Step #2: Meditatio / MeditateUse the following meditation to help you reflect more deeply on the Scripture (you may want to read the passage again).
In today’s first reading we read of Gideon, who was raised up to be a judge over Israel. In his encounter with the Lord, he experiences a moment that many of us have most likely shared: God calls Gideon as his chosen servant and Gideon has to ask, “why me?” The Christian life is not an easy one and it demands a lot from each of us who have chosen it as a way to live. It requires us to live as servants of others, to put God before even our families and ourselves, and it means living according to the law of love given to us by Jesus. In the midst of this difficult way of life, many of us experience doubt and discouragement—was I really chosen for this life? How can God expect me to do this? Today, Gideon asks the question for us and God reveals to us how he can truly use each of us to accomplish his work of bringing about his Kingdom on earth. Gideon is working furiously in the midst of persecution when God appears to him to reveal that Gideon has been chosen to do great things. Perhaps this is similar to God’s call in your own life—you were working hard to accomplish what you had in mind when God came and showed you that his plans for you were different than your own. It isn’t easy to put our lives on hold when God calls because it means saying no to the plans we have worked so hard to bring about. I know that for myself I was frustrated with the Lord because following him would mean saying no to what I had dreamed up for my future, and maybe you have experienced something similar. I think our rebellion to saying yes to God’s plan often comes from a place of insecurity, just like with Gideon. He wasn’t closed off to what God was calling him to because he thought his plans were better, but because he doubted how God could use him to do great things. Gideon feared what God was going to do because he doubted in his ability to do good things and because he was unsure about putting his work aside to do the work of God. Simply put, Gideon was wondering, “why me?” The Lord, in revealing a sign to confirm his power and his call in Gideon’s life, is telling all of us that he can use even the simplest, the least qualified, and the most distant person to bring about great things. If he calls you, he will use you! It is never a mistake to be chosen by God. Be encouraged today that “for God all things are possible”, even using you to do great works. 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 do I struggle to trust in God's plans over my own? In what ways do I feel like Gideon and ask God, "why me?" How has God already used me to do good things? 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.
"Thank you for choosing me." "Help me say yes, Lord." "Jesus, I trust in you." 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?
In prayer today, ask the question, "why me?" and let God reveal to you why he has chosen you to do his good works. Open up your journal and write down some of the strengths you have that God can and has used to bring about his Kingdom, and be thankful for how God has equipped you to be his disciple. 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 Adam Smyth, the Life Teen Coordinator at St. Anthony of Padua Parish in the Woodlands, TX.
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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