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). “The Lord Jesus appointed seventy-two disciples whom he sent ahead of him in pairs to every town and place he intended to visit.” -Luke 1:1 I’ve been on two kinds of road trips in my life: ones alone, and ones with friends. Some of my best memories have been made while traveling on road trips with some of my closest friends: we’ve been stranded in Quebec where nobody spoke English, have gone swimming in the warm waters of California, hiked alongside beautiful waterfalls of upstate New York, taken photos at Mount Rushmore, and the list goes on and on. Sometimes I’ve planned solo road trips with the hopes of embarking on great adventure, but most of the time I find I just want to get to my destination as quick as possible. It’s the community built along the way that makes these trips memorable and remarkable. Jesus sends out his disciples two-by-two, and he knows exactly what he’s doing. They need the companionship of one another, as well as the encouragement. He warns them that they’re going out “like sheep among wolves,” and they probably desperately need the support of one another as well. In groups of two, the disciples will be able to proclaim the kingdom, and grow closer together while doing it. However, Jesus sends them two-by-two for more than just company. St. Gregory says they were sent in twos because love has to do with two things: love of God and love of neighbor. He even says, “He who has not love for one another, ought not to [preach].” In other words, we’re told that they will know the Christians by their love, and how are the Christians supposed to show their love for one another if they’re all alone? Being a follower of Christ means being a member of a team sport; it means being part of a family with many members. We cannot pray “Our Father” to God unless we have brothers and sisters praying it alongside us, otherwise it’s just “My Father.” To pray to our Father means also to joyfully welcome all of those who God calls sons and daughters. Do we find it easier to love God than to love our neighbor? Do we find it easier to love our neighbor across the world than our neighbor next door? Are we willing to encounter God two-by-two with those he has put in our path? On the road to heaven there’s no single file line, only the carpool lane. 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. Do you find it easier to love God than to love your neighbor? What gets in your way of loving your neighbor as yourself? Do you find it easier to love our neighbor across the world than your neighbor next door? How can you love those around you in a tangible way today? Are you willing to encounter God two-by-two with those he has put in your path? Who can you walk with on the path to Heaven while inviting others to join you? 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. "Be with me." "I love You." "Send 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? Spend some time with someone who is also seeking a relationship with God. Hang out with one another or go out together and meet someone new. Be a follower of Christ as a member of a team. 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 Chris O'Hara, an evangelist in Canada.
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. Comments are closed.
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