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). I remember hearing this passage and being almost shocked by what Jesus said to Peter. Can you even imagine Jesus saying, "Get behind me Satan!" to you? Peter was probably taken aback also. He had just declared Jesus to be the Messiah, and then Jesus reveals that He is going to undergo great suffering. Those two facts would not have added up in Peter's mind. If Jesus was the Messiah, then it wouldn't make sense for Him to have to undergo the suffering was being described. This man, Jesus, that Peter loved and followed so dearly, surely wouldn't be put to death. That couldn't be God's plan. It didn't sound fair. It didn't sound right. It didn't sound like something the Messiah would do. So Peter rebukes Him. He tries to tell Him what he thinks or tries to manage Jesus and the plan. This makes me think of my own life. How many times do I claim to be a follower of Jesus, but then I try to limit Jesus in my life. I would prefer to tell Jesus what I think should happen rather than follow the path He has in mind for me? When I come to a hard question or difficult time, do I lean on the words of Jesus? Do I turn to the truths of what He has spoken in my life? Or do I try to persuade Jesus that my way is the better way? Makes me take a look at myself and the question Jesus presents in this Gospel. Who do you say I am? I need to take that question into the depths of my heart to answer that question. If He is truly my Messiah, what does that change about my life? If He truly is Lord of my life, that changes things. I want to be open to the direction God has planned for me. I want to be open to it regardless of what I might think is a "better" plan. I want to be able to declare Jesus is Messiah, and upon hearing God's plan, I want to say, "Okay Jesus, this might be tough, but let's walk this road together!" 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 often do you try to limit Jesus in your life? Do you prefer your own plan for your life or do you trust the plan Jesus has for you? When you face difficult times or hard questions, do you lean on Jesus? Or do you try to persuade Jesus that your way is the better way? Who do you say that Jesus is? 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 will follow you." "I trust you." "You are my Lord." 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? Think about all the plans you have for your life. When you are ready, offer them all up to Jesus. Trust that God's plan is greater than anything we could imagine, and that He has good plans for your life. Be open to God's plan for your life and the joy that comes with following Him. 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 Megan Kramer, a parishioner at St. Mary's Parish in Huntley, IL. 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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