Step #1: Lectio / ReadClick 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. Step #2: Mediatio / MeditateUse the following meditation to help you reflect more deeply on the Scripture (you may want to read the passage again). The wicked lack eyes of faith. They look to the Lord and see one who is opposed to them. They see a man who judges them harshly. They see a man who is nothing more than an obstacle to their happiness. They blame Him for holding them to a higher standard. They mock His knowledge of the Father, and in that the Love of the Father. They test His gentleness, and His patience. They condemn Him. They were blinded by their lack of faith. It stings to think about how blatantly the wicked turn their backs on the Righteous One in the first reading. It hurts to think that some believe that the Lord is in opposition to our good, while the Lord is the greatest good. My heart aches thinking about the pain the wicked must accept in rejecting the Fatherhood of God. They turn their back on love itself… But I am not perfect, sometimes I am plagued with struggles. When we desperately pray for some end, and the opposite comes about, don’t we for a second question if God is present to that situation, and if He is there do we question if He’s a good God. Lord, I only asked for this one thing! Why are you punishing me? If friendships we become comfortable with begin to fray, or responsibilities of life weigh us down, do we not challenge God in disdain that He may be calling us to grow closer to Him in these sacrifices? Even if it seems we whole heartedly believe in the Love of the Father, do we not question our goodness, doubting that we are worthy to be held by Love itself? When we are tired, lonely, hurt, or frustrated do we not turn our eyes away from the consoling Heart that beats for us? In our brokenness, we are not totally opposed to the views of the wicked ones who lack faith, but the difference is glaring…We long to raise our eyes up to the One who is Mercy itself. We know our weakness, but we trust Jesus enough to allow Him to gaze into our souls and declare that we are good. Let Him see you. Let Him love you. When the Lord closes a door on something we hoped for, even if it stings, we open wide our eyes to see which greater entrance He is calling us to enter through. We are not perfect, but our God is. We may hurt, doubt, or challenge…But the Lord heals, speaks truth, and brings deep rest. On this journey to Calvary let us draw near to the One who knows us and loves us, just as we are. Step #3: Oratio / PrayThese 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. Where in my life do I act like the wicked and turn my back on God? When I struggle, how can I use it as an opportunity to increase my faith? How can I let God into my brokenness today? Step #4: Contemplatio / ContemplateIn 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. "Give me rest." "Heal my blindness." "God longs for me." Step #5: Actio / ActIn 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? Today, when you start to feel angry, upset or stressed give that moment to God and ask Him to increase your strength. Smartphone Lock ScreenThe 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 Robert Blood, seminarian of the Diocese of Rockford.
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