Step #2: Meditatio / MeditateUse the following meditation to help you reflect more deeply on the Scripture (you may want to read the passage again).
“Tell us plainly.” This simple request from the Jews is so relatable to me. I am very impatient when it comes to God’s will in my life. I am currently going through a lot- I am a teacher, so for the past 6 weeks or so I have been working a lot (to say the least.) Even more so, my family is preparing to move to a new state and I am looking for a new job. I would love so much for God to just reveal his will and plan for me in a plain way. In fact, it is about the only thing I want. During this time of great anxiety, I have had all this other stuff thrown on me and quite frankly, I am over it. I just want God to tell me it will be ok and tell me what to do and when to do it. Honestly, many times throughout this time of transition I have asked God to reveal himself to me in a way that lets me know that he is here with me and is working for my good. And I want this despite already knowing all of this to be true! I want this even though he has revealed himself to me numerous times and helped me numerous more. I, just like the Jews in today's Gospel, have seen Christ working right in front of me, and he has revealed himself as Lord, but despite all that I am not satisfied. I would like to think that after walking with the Lord for some time now I would have greater faith, but I still have these moments of doubt where, despite all that he has done for me, I am not satisfied. Even though I am weak, God does not abandon me, he does not forget me or let me go. He is merciful. This is why, despite all that they have witnessed, he speaks plainly to the Jews and proclaims this profound truth, “The Father and I are One.” This serves as a reminder to me to remain faithful, to remember the good that God has done for me, and to know that no matter how crazy my life feels right now, God has got everything under control. Remember that Christ is merciful, and that Christ has already revealed himself to us as good and loving, especially when we need to just rest in the fact that our God will speak plainly to us, even though he shouldn’t have to. 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.
Where do I wish for God to speak plainly and clearly to me in my life today? What are the biggest doubts that I face time and again in my trust that God has everything under control in my life? How do I seek to be satisfied by God and not the world? How is God satisfying me now? 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.
"Speak Lord, your servant is listening." "Jesus, I trust in you." "You are in control." 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?
In this difficult time, we will use our Action step each day to join with people around the world in praying for an end to the pandemic of the Coronavirus, for the healing of all those affected, and for the comfort of all those who have lost a loved one. The prayer below is from Archbishop José H. Gomez, President of the USCCB in his reflection and prayer: Holy Virgin of Guadalupe, Queen of the Angels and Mother of the Americas. We fly to you today as your beloved children. We ask you to intercede for us with your Son, as you did at the wedding in Cana. Pray for us, loving Mother, and gain for our nation and world, and for all our families and loved ones, the protection of your holy angels, that we may be spared the worst of this illness. For those already afflicted, we ask you to obtain the grace of healing and deliverance. Hear the cries of those who are vulnerable and fearful, wipe away their tears and help them to trust. In this time of trial and testing, teach all of us in the Church to love one another and to be patient and kind. Help us to bring the peace of Jesus to our land and to our hearts. We come to you with confidence, knowing that you truly are our compassionate mother, health of the sick and cause of our joy. Shelter us under the mantle of your protection, keep us in the embrace of your arms, help us always to know the love of your Son, Jesus. Amen. 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 Jason Liuzzi, a middle school religion teacher at St. John the Evangelist School in St John, IN. 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." Comments are closed.
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