Whoever is Not Against You is For You

9/30/2019

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.

LUKE 9:46-50

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).

Have you ever had a conversation about faith with someone who isn’t Catholic? Our Protestant brothers and sisters share a lot of beliefs in common with us, even if we don’t agree on everything. I have been to a few different Christian services to see what they are like. Although I missed the True Presence in the Eucharist, there was still something compelling about the service.

When I hear the end of today’s Gospel, “Whoever is not against you is for you”, I think of our Protestant brothers and sisters. It can be disheartening seeing so many people in Protestant churches and not as many in Catholic churches. Even though the Catholic Church has the fullness of the Truth, when it comes to bringing people to Christ they are still doing a great and beautiful thing for the Kingdom of God.

I heard an analogy in a talk one time comparing the Catholic Church to a giant ship. A great captain sent the ship off to sea with navigation for home and lots of equipment. But eventually, some of the members on the ship decided to go build their own boats and sail home. They had to use the supplies from the original ship to build their boats and ships and take directions from the original navigation. The other boats and ships sail in the same direction as the original ship, for the most part.

Jesus founded the Catholic Church and appointed people in charge to lead His followers. All Christians strive for holiness and are on the path to Heaven. Each Christian denomination have some if not a lot of the same structure and tradition, many of which be traced back to Catholic tradition. Unless someone is refuting the Truth of the Catholic Church when they are leading people to have a relationship with Christ, they are for us, not against us.

So do not get discouraged if people who do not know the fullness of the Truth but still lead people to Christ. There are many forms of evangelizing working towards building the Kingdom of God. Just remember Jesus’ words: “Do not prevent him, for whoever is not against you is for you.”

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.

Who do you need to reach out to and tell about Christ?

Catholic. Why are you Catholic? How would you answer this to another person?

How are you striving for holiness?

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.

"Lord I need you."

"For Jesus."

"All things are possible for God."

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, pray about how you would answer the question, why are you Catholic? Who are you called to share that answer with today?

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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 Kayla Essner, a high school Math teacher in Denver, CO.

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