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). Today’s Gospel strikes me in a different way. When I think about the calling of the Twelve, I picture the scene from earlier in Luke’s Gospel (Luke 5:1-11) where Peter, James, and John drop their nets and leave everything to follow Jesus. But it’s not actually until this moment in Luke 6:13-16 where Jesus calls the Twelve from among the rest of His disciples. What strikes me is that when Jesus said to Simon (before he was called Peter) “Henceforth you will be catching men” (Luke 5:10), Peter did not have the slightest clue as to who he would become. At that moment, Peter didn’t even know he was going to become one of Jesus’ closest companions, and yet he still gave up everything to follow Him. How many times doesn’t Jesus call us to something, but we think it’s too crazy or too lofty of an idea to actually work? I know I am guilty of this many times. But at the some time, Jesus never asks us to do more than we are ready for. Jesus knew when He met Simon on the beach that he would one day be the first pope, the leader of His Church, but He knew Simon wouldn’t understand what that meant at the time. So Jesus asks him to take the first step and follow Him. Sometimes when I feel God calling me to something, I try not to get too ahead of myself otherwise it seems too much. But God is good and knows what I can handle better than I even do. I recently made a big move from small town Missouri to Denver, Colorado. At first the idea seemed a little crazy, but I started taking small steps that were guided by the Lord. I applied to jobs and got accepted. I knew other people moving that made it easier. With every concern I had, God had an answer to it. I don’t know what God is ultimately calling me to. I feel like I’m in the stage where I’ve dropped my nets (so to speak) and followed Jesus, but that’s all. There are so many different ways in which God could want me to live. There were hundreds or thousands of people following Jesus, but from them He chose the Twelve that would journey with Him in a special way. Jesus calls each of us in a very unique way. We each have our own mission and purpose to live out. The key is to keep following Jesus until He reveals even more of His plan. 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 has the Lord called you to something? Did you delay? How has the Lord slowly revealed His plan to you? Where is God calling you today? 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. "Here I am Lord." "I want to do your will." "I will answer your call." 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? Following Jesus doesn't mean taking a radical step all at once. How can you say yes to Jesus's call today? 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 Kayla Essner, a high school Math teacher in Denver, CO.
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