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). One day I was listening to a talk, and the speaker mentioned that, as human beings, we have a need “to unplug”. I must admit, I did not quite understand what that meant at first and so I had to take recourse to everyone's help nowadays: Google. But Google has the same exact meaning from my understanding - to unplug means to disconnect a cord from a socket. So, I kept listening to the talk and then it became clear to me that the speaker was speaking about humanity’s obsession about electronics and need to unplug from those. We are constantly watching the television, listening to our radio, searching online, watching our You Tube favorites, listening to our favorite podcast, listening to somebody on the phone, listening to media commentaries, listening to music, listening to somebody’s description of their dinner on our social media, listening to sports commentators, and listening to everything that this world can offer. The human ear is constantly bombarded by voices that do not satisfy the whole of our being because they do not bear the Good News that is transformative and ushers us unto eternal life. “He who listens to you, listens to me.” Jesus was saying this in today's Gospel to the seventy-two disciples who were with him. He was telling these words to the first community of disciples, to the first church assembled together in his midst. He was telling us that if we listen to his disciples, we are listening to him. These first disciples are still proclaiming Jesus’ words through their successors. They were able to preserve Jesus’ teaching and remain faithful to them. We also must listen to them. Jesus’ words are proclaimed in every Catholic church whenever the Holy Mass is celebrated. Jesus’ words are proclaimed whenever the successors to the apostles speak and teach. Jesus’ saving words are alive through his present day disciples and still brings life to those who listen. Unless we listen to His words, none of the words we hear anywhere else would find their proper meaning. Only in Jesus, the Word made Flesh, proclaimed and preached in those who love him would all other words make sense. That is why the Apostle Paul claimed that faith comes from hearing; this means hearing the saving message, the Good News of Jesus Christ. Listen. Listen to the lovers of Christ, his disciples. Then, you will realize that you are listening to Christ himself. 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 do you need to unplug from? Take a few moments to reflect on the things that are constantly in your ears and how often you listen to them. Do you spend time listening to Christ speak to you in Scripture? At Mass? Through the Church? How can you allow your ears to be more open to His words? 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. "You are the Good News." "Your Word gives life." "Speak to my heart." 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? In light of the reflection in today's prayer, how can you unplug a little bit? Pick a time of day when you would normally be listening - to music, snapchat, a podcast, or whatever - and choose instead to focus on the voice of the Lord at that time. 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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