CARPE VERBUM
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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: Meditatio / MeditateUse the following meditation to help you reflect more deeply on the Scripture (you may want to read the passage again). “It is not good for man to be alone. I will make a suitable partner for him.” These words right from the mouth of God from the Book of Genesis simply cannot be ignored in our days. They are true words that are being ignored by a society that desires to claim individualistic independence from each other because of a fear of commitment and the challenges of human relationship. From the beginning, God has foreseen the fact that it simply is not good for man to be alone. The second chapter of Genesis describes to us the desire of God for man to have a suitable partner, a companion, another being with whom man can share life. First, God created “various wild animals and various birds of the air, and he brought them to the man to see what he would call them;...The man gave names to all the cattle, all the birds of the air, and all the wild animals; but none proved to be a suitable partner for man man.” We know the rest of the story. God cast a deep sleep on the man, took one of man’s ribs, and built it up into a woman; at the sight of the woman, the man exclaimed: “This one, at last, is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh.” It was a sigh of relief that another human being can share man’s life in its fullness. We live in a society where people try to hide themselves after finding their imperfections. We try to hide and be alone so that no one can see what we perceive ourselves to be. Many of us hide ourselves through different means; some of use our pets, dogs, cats, etc., hoping that by giving these pets human names and clothes, feeding and caring for them like humans, that we would find fullness of life. Even worse, some of us use our electronic devices, to the point of being so attached to these devices because of a false hope that they would bring us some fulfillment in life, just to eventually realize that this will not happen. The only fulfillment that you and I can truly have is by authentic human interaction, dialogue, and relationship with other human beings who were created in the image and likeness of God. Instead of hiding, we need to show ourselves and expose ourselves in friendship and in giving of ourselves to others. God revealed Himself to us in Jesus Christ and became like us so that we may truly know how elevated our status is as human beings. We are made for each other, and made to give ourselves to each other fully; this self donation is what truly makes life awesome, and allows us to encounter God through those around and find true fulfillment. Begin with “Good morning,” or “How are you today?” Begin with “Lord, thank you for my friend.” Begin with “Thanks, mom!” I would say, that was the sigh of relief that Adam first experienced when he saw Eve. 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. What does God want to say to you about who He is through the revelation of Jesus Christ as a human being? What does He want to say about your dignity? What are the things you use in your life to find fulfillment that are not the Lord? How can you help your focus turn back to the Lord and rely on Him for your fulfillment? How can you work on giving yourself completely to others in your interactions today? What are small, concrete steps you can take to love and encounter those around you and let them lead you back to God the Father? 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. "Jesus, I trust in you." "Show Yourself to me." "Teach me to love." 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? Take a concrete step to encounter those around you today and see how God wants to reveal Himself to you through the relationships you have with those around you. 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 Fr. Ervin Caliente, priest of the Diocese of Rockford.
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