United with the Saints

11/1/2018

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.

Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14

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 we celebrate All Saints Day! Which is such an incredible celebration. We praise God for all those souls that have entered the kingdom and are now praying for us along our journey home. This day is not just a celebration of all the canonized saints of our Church, but also of every saint in heaven. Therefore, if you have parents, grandparents, siblings, or friends who are now in the Kingdom of God, it is today in which you give God thanks for allowing them to experience the depths of love in heaven.

In our first reading, we see a vision of heaven which includes the vast multitude of angels and saints around the throne of God. This vision is something that we need not wait to experience until death because each time we attend Mass, heaven breaks through to earth and we gather around the altar of God with all of those in heaven…. Sit and soak that in… You go to Mass and Jesus speaks the words of consecration, around the altar and who is sitting there? Yes, those in the pews, but also the Blessed Mother, St. Peter, Paul, James, John, and all the saints and angels.

In fact, I remember once being at a funeral for a family member and feeling the pain of their absence and death. As I felt the sorrow the priest spoke the words, "we know sing with all the angels and saints." In those brief words I realized that my loved one was now singing with me around this altar and that, in just a moment, I would receive the Eucharist and be united to them again though Jesus Christ. I was instantly filled with joy in the discovery that each time I attend Mass I am more closely united to my loved ones then in any other moment throughout my day or week.

As you go to Mass today, call to mind those you love who have died as well as those saints that you love in a unique way and receive that Eucharist knowing that you receive the true presence of Christ and are united to those you love once again! Praise God for this celebration of the joy of the kingdom in which we praise God for desiring us to become saints. Never forget that a saint is one who decreases so much that only Christ is now present. Let’s all be saints!

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.

Had you ever intentionally prayed with someone who has gone to heaven at Mass before? Who will you intentionally pray with at Mass this week?

How does knowing that the saints in heaven are praying with you change the way you see the celebration of the Eucharist?

Which saint do you look up to? How can you use their example and intercession to help you grow in holiness 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.

"I want to be with You."

"All power and might is Yours."

"Lord, have mercy."

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?

Pray with someone who is in the Kingdom of God and no longer with you on earth at Mass today and every time you receive the Eucharist. Give God praise and thanksgiving together as you stand before the throne of God.

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 prayer was prepared by Fr. Kyle Manno, 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.

CARPE VERBUM