.

My running shoes have literally no connection to the old and new covenants. They are just shoes. But I like taking simple things in my daily life to remind me of the huge, amazing things that God has written into Salvation History and into our very souls. The beauty of newness of life (and newness of shoes) is that we can walk confidently in the direction of Heaven.

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 does the idea of the new covenant mean to you? How does God invite you personally into that new relationship?

In what ways is God calling you to leave behind something old and walk towards something new?

How can you allow the simple, every day things of life remind you of God's great love and faithfulness?

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.

"You are good."

"I love Your presence."

"Thank you, Jesus."

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?

Pick something ordinary in your life that you do every day or an object you see everyday. With this object, create a connection to God's love; remind yourself that every time you see this object or perform this task, you can be reminded of God's love. This week, focus on that. An example would be: your toothbrush is the thing you'll use to remember God's love. Every morning when you wake up and night before bed, when you pick up your toothbrush, remind yourself of God's love and use that simple thing to cause you to pause and give thanks.

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.

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.

CARPE VERBUM