Stormy Days

4/14/2018

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.

John 6:16-21

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).

Have you ever had a bad dream which, while you were having it, just seemed so horrible, or life-changing, or frightening that it took you awhile to realize, after you’d woken up from it, that none of it was real and the horror of it all was nothing you actually had to worry about? I’m sure we all have at some time. Do you remember the unbelievable wave of relief that washed over you when you fully realized it was all only a dream? Remember how you were so happy that you just laid there for awhile thinking “wow, I’m so glad at this moment”.

I picture that same feeling washing over the Apostles in today’s Gospel. They are rowing across the sea, probably quite worn out from the late hour and the exertion, then the bad weather kicks in to make things even more difficult. Suddenly, there approaches someone walking on the water. Maybe they thought it was something like a ghost at first, or something even more sinister. They probably all experienced that wave of heat and adrenaline that rushes up from your feet and over your whole body when you see something that really freaks you out. I imagine seeing a man walking on the sea in the middle of a storm would be qualify as freaky.

As He does so many times, though, Jesus says the words “It is I. Do not be afraid”, and immediately the Apostles are relieved and invite Him into the boat. The relief they felt was probably similar to the after-nightmare joy we’ve all felt. They realized they were not faced with something horrible or frightening, instead they were joyful to see that it was Jesus coming to them.

I like to think that no matter what storms you’re facing, you can always look to find Jesus there, telling you “It is I. Do not be afraid”. Turn to Him and welcome Him in just as the Apostles did. Find joy and relief that He is looking after you. Before you know it, you’ll arrive at the shore as well, out of the storm, and in the company of your greatest advocate. What more could you ask for?

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 would you have felt if you were one of the Apostles in the story today? How would you have felt when you heard Jesus speak to you? Why?

What are some of the storms you are going through in your life right now?

How can you continue to look for and listen to the Lord even in the stormy days of life?

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.

"Here I am Lord."

"Jesus, I trust in You."

"Come Holy Spirit."

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?

Let the Lord calm your fears. Acknowledge and face the storms in your life today and let the voice and power and love of the Lord wash away the fear and bring you peacefully to shore.

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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 Jim Lundgren, a parishioner at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Crystal Lake, 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