Step #2: Meditatio / MeditateUse the following meditation to help you reflect more deeply on the Scripture (you may want to read the passage again).
Right before this passage, the Apostles were led out of prison by an angel of the Lord, began to teach and preach again, and then were recaptured. Now we read that they were beaten and ordered to stop speaking in the name of Jesus, yet they left rejoicing and immediately continued teaching and preaching. Although that might be the type of response you would expect when reading the bible and about the lives of the saints, let’s not forget that our tendency as humans more likely would have been to quietly walk away while feeling scared and discouraged.
How is it that the Apostles were able to walk away rejoicing? Through every part of this experience, the Apostles kept their eyes fixed on Jesus. Even when the Apostles had to wait outside while Gamaliel persuaded the Sanhedrin not to kill them, they maintained hope and trust in the Lord. We know they were looking at this situation through the eyes of faith because of what they rejoiced at. A worldly follower would rejoice in being found worthy of honor while a follower of Jesus would rejoice in being found worthy to suffer dishonor in His name. It might sound strange that the latter is best, but remember that Jesus- the one worthy of the most honor- received the most dishonor while on earth. Do you aspire to be more like the Apostles? When I hear of something terrible happening anywhere in the world, I have a tendency of thinking about it and considering what I might do if that were to happen to me. Despite my human tendency to respond in a more self-centered or self-preserving way, I always hope that, in that moment of greatest trial, I would stand firm in the name of Jesus and glorify God as much as I possibly can. I’m sure all of us would prefer to stand unwavering in hope and trust in God in those great, unthinkable trials, perhaps even to the point of martyrdom. The best way to ensure we will have a faithful response in the great trials is to practice with the smaller ones we encounter every single day. If we practice rejoicing to the dishonor and trials we experience on a smaller scale, how much more our souls and bodies will be prepared to stand firm in faith in the moment of our greatest sufferings. Just like the Apostles, let’s fix our eyes on Jesus in every little way. Some moments might be more successful than others, and that’s okay, as long as we don’t give up the fight. 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.
How is it that the Apostles were able to walk away rejoicing?
Do you aspire to be more like the Apostles? How will you step forward today with your eyes fixed on Jesus? 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.
"I fix my eyes on you, Lord."
"I rejoice in you today." "Help me be holy like the Saints!" 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 this difficult time, we will use our Action step each day to join with people around the world in praying for an end to the pandemic of the Coronavirus, for the healing of all those affected, and for the comfort of all those who have lost a loved one. The prayer below is from Archbishop José H. Gomez, President of the USCCB in his reflection and prayer during coronavirus:
Holy Virgin of Guadalupe, Queen of the Angels and Mother of the Americas. We fly to you today as your beloved children. We ask you to intercede for us with your Son, as you did at the wedding in Cana. Pray for us, loving Mother, and gain for our nation and world, and for all our families and loved ones, the protection of your holy angels, that we may be spared the worst of this illness. For those already afflicted, we ask you to obtain the grace of healing and deliverance. Hear the cries of those who are vulnerable and fearful, wipe away their tears and help them to trust. In this time of trial and testing, teach all of us in the Church to love one another and to be patient and kind. Help us to bring the peace of Jesus to our land and to our hearts. We come to you with confidence, knowing that you truly are our compassionate mother, health of the sick and cause of our joy. Shelter us under the mantle of your protection, keep us in the embrace of your arms, help us always to know the love of your Son, Jesus. Amen. 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 Katie LoBosco, a music therapist for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Cincinnati. 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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