What Matters

7/20/2020

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 12:38-42

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).

I eat a lot of lasagna. I eat a lot of lasagna at a lot of people’s houses. I guess it’s just part of the priest-gig. Families invite you over. That’s awesome. Mom’s specialty is often lasagna. Double awesome. I don’t really know why, but for whatever reason, a pretty popular piece of Hobby Lobby-esque décor in many church people’s homes is a little sign that says, “The things that matter in life aren’t the things at all.”

Boom. It’s funny cuz that sign is a thing…but anyway, I digress. Back to the point. That pithy little cliché is the heart of our first reading from the Prophet Micah and this passage from Matthew’s Gospel. What’s really important in life? It’s not your house, your clothes, your car, your job, your abilities, your popularity, your relationships, etc. To love goodness and walk with God in a spirit of humility, that’s all that really matters. Matthew reminds us, Solomon with all his wisdom, with all his wealth and fame, all of that, there’s something greater than even Solomon in living in a spirit of simplicity and humility.

You might not be the kind of person who cares about stuff. Cool. But each of us has something we love. Some thing we love. Maybe it’s not your iPhone or your mini-projector, or your shoes, or your car. Maybe it’s being right. Maybe it’s your reputation. Maybe it’s being more successful than others. Maybe it’s Maybelline. Whatever it is, whatever the thing is, get rid of it. Cuz the thing that Hobby Lobby, church ladies, and lasagna have taught me is that, “The things that matter in life aren’t the things at all.”

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.

What are the things in life that are really important to you? How do they affect your relationship with others?

What are the things, that aren't things, that are the most important to you?

What matters most to you?

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.

“The things that matter in life aren’t the things at all.”

"Help me know what matters."

"Take my priorities and make them yours."

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?

Make a list of everything in your life that matters. Pray with it. Do you have your priorities right with the Lord?

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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. Jon Bakkelund, 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