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A New Spiritual Springtime
Lectio Divina's contribution to the Church and the world today
"I would like in particular to recall and recommend the ancient practive of Lectio Divina...
If it is effectively promoted, this practice will bring to the Church - I am convinced of it - a new spiritual springtime." (Pope Benedict, 14 September 2005)
Lectio Divina is a meditative and prayerful reading of the Bible. The Latin title ("sacred reading") is retained because this was the way the scriptures were used in the Christian Church for most of the first millennium.
It serves individual Christians and Christian communities, and through them, the wider world in three ways:
- it helps people to deepen their personal relationship with God in prayer;
- it gives them a better understanding of their faith;
- it inspires them to play their part with others in changing the world into a civilization of justice and love.
Lectio Divina can be done by all, irrespective of educational background. This is important in a world where further education often presupposes many years of schooling and financial resources to pay for it.
Lectio Divina is particularly helpful to those who lead busy and distracted lives, and would find it difficult to set aside a lot of time either for formal prayer or study.
Group meets in Parish Centre at 10:45 a.m. on Monday mornings. If you would like to experience Lectio Divina but are not available on Monday mornings please leave your contact details into the parish office.
4th Sunday in Advent :: Year C Luke 1:39 - 44
In this weeks gospel we read the story of Mary's pregnancy. We reflect on the visitation - the second joyful mystery of the rosary. Mary is the main focus of our attention as she awaits the birth of Jesus. She is a person of great faith and through this has brought great faith to others. Mary's blessedness is that she has faith, no great achievements or visible signs of God's favour - just faith.
How often do we appreciate our gift of faith and all the blessings it brings? Do we hide it or are we willing to bring it to others?
Lord we thank you for our faith and for the people who help us to strengthen it by their example and love.
Forgive us for the times when we get fearful and confused.
Help us to listen to your word and believe in the power of the Holy Spirit as Our Blessed Lady did.
3rd Sunday in Advent :: Year C Luke 3:10 - 18
This week's gospel again sees John the Baptist on his mission to "speak for the light". He was growing very impatient not allowing himself to be categorised and affirming his mission humbly but courageously. We see John the Baptist's conviction that "the One who is to come after" is actually standing there even though the community does not recognise him.
There is a lot of darkness around us at the moment and it can get us down. Have we become cynical and settle for mediocrity? Have we been overcome with apathy?
We thank you Lord that if we trust you someone always comes on the scene sent by you as a witness to speak for the light. They bear witness to us that somewhere in the dark a light always shines.
Lord forgive us when we feel incompetent. Forgive us for becoming discouraged when we feel the church is not doing enough not believing that "the one who is to come after" is actually standing with us even though we do not see him. Help us to be your voice crying out to those in the wilderness telling them that you want to be present with them with your love and compassion if only they open themselves to you.
2nd Sunday in Advent :: Year C Luke 3:10 - 18
In this weeks gospel we see Jesus sending his messenger to prepare the way for the Lord. We see John the Baptist appearing in the wilderness calling on people to move from a place of wilderness or despair to a state of hopeful and trusting expectation. Jesus himself was someone who knew how to wait. When are the times in our lives when we fell deep into the wilderness with no glimpse of hope or trust? Who have been the messengers' Jesus sent to tell us we are not destined to remain there forever that we can expect the good news to come into our lives if we are patient. Have we been bearers of good news to others?
Lord thank you for the people who have been John the Baptist in our lives by their encouragement and compassion.
Forgive us for the times when we find ourselves becoming bitter or frustrated with our church because they are not achieving much. Help us to know that when we feel powerless you are more powerful because it is your sacred work we are doing and you will not let us down.
1st Sunday in Advent :: Year C Luke 3:10 - 18
In this weeks gospel Jesus is asking us to stay awake and always have hope because we never know when we will receive grace filled moments.
Are there times in our lives when we fall asleep and loose hope. It is good to know Jesus is there for us and can fully understand our state of mind. To hear His words of comfort we must stay awake and wait in the belief that He hears our call.
Lord thank you for the people who have always been there for us when others sleep.
Forgive us for giving up too quickly and stop believing in you because we are inpatient.
Help us all not to despair but to stay awake believing that you are only waiting to hear our call.
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