The Little Way

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. 

Mark 5:21-43

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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).

Saint Therese of the Child Jesus was an example to so many of us in her spirituality of the “little way." But that little way ain’t too little; it is bold and strong in its conviction that God desires everything that is good, beautiful and true for us despite our incapability to be popular, rich or influential. The little way isn’t an invitation to mediocrity. The little way is an invitation to accept my poverty, my weakness, my sinfulness and then let God enrich me and let Him do great things for us.  

Our Gospel for today tells us of the woman who has been suffering from hemorrhages and she had enough of it. In her helplessness, she has decided to try one thing: to put herself in the powerful hands of God. The Lord Jesus attributed her healing to her faith. Our Gospel also tells the story of Jairus, who approached Jesus because his daughter was dying and indeed died. Jesus told him not to be afraid but just have faith; his faith in Jesus raised his daughter back to life.

There is a crisis in faith right now. When we shop more than we pray, there is a problem with our faith. When we prioritize sports over Sunday Mass, there is a lack of faith. When we check our status on social media more than we examine our hearts and consciences before the Lord, there is a crisis of faith.  

Only in putting our faith in Jesus can we be healed and raised to fullness of life. The amount of material goods that we possess, our ability perform well in sport in sports, and our popularity could never heal nor restore life. Right now, let’s leave all these for a moment, direct our hearts and attention to Jesus who invites us not to fear but have faith, and then ask Him for that healing and fullness of life.

This is the little way. Do this often; you’ll never be disappointed.

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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.

In what ways can the "little way" of faith showed by St. Therese help you in your daily faith life right now? What are some small things you can do in faith? 

When you hear the story of the hemorrhaging woman, what sticks out to you? What things do you need to bring to Jesus in order to let Him heal? 

Jairus' daughter was brought back to life; what are some things that feel "dead" in your life? Have you entrusted those things to God?  

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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.

"Show me the little way."

"Teach me to love You."

"You are life."

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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?

Practice the little way today. Choose little ways, little things throughout the day, and invite God into those small things, having faith in Him not just in big things but also in these very small things. 

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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 Fr. Ervin Caliente, priest of the Diocese of Rockford. 

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.