Three Measures

​​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 13:31-35

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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).

Ya’ll ever feel a tad overwhelmed? Either from having to much to do or not feeling that we are capable of tackling whats in front of us, maybe even that there is so much to process we don’t know what to do next? I never do, y’all are the weird ones. Ok so that's not true at all! I certainly feel that way sometimes and I’m pretty sure everyone else does as well. Sometimes I even feel like being a disciple of Jesus is just another part of my life that makes everything even more complicated. Luckily for me, even though I can feel that way, I’m wrong! It's not true!

The parables today help speak to the truth that God can take small beginnings, little efforts, and create something that defies expectations. I want to focus on the parable of bread, but let's get a little context with it as well. Three measures or in greek “Tria Sata” is a little over a bushel of flour (1.125 bushels) so about 145 cups of flour. With that much flour and a regular bread recipe, we could make about 52-54 loaves of bread. Cut those bad boys up at reasonable thickness we could get around 422 sandwiches, hold the mayo.

In short “three measures” is a massive amount of flour to leaven with a little bit of yeast and that is what the crowds understood when Jesus preached in this parable. Jesus speaks a truth that he can surpass expectations and overcome any challenges. If you're like me and have troubles, stress, uncertainty, pain, or just feel overwhelmed pour that out to Jesus in your prayer today and let Him “leaven” it. Let the kingdom of God be real to you and not just a story or a thought experiment. When I feel that Jesus is just another part of my life it's because I have kept Him there. Let's let Him in today even if its just a tiny thing, just doing the next best step. Like the parables today He can not only work in the little things but can make all things good.

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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.

How do you feel when you wake up in the morning? How can you invite the Lord into this today?

Where do you need Jesus to work a miracle in your life?

What can you give Jesus today to increase your trust in Him? 

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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.

"Jesus I trust in you."

"The Lord works miracles." 

​"Help me Lord."

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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?

What is one worry you are carrying? Write it down and put it in your Bible or another safe place. Look at again next week and see where the Lord is working in your life. 

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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 Isaac Weickert, Youth Minister at St. Peter Catholic Church in Geneva, IL.

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.