Wednesday of the First Week of Advent

12/2/2020

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.

Matthew 15:29-37

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).

The disciples, despairing of all the people, complained to Jesus and said, “Where could we ever get enough bread in this deserted place to satisfy such a crowd?” In this question, they did one thing right: they asked Jesus Christ. Had they merely tried to come up with the food themselves, they would have come up with nothing. But BECAUSE they asked Jesus, He was able to perform a miracle.

This is the story of our own lives. We can expend all of our energy doing good for others and we do all the “right things”, but then being overwhelmed by all that is upon our shoulders if we don’t know where to turn and if we don’t turn to Jesus, we inevitably turn to sin.

You and I…when we are overcome with the weight of the world, we must be willing to cry out to the Lord, as the apostles did, for it is only then that we will see the incredible Divine Providence (miracles) of a Father who has created us and shows His tender care for us, even in through the kindness of others.

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.

Where do you turn when you need something?

Do you trust that Jesus will provide for you?

What do you want to ask Jesus for 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.

"Help me Jesus."

"I am asking for help."

"Jesus I trust in you."

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?

Today, be bold. Ask Jesus for what you want and ask for greater faith and trust that He will provide what you need.

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. Sean Grismer.

CARPE VERBUM