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). St. Paul's words to us are important in this day and age. Everywhere we look, we are confronted with division. Turn the news on and I guarantee it'll be the first thing you hear about! Especially in this heated political season, we are expected to make choices that will divide us from others and isolate each other because it's just easier that way. This deeply hurts our Lord's heart. St. Paul reminds us to complete our encouragement, love, and participation in the Spirit by being of the same mind, with the same love, and thinking one thing. He wants us to be focused on the love of Christ and be united in His church. Our worldly strife will not be healed unless we remember that our Lord is our true King, and His kingdom is not of this Earth. Therefore, we must work towards loving each other with humility and kindness, even if they don't agree with us. We will stand out in the crowd, and others will wonder what makes us different, by proclaiming the Truth with love! It is the joy of knowing and loving the Lord that makes us the salt of the Earth, and His love is so greatly needed during this time of tremendous turmoil and stress. Take heart, my friends: for the Lord unites us together always. 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 is one thing that causes a great division between you and others in your life? What can you do to bridge that gap? How will you proclaim the truth with love? 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 united in heart." "You are the salt of the earth." "Proclaim the Truth with 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 Lord bear fruit in you today? Reach out to someone who you often disagree with, and do something to show your love for them with humility and kindness. 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 Sarah Lundgren, a student at the University of Dayton studying Religious Studies.
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