The Dark Valley

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.

Psalms 23: 1-3A, 3B-4, 5, 6

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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).

“Even though I walk in the dark valley, I fear no evil; for you are at my side.”

That part of today’s responsorial psalm hits a bit closer to home for two reasons: it’s Lent and COVID-19 is rapidly changing our social norms. In Philadelphia, and surrounding counties:
Schools are shut down.
Stores are closed.
The number of people at Sunday mass continues to shrink while many diocese have stopped public Mass and are simply broadcasting Mass on social media.

What a strange time.

It feels like the story of Jesus’ 40 days in the desert. If there was a time to turn to what you sacrificed for Lent, it would be now. But we as Catholics and Christians can be more resilient. Dealing with COVID-19 is new, but facing challenges is not. God brings us through tough times to prepare us for new obstacles ahead. If there was ever a time to remember how God pulled you through past trials, it’s now. He never leaves the sight of people who need Him the most.

Keep that in mind during this Lenten season. God bless!

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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.

When is a time in the past that God has brought you through tough times?

How can you lean a little more on the Lord today?

How can you make today truly the Lord's Day, even if you are unable to make it to Mass due to all the closures?

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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.

"Jesus, I trust in You,"

"God, You are Good."

​"Come, Holy Spirit."

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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?

Trust and try. Today clearly looks different for many of us than most Sundays. Pray with your community online through a live streamed Mass, trust that the Lord is good and wants good things for you, and try to keep holy the Lord's Day, even if it looks very different this week.

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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 Brandon Hudson, a news reporter in Philadelphia, PA.

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.