The Light of Christ in the World

2/5/2017

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.

Matthew 5:13-16

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).

I will never forget going on my first high school retreat. It was the first place I ever encountered Jesus as a person. He was right there in front of me! He already knew me and loved me, but He wanted me to know Him! He wanted me to give my life for Him. In that moment in adoration, I felt joy like I never had before, and I knew my life would never be the same.

I left that retreat so fired up. You could say I was salty; not like what you mean when you say salty or sassy, but what Jesus means: full of flavor and passion for the Gospel. Or, you could say that I was a light burning brightly. I was lit.

But then I got home, and I got a phone call from my soon to be ex-bestfriend yelling and screaming at me. She was so upset; years later, I don’t even remember why. I just remember she was mad about something she thought I did, but I didn’t do it. I got off the phone and sobbed. All that light I gained over the weekend, I thought it had immediately gone out.

I got off the phone not knowing what to do, so I called a friend from the retreat (funny enough, now she also writes for Carpe Verbum; God is cool like that). She listened to me while I cried. She told me to start coming to youth ministry events where I could make friends I could rely on. She prayed with me. I got off the phone with her and read the Bible for the first time. The fire had come back.

I knew that Jesus had my back, and that He would be with me no matter what. My life did start to change. As the Gospel became more important, my friendships changed, and so did my activities at school. I started going to more and more events at Church, because I knew that was where I belonged.

We all have moments where we are challenged in our faith, our passion, and our zeal. Whether or not you have experienced them yet, those moments will come. The question is, how will you respond? Now more than ever, we need to be on fire with the light of Christ. We need to be joyful with the joy that comes with knowing that Jesus is our Savior. That He died for us. That joy should weave into every fiber of our lives, especially the moments of suffering. It doesn't mean that we don’t suffer; we still do, but we suffer knowing that God can use it for good. All of our suffering comes with the knowledge that Jesus understands our suffering too, and that in the midst of that suffering we still are called to go out and proclaim the Gospel.

Our faith needs to shine like a beacon in this dark world. The world needs more hope. It needs more light. It needs more Christ. How will you be that light for Christ to someone today, just as my friend was to me years ago?

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.

What are some experiences you've had where you've set on fire with the Light of Christ? Have you ever gone back to reflect on those, to remember what God did? What was so powerful about that moment for you?

In what ways do you find it difficult to keep the light of Christ burning brightly in your daily life? How can you fight against those challenges?

How can you be the light of Christ to someone today? Where is God asking you specifically to step out and be light to the world?

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.

"You are the light of the world."

"Shine Your light on me."

"Lead me, Lord."

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?

Find a way to share the joy and hope you have in Christ with someone today. Maybe it's a kind word, maybe it's an extra favor, or maybe you invite them to come to Church with you. Whatever it is, find a way to be the light to someone extra 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 Lisa Kendzior, Junior High Youth Minister at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Crystal Lake, IL.

CARPE VERBUM