True Humility

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 12:24-26

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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).

The word "humility" is rooted from the word "humus" which means ground or soil. A humble heart is a heart that is grounded.

Someone who has a humble heart is attuned to the reality that there is someone bigger and more powerful than me who can do mightier things than I can. Mary's heart is humble, that it's why she was able to sing the Magnificat and proclaim God's greatness in the world. A humble heart, in a spiritual sense is also a fertile ground where truth, beauty and goodness bud forth, grow healthy and bear so much fruit.

The Lord invites us today to follow Him in serving. "Whoever serves me must follow me," he said. Our Master fell on the ground out of deep love for us and died, and in dying He destroyed our death and restored our life. In true humility of heart, we fall on the ground and die. But true humility destroys arrogance and pride that divides us.

In our death, we let Jesus live in us so that like the humble Mary, we may bear and share Jesus to the world. True humility simply means accepting who we truly are: sons and daughters of the heavenly Father.

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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.

In what ways is God calling you to humility in your life right now?

How can you do a better job of sometimes dying to the things you want in order to let God live in you?

How is your relationship with God right now? What needs to change to truly put him first in your life?

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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.

"Teach me to humble."

"Mary, pray that I may say 'yes' like you."

"Come, Holy Spirit."

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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?

Do something outside today. Maybe you garden, or just sit on your porch with some friends, or go for a walk. Pay attention to the beauty of nature and see in it the humility of dying so that you can be born again.

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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. 

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.