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). Jesus did neat things. We all have heard all the sweet Jesus stories... Jesus helped the paralyzed man walk. Jesus turned water into wine. Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. La dee da just reading some stories... Nope. Not just sweet stories, actually they were incredible feats that revealed who Jesus was and is. To the locals, Jesus was a young man raised to do work with His hands—people knew his family. Jesus was the Son of Joseph. Problem was, Jesus started doing really weird things. Imagine walking up to an older person in a wheel chair and saying, rise pick up your chair and go...Uhhh okay weirdo I’m gonna roll back to my room. Or if you were out for a walk with buddies and a storm came and you said, “don’t worry fellas I’m gonna walk out on that water and everything is gonna calm on down” Righttttt. I’ll do you one better. Jesus spoke with an authority only God could with a clear conscience. Everything about these encounters points to Jesus being absolutely insane. And yet...a crowd gathered to the point Jesus couldn’t even eat. Why would they gather? To see the weird carpenter fail? No, they came because Jesus lived as a fulfillment of the authority that He spoke from. Jesus desires to live in and through you. Not just the do-gooder neat story Jesus, but the society challenging radical Jesus. Is Jesus calling you to take a risk in Love? Is Jesus asking you to be the way by which He heals countless souls? Does Jesus want you to live a life that might cause others to think you’re insane? Look at the cross. Our Lord is ready to show up and show off through you in beautifully new ways. Maybe the Lord is asking you to listen and receive goodness from someone who really bothers you. Maybe the Lord is asking you to write and note to someone and just thank them for how they brighten your life. Maybe the Lord is asking you to pray a little extra after Mass, even if that means someone will notice and wonder what’s wrong with you. Maybe the Lord is asking something more-simple and yet radical, choose to smile at the people you pass today, make it obvious and when someone asks what you’re so happy about remind them that Jesus is the reason for your joy. Jesus isn’t insane, He’s the God-man who is radically in love with you. Do not be afraid to get a little crazy in Love with Love for Love. 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. Who is Jesus in your life? Do you see Him as a do-gooder or a radical? The people in Jesus's home town thought they knew Him too well to receive His works. Yet, others sought Him out. Do you think you have gotten too comfortable with Jesus? How can you increase your love for 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. "Jesus, I want to know you." "Increase my love for you." "Jesus tell me who you are." 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? Spend some extra time with the Gospels today. Continue reading the Gospel of Mark and deeper your understanding of Jesus and who He is. 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 Robert Blood, seminarian 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.
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