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 famous writer and convert G.K. Chesterton once remarked: “A dead thing can go with the stream, but only a living thing can go against it.” In the Gospel today, the Lord describes to us the need to build ourselves upon solid foundations. Here, Our Blessed Lord, familiar as He was with the art of carpentry, is speaking a language that we can all understand. In order for a structure to remain standing in times of testing, it needs a strong foundation, else the whole thing will collapse. This applies for us in the spiritual order as well. This is why Jesus begins with the warning that not all that call Him “Lord” will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Yes, we can claim to be Christians and call Jesus “Lord” each and every day, but if our actions do not reflect our words, then all we say is for nothing. To act, then, is to firstly build upon a solid foundation, for it is not wise to argue without conviction upon a foundation. Our foundation, built in Faith, affirmed in Hope, and blossomed in Charity, is Faith in Christ through the Church He founded. Our Lord knows the simplicity of language, which is one reason why He changes Simon’s name to Peter. Peter, in Greek, means Rock. So, the solid foundation that Christ gave us, the Rock He established, is the papacy under which the Faith is guarded and shepherded from error. There are many that say “Lord, Lord” but do not have foundations in their lives. Are we like this? Does the calamity of our world affect us so that when the rain and winds of pressure pour onto our lives, do we stay close to the Rock? Times will change and popular things will come and go, but the love that Christ has for us, physically present in the Church He established, is the foundation where we can find the Rock to remain firm and steadfast, no matter life’s difficulties. 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 your life's foundation? Are you built upon solid rock or upon shifting sand? Do you call Jesus "Lord," and if so, are your words matching your actions and the disposition of your heart? How do you remain steadfast in your faith amidst the storms of life? 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. "Lord, Lord." "The Lord is my rock." "The Lord is my life's foundation." 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? In the midst of whatever storm you are facing today, allow Christ to be your rock, and remain anchored in hope. Continue to build your life on God's sure foundation, and know that He will never let you down. 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 Kevin Poynton, graduate of the University of Dayton with a Degree in Religious Studies.
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