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) Why wouldn’t Jesus allow the man who had been possessed to stay with him? Jesus was all about inviting people to put down what they were doing and come follow him… why didn’t he want this man to do the same? This is something that I used to struggle with quite personally. Let me explain… When I began discerning religious life, I was open to and interested in the idea of becoming a vowed religious, but I soon became confused and frustrated because I felt like I was completely surrendering myself to God’s will and God wasn’t even taking my offer. Similar to the man in the reading who wanted to stay with Jesus, I thought becoming a religious sister or nun was the next step for me to take since I wanted to stay close to Jesus too. Fortunately, God is in charge, and He sees the bigger picture. Jesus told that man to go home and tell people what just happened. Notice that Jesus did not tell the man to go home in silence, as often happened when Jesus healed people. Rather, Jesus knew that they were in an area with mostly pagans who lacked great knowledge and understanding of God. Those who witnessed what happened even begged Jesus to leave because they were afraid of the power he had. Doesn’t this make more sense when you can see the bigger picture? The man wanted to leave with Jesus, but Jesus knew it would be better for the man to go back to provide his testimony to those people. The man obeyed and went about proclaiming this, being a faithful disciple and evangelist in his homeland. Praise the Lord for the miracles and blessings that have been poured out onto you and for all of the ways God has made you a witness of His great love and mercy! Continue to offer yourself and be open to God’s plan for you, but don’t lose faith. Remember that God sees the bigger picture and knows exactly where would be best for you to go. 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 in my life to I need God's healing and His grace? How can I ask for that today? In what ways has God healed me? Where do I see His presence in my life? In my prayer, am I seeking the bigger picture? Or do I focus on what is before me only? 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. "God is in charge." "God has a plan for me." "I am God's witness." 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 Lord bear fruit in you today? Today, when you become to focused on your everyday tasks and questions, ask God for the grace to let it go and focus on the bigger picture. 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 Katie LoBosco, a student at the University of Dayton studying Music Therapy.
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