The Gift of Faith

9/17/2016

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 8:4-15

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).

It's good practice for us to pray about what kind of seed we are. Are we like the seed on the path, on the rocky ground, among thorns or in good soil?

But let's take a different angle on this passage today...

When I read this passage, something really jumps out at me. Something I think I take for granted a lot. "Knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of God has been granted to you" (Luke 8:10). If you're praying with Carpe Verbum, chances are you've got a relationship with Jesus, at least to some degree. If that's true, then "knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of God has been granted to you!" Who are we to know the Lord? To know His mysteries? To have faith? When there are so many people around us who don't.

I have this friend, Nic. I've known him since I was like three years old. He was my best friend growing up. His parents never really took him to church or shared the faith with him. If we had to label him now, he'd probably say he's agnostic (i.e. someone who says there's no way to prove that God is real, although they don't necessarily insist that He's not real). I don't see him a lot anymore, but we still keep in touch periodically.

Nic would make a great evangelist. He's super smart and thinks deeply on all his experiences. (He and I have had some really awesome conversations, despite our differences.) He's courageous and passionate. He's fiercely loyal.

Why didn't he receive the gift of faith?

I think he could bring so many people to Christ. Probably more than I could. I bet he would do more with his gift of faith than I do now with mine. So why do I have "knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of God" and he doesn't?

What about you? Do you know Jesus? Have you been given the precious gift of faith? Do you take it for granted? What do you do with that gift? Do you spread seed like the sower did in today's gospel? Do you try to share that gift with others?

I'd really like to know what kind of soil my friend Nic is. There's still time, but I wish that during all those years growing up with Nic that I'd have spread more seeds of evangelization in his life. I hope and pray that I stop taking the "knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of God" for granted, and start sharing the gift of faith I have received from our Lord.

Step #3: Oratio / Pray

These questions are used to talk to God; have a conversation with the Lord about these questions and what is going on in your heart.

Spend a few moments walking with the Lord through your life up to this point. How has He revealed to you the "knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of God?" How has He given you faith and brought you into a relationship with Himself?

Rejoice in His work in you! Thank our Lord for giving you the gift of faith!

What do you do with that gift? How have you taken it for granted?

In thankful response for having received the gift of faith, how can you better share that with others? How can you spread more seeds of evangelization with the people in your 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.

"Father, thank You for the gift of faith."

"Jesus, help me spread the seeds of your love."

"Lord, increase my faith."

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 Lord bear fruit in you today?

Don't let this day go by without truly rejoicing in your heart because you know the Lord. Let that joy spill out of you and touch the life of someone else today.

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.

Today's prayer was prepared by Dan Wolff, High School Youth Minister at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Crystal Lake, IL.

CARPE VERBUM