12sotcc2 | biblical-apostolate

Lectio Divina

Notice also that Jesus directed the daily challenge of self-denial taking up the cross, and losing one’s life for his sake to all (v. 23). For those who think the rigors of discipleship might possibly be met, but only for a time, and only by a few stalwart individuals with strength and stamina sufficient for the task, today’s gospel offers a corrective. Discipleship is not an individual achievement; it is the grace-driven response of a believer to the person of Jesus. Discipleship is prompted by the question, “Who do you say I am?” and becomes possible only through a daily effort at becoming more and more identified with the Lord who continues to pose that question to us.

II. MEDITATIO

How does God’s Word apply to our situation now? The following questions may help.

1. We all believe in Jesus. But there are some who understand him in one way and others in another way. Today, which is the more common Jesus in the way of thinking of people?

2. How does propaganda interfere in my way of seeing Jesus? What do I do so as not to allow myself to be drawn by the propaganda? What prevents us today from recognizing and assuming the project of Jesus?

3. We are waiting for the messiah,each in our own way. What is the messiah that I look for and expect for?

4. The requirement to follow Jesus is the cross. How do I react with the cross of my life?

III. ORATIO AND CONTEMPLATIO

W e spend some time in silent prayer to meet the risen Lord who works in us through the power of the holy Spirit. We can repeat and keep repeating each of the following “mantras” or others from the text until we reach a still point where we can pray without words, where the Lord takes hold of us and transform us through his power.

“For whoever wishes to save his life

will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.”

Luke 9.24

ACTIO

Right after the confession of Peter about Jesus, He predicted for the first time His passion, His death on the cross.

Within this pretext, reflect on Jesus' mission and your own mission. Does your mission also follow the way of the cross as Jesus' did?
As Jesus said to Peter that it was the grace of God the Father that revealed to him the true mission of Jesus, pray for the grace to discern your mission in the will of God the Father.

CLOSING PRAYER

Lord Jesus, thank you for your word that we can see better the will of the Father. May your Spirit enlighten our actions and grant us the strength to follow your Word that revealed to us. Make us, like Mary, your mother, not only to listen but also to practice the Word. You who live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, for ever and ever. Amen