What is lectio divina?
According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, CCC 2708, “Meditation engages thought, imagination, emotion, and desire. This mobilization of faculties is necessary in order to deepen our convictions of faith, prompt the conversion of our heart, and strengthen our will to follow Christ. Christian prayer tries above all to meditate on the mysteries of Christ, as in lectio divina or the rosary. This form of prayerful reflection is of great value, but Christian prayer should go further: to the knowledge of the love of the Lord Jesus, to union with him.” The five steps of lectio divina include:
• Reading. Read a passage slowly and carefully within the bible.
• Meditation. Thinking deeply or dwelling upon a spiritual reality within a text.
• Prayer. Having a loving encounter with God by seeking to understand God’s character and word.
• Contemplation. Resting in God’s presence.
• Action. Go and do likewise.
Readings: First Reading: Wisdom 3:1-9; Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 23; Second Reading: Romans 5:5-11 or Romans 6:3-9; and Gospel: John 6:37-40.
Do I welcome into my life the Divine Word, Jesus Christ, who gives eternal life?
“I came down from heaven not to do my will, but the will of Him who sent Me,” (Jn 6: 38).
In Jesus, we see obedience to the will of the Father. Am I living this virtue of obedience today or in my life?
Another quote includes John 6:40, “Anyone who sees the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life.”
A question you might ask when you doing lectio divina, is to ask oneself what Jesus is to me and do I see the face of Jesus with faith by listening to the Gospel?
As one ponders on the steps of lectio above listen with the ear of your hear and ask what is life all about for me? Rest in God’s presence.