The Most Beautiful Reality

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. 

John 17:20-26

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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).

Imagine a world united in love, harmony, and peace.

Imagine a world where reconciliation, forgiveness, and friendship are possible.

Imagine a world in which laughter is heard often, sharing is a way of life, human life is always honored and accepted as most precious, and people are kind to each other.  

Sounds like a perfect world which can only be attained after life, right? No, it is not. For those who embrace the Gospel and live as children of the Father, this very world is a reality. Listen to the prayer of our very Lord and Savior: “I have given them the glory you gave me, so that they may be one, as we are one.”
 
You and I received the very glory that Jesus received from the Father. Just as Jesus is the Son, in His Paschal Mystery you and I are fully sons and daughters. You are totally and fully able to have the most intimate relationship with the Father and therefore be a leaven of unity in your family, in your friendships, in your school or work community, and indeed in the world, so that the world may believe.
 
How is this reality for unity possible? Simple. Jesus prayed for it and he still constantly prays as the Priest who unceasingly offers Himself to the Father. As for you and me, we join Jesus in unceasing prayer and self-donation. When you and I pray and give ourselves to others in love, we will begin to see the door opening to this most beautiful reality here in this life, a foretaste of heaven. 

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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.

What are the things in your life that bring disharmony, that do not fill you with love, and that do not lead you to the beautiful reality that Christ prayed for?

How have you been doing recently in your prayer? It is helpful from time to time to take stock of our prayer life, to ask the Lord if we've been praying as much as He'd like us to and to ask Him to guide us to a deeper relationship. 

How well do you give yourself to others? What are some ways you can give yourself more to others, helping them encounter Christ and helping the world towards the unity Christ has in store?

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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.

"That we may all be one."

"Teach me to love."

​"Show me Your glory."

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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?

A major part of bringing about this reality of love and unity comes in our self-gift to others. Today, seek out ways to love others, bringing to them the peace, joy, and unity that you have encountered in Christ. 

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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.