SUNDAY GOSPEL LECTIO DIVINA

What I usually hear from Christ when I read this Gospel is, “God’s generosity is the same for Christians who have just entered the Faith as it is for those who have been here for years.” But this time, I hear the voice of the Prodigal Son’s father, and I’m the son who stayed. Just as the laborers were not awarded due to their time in the vineyard, the Prodigal Son parable is not about the merits of either son. Rather, both parables are about God’s abundant generosity. The Father is always outpouring with love when we are simply willing to turn to him with gratitude and humility. He is the bottomless font of charity. Seeking and listening to him every day reveals endless possibilities.  

Kilby is a freelance writing from New Jersey and managing editor of Catholic World Report.

We are quick to listen when Jesus offers us God’s mercy, but do we heed the warnings of his condemnation? As he often does, Jesus ends his teaching today on a note that is hard to hear. Are we listening? Am I possibly the one who is living an unforgiving life? Do I hold bitterness toward anyone? I need to reconcile myself with that person before receiving Christ. To receive Christ at the altar is to assume his mercy. Have I shown mercy to others before expecting his mercy? This is why it is important to listen to the Gospel to the very end. The portent Jesus gives at the end is very potent, and we’d be wise to listen. 

Kilby is a freelance writing from New Jersey and managing editor of Catholic World Report.

When two or three are gathered in God’s name, he is there. But in order to take advantage of his presence, we have to listen for it. It’s not enough to just acknowledge that he is present and then just proceed to listen only to each other. If God is in our midst, that means he is partaking in the conversation. He is inspiring our words. He is giving us insights we would not have seen if we did not invite him. So next time we invite God into our presence, let’s act like he truly is there by listening for his voice in the conversations we have. 

Kilby is a freelance writing from New Jersey and managing editor of Catholic World Report.

Ask God, “Lord, what do you want me to do today?”. Or better yet, the night before, ask him, “What do you want me to do tomorrow?” And then listen. He will tell you if you listen carefully enough. Through some Scripture verse, or some subtle intervention only you can understand, he will tell you. We can modify that question and ask, “Lord, what cross do you need me to pick up today or tomorrow?” But it’s important to be intentional about it. We cannot know God’s will if we are not intent on finding it. It’s not going to just fall in our lap. Many of us are looking for something we could passionately devote our lives to. We’re looking for a way to show our love for something through suffering. This kind of calling is found through prayer because such a mission comes from God. And the most important part of prayer is the listening part.

Kilby is a freelance writing from New Jersey and managing editor of Catholic World Report.

The Word of God is a gift from heaven. We can try to determine what “the universe” is trying to say to us, but all we will really hear and see is what we want to hear and see. Scripture gives a clear and distinct voice to listen to, one that can be distinguished from our own. This is the way God designed it for those who believe in him: If we believe, Scripture will be a light upon our path. To help us hear his voice in this confusing world, he gave us Scripture, Tradition, and the Church to teach them to us. 

Kilby is a freelance writing from New Jersey and managing editor of Catholic World Report.

Listen carefully to every person God places in your life, even if they are just passing through for a short time. They may seem like a nuisance, but it’s very possible that God sent them into your life as a witness to show you the exact truth you seek. 

Kilby is a freelance writing from New Jersey and managing editor of Catholic World Report.

Where is Jesus calling us to “come”? What are the fears we must face to fulfill his will in our lives? 

Kilby is a freelance writing from New Jersey and managing editor of Catholic World Report.

When Peter spoke during the Transfiguration about setting up tents, he was practically told to be silent and just take in the experience. How often do we miss God’s message simply because we want to add our two cents. It’s often tempting to participate when God is providing an answer. We want to augment it, make it more meaningful in our eyes. But there is no greater beauty than God’s simple but profound answers to prayers. We can’t improve the answers in any way. They require no commentary. They are what is, and they are all we need. So, listen to what God is saying to you through this story of the Transfiguration this week. 

Kilby is a freelance writing from New Jersey and managing editor of Catholic World Report.

Discovering our purpose is a daily task that requires daily prayer and daily listening for God’s voice. I try to find quiet time in the morning to ask God what he wants me to do that day, and quiet time in the evening to reflect upon how I did in fulfilling the tasks I believe he gave me. If we pray often enough, we truly can have this kind of conversational relationship with God. That kind of relationship is what God intends. It is how we find our pearl of great price. 

Kilby is a freelance writing from New Jersey and managing editor of Catholic World Report.