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.
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).
Jesus fits together three seemingly unique points in today’s Gospel. My thought is that Jesus may have added a good amount of context to each point when speaking to the crowds. As John adds at the end of his Gospel, “There are also many other things that Jesus did, but if these were to be described individually, I do not think the whole world would contain the books that would be written (John 21:25).” So we likely just have his most important phrases in the Gospel.
So let’s look at each points and try to figure out its respective messages.
1) No one who lights a lamp conceals it with a vessel. I believe this message is popularized in the song “This Little Light of Mine”. Jesus has similar teachings recorded in the Gospel of Matthew and Mark. Let’s all try to remember that we are called to be lights in the world, and that we should not hide away in our own Christian circles.
2) There is nothing secret that will not come to light. Another good reminder regarding “light”. We cannot and should not engage in evil behavior expecting it to not have an impact. Most often, lies or evil actions do come to light. Let’s be honest with ourselves and God about our sin, and ask for forgiveness. This can keep us compartmentalizing our sin and slipping into greater evils.
3) To anyone who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he seems to have will be taken away. Though this interpretation could go a couple ways, I think a main aspect of the message is in regards to using our time and treasure for good. If we’ve got money, we should do our best not to waste it or let it go without a purpose. To take it even further, we should all consider actively praying about what to do with our money. Similarly, let’s be purposeful about our time. If we have free time, let’s pray about what we should do with it. We can do all things, including rest and relaxation, with purpose and in communion with God. The less time we waste, the more time God has to guide us to our various missions in life.
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.
How are you called to be a light of the world?
What do you need to bring to light? To the Lord and to yourself?
Where is the Lord calling you to give more?
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.
"Light of the World."
"It will come to light."
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?
Choose one of the three verses and ask Jesus to put it on your heart. Memorize it and come back to it through out the day and week.
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 Liam Brady, an accountant in Chicago.
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.