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CARPE VERBUM


Stopping to Suffer

9/18/2018

 

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. 
Luke 7:11-17

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).
​How do you most often respond when someone asks you, “How are you doing?” If I had to guess, I think most of us typically respond by saying, “I’m good” even if we aren’t actually feeling well at all. Why do we many times hesitate to share how we are actually feeling? I think for most of us it comes from a place of fear. We are scared to share our suffering because we fear we are burdening others. We are scared to be vulnerable because we fear that it will only lead us to more hurt and disappointment. We have all been there at least once before.

With God however, we do not have to be afraid. No matter how wonderfully or terribly we are feeling, there is always hope to be found. Things are never too far gone, and it’s never too late to pursue God’s plan for your life. The Lord sees your suffering. You don’t have to say anything; He already knows. And while I cannot promise He will bring someone you love back from the dead, I can promise that you can experience resurrection life.

It would have been easy for Jesus to simply walk past this woman and her son’s coffin and not think twice. Instead, He sees her in her suffering and does not hesitate to stop. When was the last time you saw someone suffering? How did you respond? Even if you have no idea what it is like to go through what they are going through, you can always empathize and mourn with them, knowing that one day even tears will be turned into rejoicing. I challenge you today to be authentic, be genuine, and share your heart with someone.

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.
How am I really doing right now? 

Where can I see God in my suffering?

How am I looking for hope in my life right now?

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.
"Help me suffer with you, Lord."

"Jesus, I trust in you."

"Help me to join in others suffering."

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.

"

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 Maggie Overbeck, 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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