Words into Action

8/31/2020

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.

Luke 4:16-30

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).

Sometimes people raise the question, “How can you expect me to be Christian, when so many "Christians" live their lives in a way that contradicts the faith?” It is a great observation.

In the Gospel today, Jesus reads a Scripture passage from the prophet Isaiah and when finished, he says, “Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled...” St. Paul in the 1st reading also speaks on how he did not come to speak persuasive words of wisdom, but he came “with a demonstration...” Both Jesus (of course, as God) and St. Paul testify not only with words, but also with their actions; they “fulfilled” and “demonstrated” with their actions how God is alive within them. It must be the same with us.

The words of Sacred Scripture are not only words in a book, but they are also words to be lived out in action. We not only proclaim a faith in what Jesus and the saints spoke to us, but we also put flesh on these words by demonstration with our lives.

Let us together “fulfill the words of Scripture” and “demonstrate” with our lives how the Lord is tangibly alive within us.

Find one way today to put flesh on the words of scripture or a teaching of our faith. In this way people see Christ and authentic Christian discipleship.

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.

When you read scripture, how do you read it? Do you breeze though it? Do you read through more than once? Do you put yourself in it?

How can you pause more to pray with scripture?

How can you put scripture into action?

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.

"Carpe Verbum." (Seize the Word.)

"Help scripture come alive."

"Words into action."

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?

Find one way today to put flesh on the words of scripture or a teaching of our faith. In this way people see Christ and authentic Christian discipleship. Have scripture come aline as you move throughout your day.

Smartphone Lock Screen

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. John McNamara, 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