Daily Lectio Divina reflections are published one week prior to Gospel date.
- John 20:11-18 Reflection – Transformation 03/26/2024
- Matthew 28:8-15 Reflection – Great Joy 03/25/2024
- John 20:1-9 Reflection – See and Believe 03/24/2024
- John 18:1-19:42 Reflection – Passion of the Lord 03/22/2024
- John 13:1-15 Reflection – Wash my Feet 03/21/2024
- Matthew 26:14-25 Reflection – Surely Not I 03/20/2024
- John 13:21-33, 36-38 Reflection – Betrayed Christ 03/19/2024
- John 12:1-11 Reflection – Recognize Deception 03/18/2024
- Mark 14:1-15:47 Reflection – Passion Story 03/17/2024
- John 11:45-56 Reflection – Gather into One 03/16/2024
2023 marks the fifth year that I have published daily reflections using the prayer practice of Lectio Divina. Lectio is an ancient prayer technique originating with the church fathers that was further explored and adopted by the Benedictines and many others. Lectio is a way of allowing the Holy Spirit to illuminate and teach by way of personalizing Scripture. It consists of progressively reading and praying with a Scripture passage.
The passage is first read then meditated on (Meditatio). A particular word, phrase, or concept may come to mind during this time. While not necessary, this insight can be a foundation for the next re-reading of the passage. The passage is read a second time followed by communicative prayer (Oratio) with the Trinity. Different prayer styles can be used such as having a silent conversation about the passage, insight, image, or a concept that came to mind with God.
The passage is read a third time followed by contemplative (Contemplatio) silence with God. During this time, we allow ourselves to be attentive and open to what God may want to communicate with/to us. On occasion, through grace, we may be invited into an even deeper union with God for a short period.
Lectio gives us an opportunity to leverage and walk towards what St. John of the Cross refers to as the night as pure faith and knowledge of God. In silence with God alone, we can hear what God has to uniquely say to us. Additionally, Lectio provides an understanding of scripture within the context of Jesus’ desire for us to live in peace, love, hope, and faith.
Personally, I have found that prior to entering Lectio I may already have someone or many other in mind that I refer to as “the other” who is anyone besides myself. The other may also suddenly become apparent within Lectio. These are the brief moments of inspiration of the daily Gospel readings in this book. You may notice in my Lectio reflections that sometimes if a passage is used more than once in a year or across multiple years, there are only slight variations in what I write. This is because I believe during these repeated meditations my thoughts, inspirations, perceptions, or concepts become further substantiated.
Additional Thoughts
Would you like to contribute related thoughts to these Lectio reflections on the Gospel readings? Since Lectio is not the only contemplative prayer style, others might appreciate these types of expressions in this ministry. Do you see God’s grandeur everywhere and unconditionally enjoy sharing the love of Christ that you have inside? Are you willing to be anonymous in what you would share? If so, email me.
Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities get to know your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite worldly distractions.
Attributions
*This site has permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible Mark 3 passage.
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