Lectio Divina – October 13, 2023 | Friday of the Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

“Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.”

Proper of Readings for the Friday of the Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reflection by Sis Ashley Adarlo

As a young person navigating life’s difficulty, Jesus’ messages in Luke 11:23 provide great insight into the decisions we make and the ideals we support. Teenagers frequently experience a range of influences and pressures from friends, social media, and the outside world. This passage serves as a reminder that our decisions do not have only neutral consequences; they have spiritual and ethical implications. Being “with” Jesus means actively aligning ourselves with His teachings of love, compassion, and integrity. It means making conscious choices that reflect His values, even in the face of societal pressures. This can manifest in how we treat others, the decisions we make about our time and activities, and the way we conduct ourselves in the world. Conversely, if we are not intentional about being with Jesus, we may inadvertently scatter our values and principles. It’s easy to get caught up in the distractions and temptations of modern life. The verse reminds us that a lack of commitment to our faith can leave us vulnerable to negative influences that pull us away from what truly matters. We might interpret this as an invitation to actively explore and establish a solid foundation of religion and values that govern our everyday decisions. This passage encourages us to make a concerted effort to gather with Jesus, to develop our spiritual life, and to remain strong in our convictions in the face of hardships and distractions. It serves as a reminder that our everyday decisions have the potential to form our character and our destiny, and we must make sensible choices to remain aligned with Christ’s teachings.

Points of Reflection:

1. How can you follow Jesus’ teachings in your daily life, even with life’s distractions? How can you make sure your faith and values guide your choices?
2. Think of a time when it was hard to follow Jesus’ teachings because of pressure or distractions. What kept you faithful, and what did you learn from that?

Final Prayer

Heavenly Father, as your beloved children, we come to you humbly and with open hearts, asking your guidance from above. We appreciate the lessons in your Gospel that remind us that our decisions have spiritual and moral consequences. Lord, guide us in every step of our path as we embrace Jesus’ love, compassion, and honesty. Grant us the courage and insight to make deliberate choices that mirror these sacred values, even when the world’s pressures and distractions surround us, especially while we were young. We recognize the danger of unintentionally drifting away from your teachings when we fail to remain purposeful in our faith. Therefore, we implore you to nurture our spiritual lives and lay the foundation of unwavering faith and values. Lord, empower us to stand steadfast in our beliefs, even in times of adversity and allurements. We comprehend that our daily decisions mold our character and shape our futures. So, we humbly request your divine wisdom to choose the path that aligns with your teachings. In your holy name, we offer this heartfelt prayer. Amen

About the contributor

Sis Ashley Adarlo is an active member of YFIA Movement in the Philippines. She is currently studying BS in Civil Engineering at NU Manila.