Thursday of the First Week of Ordinary Time

1/14/2021

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.

Hebrews 3:7-14

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)

Today. It's so easy to let the days pass by in a blur. Since last March the days have blended together. I don't know about you, but I can go a whole week without never leaving the house. My days look the same: wake up, pray, take care of the dog, workout, shower, work, make dinner, watch the Great British Baking Show, and go to bed. While I love routine, there are days that I feel like we should still be in March of 2020.

It has been easy to become complacent. Even more complacent when Mass is different, adoration is less available, and your Bible study doesn't meet in person.

How must have the Israelites have felt doing the same thing for 40 years? And they were in the desert, they didn't even get the benefits of seasons changing.

I think each time we hear about the world, current events, or just the stresses that are weighing on now, it's been easy to let our hearts harden. To do what we have to do to make it through the day. We steel ourselves to make it through, but are we letting God in?

Today's readings are a call to action. Each day is a call to our mission. Each day the Lord is speaking to us, but are we letting Him break through and speak to our hearts? Have our hearts become hard in all the challenges of the last year?

Take time today to really hear the Lord. Sit in silence. Put down your phone. If silence doesn't work for you, open your Bible and read His word. Let your heart be open to what He has to say. We have an opportunity to make today different, let's take it.

"Encourage yourselves daily while it is still “today,”'

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 want me to be your hands and feet?

How are you calling me higher?

Who can I pray for today?

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.

Lord, let your voice I am most attentive too.

I trust you.

I believe, help my unbelief.

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

Encourage 3 people today, reminding them they are the Lord's beloved!

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 reflection was written by Lisa Kendzior.

CARPE VERBUM