Lectio Divina
Friday of the Third Week of Advent
Gospel: Lk 1:5-25
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/121925.cfm
Lectio Divina, or “divine reading” in latin, is a means of slowly reading and reflecting on scriptures. It’s a means of using scripture as prayer and to meditate on the deeper meaning. It’s less about an academic study, but a means of making a personal connection or finding a personal meaning in your present time and space. Lectio Divina is comprised four components:
Lectio (Reading): slowly read the scripture several times and identify what stands out to you.
Meditatio (Meditation): ponder the words and phrases and reflect on what it means to you.
Oratio (Prayer): Respond to your observations and share your feelings and thoughts with God.
Contemplatio (Contemplation): Let go of your thoughts and rest peacefully with God.
Lectio: When I read the scripture today, it stood out to me the descriptive words and how they tell the story on their own:
priestly, righteous, blamelessly, barren
priestly, troubled,
joy, gladness,
great, strong, spirit, power, righteous,
old, advanced,
good, now, speechless,
proper, long,
unable, mute,
completed, fit
Meditatio: We all have our strengths and our weaknesses. We have a view of the world because of these things. We can do everything right or believe we are doing the right things, but still be barren. We can be priestly, but also trouble in the presence of a divine messenger. God’s intentions are ultimately joy and gladness, spirit and power. Yet, we still look around us and not accept it because we know better. We’ve limited ourselves by our perception and our experiences. We may lose what we have taken for granted, but such experiences may also complete us.
Oratio: God, help me accept my present struggles while still knowing that you are at work within me. Help me not limit your work to my perception, worldview, explanations, or preconceived limits. May I be open to your will and not impede it for myself or others. Amen.
Contemplatio: Let it all go. Rest in the moment without the words and just be.
