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). These first few days of Lent can always be tough. It is a challenge to change our minds, hearts, and bodies to cooperate with what the Lord and His Church lays out for us during this privileged time. As we have heard before, Lent is a time for us to participate in the three eminent good works, namely: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. We might be asking – How can I possibly do this? More prayer? When am I going to find more time for prayer? Fasting? But I’m always hungry and thirsty. Give alms? But I barely have enough money to get what I want. Without a doubt, Lent is a challenge, but what a beautiful time it can be to develop our relationship with the Lord, but it only happens if we are up for the challenge. We live in the midst of a world that has awards/rewards for practically everything. Pie eating contest awards, hot dog eating contest rewards, most freckled-face award, Miss America award, scholarship reward, all-star player award, best salesperson rewards, and the list could go on and on...there is recognition and prizes for everything! Well, the good news of Lent, as the first reading tells us, is that in the midst of the tough Lenten challenge, “the light shall rise for you in the darkness!” All the coming opportunities for deeper prayer, fasting from things we like, and giving alms – even from our poverty, will lead us to a new “springtime in the soul.” This is the best reward ever! Let’s really allow God to refresh our souls this Lent, it will all be worth it. Smile! Make it an awesome Lent! 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. When are you going to make time to pray more this Lent? What are you going to fast from this Lent? What are the challenges you are facing this Lent? 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. "The light shall rise for you in the darkness." "Guide me, Lord" "Lord, give me strength." 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? Embrace the challenges of Lent today with hope and joy. 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. As you'll notice, we have a new format to the lock screen that you'll see to help us keep our focus throughout all of Lent. Purple is the color of this season, and the simplicity reminds us of the spirit of this season. May God bless each of us abundantly this Lent  Today's prayer was prepared by Fr. John McNamara, priest of the Diocese of Rockford.
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