Lectio Divina - The Study and Meditation on Sacred Scripture

Beginning this Church Year (November 29, 2009) I have been sharing via group e-mails the Scripture verse which struck me most from my daily use of Lectio Divina and as well as my prayer which Lectio Divina generated for me. I use one of the readings from the next day's Lectionary for my daily Lectio material. If you decide to use Lectio Divina, you can use any biblical passage to be studied including simply using my selection. For your convenience, I will end my email with the citation to the next day's Lectionary selection that I will be using. Below are the steps of Lectio Divina- the reading and studying of the divine text..

Lectio - Slowly read the chosen text in a low voice. Kiss the book of the Word. It is a love letter which is not read by making a grammatical or a logical analysis! Read it twice.

Meditatio - Ponder the text that you selected and read. Reread it for the third time. Select a word or phrase or verse that impresses you. Meditate on it. Write down this preferred word, phrase or verse and leave it in view. This will be your day's precious gem.

Oratio — Make a prayer which comes to you from your mediation on the gem. The prayer should have four parts: "0 God.... I remember..... Grant that ..... I ask this of you, who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen."

Contemplatio —Keep silence and remain still in recollection. This is a time for an elevation of the soul to God in silent waiting Silence takes the place of language in God's company.

Operatio: Take something from this study into your daily life.

I hope that my daily sharing of the results of my Lectio Divina will encourage you to make it part of your spirituality. I have been using Lectio daily since 2006 and I have found that 20" to 30" involved, was and is very small as to what I get out of it.

Father Pop-Pop


2/28/10

Lectio - Lk 6.36-38

Meditatio: “Be merciful, just at [also] your Father is merciful.” Lk 6.36

Oratio: “O God, you are compassionate and forgiving.

I remember Jesus in his sermon on the plain made it clear that you are merciful, forgiving and magnanimous..

Grant that I may refrain from judging others and readily extend forgiveness for that is your way and an everlasting way for me.

I ask this of you, who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.”

Contemplatio: Keep silence and remain in recollection for a few minutes.

Operatio: Today and everyday I will be sensitive of others and not judge them for I do not walk in their shoes.

Note: Tomorrow’s selection is from Mt 23.1-12

2/27/10

Lectio - Lk 9.28b-36

Meditatio: “The from the cloud came a voice that said, ‘This is my chosen Son, listen to him’.” Lk 9.35

Oratio: “"O God, you have made known to us your ways.

I remember you twice spoke from heaven that Jesus is your beloved Sond and we should listen to him - first at his baptism and then at his Transfiguration.

Grant that I may be an active listener and always ask, ‘What would Jesus do?’ and then do it..

I ask this of you, who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.”

Contemplatio: Keep silence and remain in recollection for a few minutes.

Operatio: Today and everyday I will live by the Golden Rule..

Note: Tomorrow’s selection is from Lk 6.36-38

2/26/10

Lectio - Mt 5. 43-48

Meditatio: “But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you.”
Mt 5.22

Oratio: “"O God, your ways are spirit and life.

I remember Jesus told us how to be perfect - to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us - how challenging and how fruitful!

Grant that I may be merciful in words and deeds to those whom I meet whether friend or foe for that is your way..

I ask this of you, who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.”

Contemplatio: Keep silence and remain in recollection for a few minutes.

Operatio: Today, I will treat others as I want to be treated.

Note: Tomorrow’s selection is from Lk 15.1-3, 31-32

2/25/10

Lectio - Mt 5. 20-26

Meditatio: “But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to the judgment, and whoever says to his brother, ‘Raqa’ (imbecile, blockhead), will be answerable to the Sandhedrin, and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ will be liable to fiery Ghenna.” Mt 5.22


Oratio: “"O God, you desire that all live in peace.

I remember Jesus warned about being angry with and insulting to others and that they will suffer a terrible fate unless they reconcile.

Grant that whenever I experience a deliberate hurt, that I may respond not with anger but with forbearance for the sake of peace.

I ask this of you, who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.”

Contemplatio: Keep silence and remain in recollection for a few minutes.

Operatio: Today, I will overlook the hurts received from others and pray for them.

Note: Tomorrow’s selection is from Mt 5.43-48

2/24/10

Lectio - Mt 7. 7-12

Meditatio: “If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children,how much more will your heavenly Father give good things to those who asks." Mt 711


Oratio: “"O God, you care for us more than our mother and father.

I remember Jesus taught us to ask for good things, and you will give them to us - how gracious of you!

Grant that I may always ask good things of you knowing that you will give me what is truly good.

I ask this of you, who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.”

Contemplatio: Keep silence and remain in recollection for a few minutes.

Operatio: Today, I will ask God to give me a full measure of His Spirit to me and to my loved ones.

Note: Tomorrow’s selection is from Mt 5.20-26

2/22/10

Lectio - Mt6.7-15

Meditatio: “Tis is how you are to pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name." Mt 6.9

Oratio: “O God, you deserve our praise and worship. .

I remember that Jesus taught us the way to pray by putting you first that your name be hallowed, your kingdom come and your will be done. Then for our needs - for bread, for forgiveness, to forgive and to lead a good life.

Grant that I may always pray as Jesus taught both with words and how I live for that is the praise and prayer you deserve. .

I ask this of you, who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.”

Contemplatio: Keep silence and remain in recollection for a few minutes.

Operatio: Today, I will pray for some who hurt me, forgive them and let go of the hurt.

Note: Tomorrow’s selection is from Lk 11.29-32

2/21/10

Lectio - Mt 16.13-19

Meditatio: “And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.” Mt 16.18

Oratio: “O God, you are all- wise and know how best to structure things.

I remember your Son established your kingdom on earth on a rock foundation - the papacy - so that the faith community would have your authoritative source for governance and unity.

Grant that I may always follow the pronouncements of the pope for to ignore the pope is to ignore Christ since he is Christ’s vicar here on earth.

I ask this of you, who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.”

Contemplatio: Keep silence and remain in recollection for a few minutes.

Operatio: Today, I will pray for the pope’s health and his openness to God’s plans.

Note: Tomorrow’s selection is from Mt 6.7-15

2/20/10

Lectio - Lk 4.1-13

Meditatio: “Jesus said to him (devil) in reply, ‘It is written: You shall worship the Lord, your God, and him alone shall you serve’.” Lk 4.8

Oratio: “O God, there are no short cuts in your plans for us. We are to do them as you wish.

I remember your Son showed this when he was tempted by the devil to worship the devil. In return Jesus would achieve his mission to establish the kingdom of God over all the world. And Jesus said, “No.”

Grant that I may seek to do your will in all things for that is the best and only way to serve and worship you.

I ask this of you, who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.”

Contemplatio: Keep silence and remain in recollection for a few minutes.

Operatio: Today, I will be mindful of God and his will for me.

Note: Tomorrow’s selection is from Mt 16.13-19

2/19/10

Lectio - Lk 5.27-32

Meditatio: “And leaving everything behind, he (Levi) got up and followed him.” Lk 5.28

Oratio: “O God, you are totally committed to us, your children.

I remember when Jesus came, he made it clear that He came for the sick and sinners - the lot of us all.

Grant that I may respond to your commitment by following Jesus unreservedly for that is the least I can do to show my gratitude.

I ask this of you, who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.”

Contemplatio: Keep silence and remain in recollection for a few minutes.

Operatio: Today, I will express my gratitude to others.

Note: Tomorrow’s selection is from Lk 4.1-13

2/18/10

Lectio - Mt 9.14-15

Meditatio: “Jesus answered them, ‘Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast’.” Mt 9.15

Oratio: “O God, you are the source of our joy.

I remember Jesus told us this when he used the metaphor of the bridegroom to identify who He is. For in those days while the bridegroom was amongst his guests is was a time of joy and fasting, which is a sign or mourning, would be wrong.

Grant that I may fast now so that one day I may rejoice with Your.

I ask this of you, who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.”

Contemplatio: Keep silence and remain in recollection for a few minutes.

Operatio: Fast today which means only one full meal and two partial meals.

Note: Tomorrow’s selection is from Mt 9.14-15

2/17/10

Lectio - Lk 9.22-25

Meditatio: “Then he said, ‘If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up is cross daily and follow me’.”Lk 9.23

Oratio: “O God, you revealed the sure way to you.

I remember Jesus said it in denying one self and taking up one’s cross and to follow His ways that leads to You.

Grant that I may do so by discerning Your will for me and doing it for that is at the heart of Jesus’ advice.

I ask this of you, who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.”

Contemplatio: Keep silence and remain in recollection for a few minutes.

Operatio: Do what God wants of me today.

Note: Tomorrow’s selection is from Mt 9.14-15

2/16/10

Lectio - Mt 6.1-6, 16-18

Meditatio: “But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.” Mt 6.6

Oratio: “O God, you desire people to do good things for the purpose of doing good and not for show.

I remember Jesus instructed his disciples not to give alms or pray or fast for the purpose of being seen but to do them to honor you.

Grant that I may perform the ascetical works in a way that honors you alone and not as a hypocrite.

I ask this of you, who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.”

Contemplatio: Keep silence and remain in recollection for a few minutes.

Operatio: Do one or more of the ascetical works today.

Note: Tomorrow’s selection is from Lk 9.22-25

2/15/10

Lectio - Mk 8.14-212

Meditatio: “Do you have eyes and not see, and ears and not hear? And do you not remember.” Mk 8.18

Oratio: “O God, you have made yourself and your ways known to us.

I remember Jesus admonished his disciples for not using their senses and their minds in reaching a right understanding of his message.

Grant that I may have an openness to Your ways and seek You with my whole being and I will find what you want for me- You!

I ask this of you, who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.”

Contemplatio – Keep silence and remain in recollection for a few minutes.

Note: Tomorrow’s selection is from Mt 6.1-6, 16-18

2/14/10

Lectio - Mk 8.11-13

Meditatio:”Then he left them, got into the boat again, and went off to the other side.” Mk 8.13

Oratio: “O God, how often we offend you with our obstinacy.

I remember Jesus was deeply grieved by the argumentative attitude of the Pharisees who in their obstinacy refused to see his miracles as heavenly signs of His authority.

Grant that I may be docile to the teachings of the church for you have given us the Pope as a clear sign of your teaching authority.

I ask this of you, who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.”

Contemplatio – Keep silence and remain in recollection for a few minutes.

Note: Tomorrow’s selection is from Mk 8.14-21

Happy Valentine Day!

2/13/10

Lectio - Lk 6.17, 20-26

Meditatio:”Blessed are you who are poor, for the kingdom of God is yours.” Lk 6.20

Oratio: “O God, eternal happiness is your gift to us. I remember Jesus reminded those who are poor now, or who are hungry, or who are persecuted, or who are cast out now for their belief in him will have their condition reversed in your kingdom for he declared them blessed.

Grant that I may avoid undue attachment to material things so that I may always be poor in spirit in this life and happy with you in the next.

I ask this of you, who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.”

Contemplatio – Keep silence and remain in recollection for a few minutes.

Note: Tomorrow’s selection is from Mk 8.11-13

2/12/10

Lectio - Mk 7.31-37

Meditatio:” Still he asked them, 'How many loaves do you have?' 'Sevne,' they replied." Mk 8.5

Oratio: O God, you have great concern for us even though we are so insignificant.

I remember Jesus had pity on the 4000 who had no food after three days and he fed them with 7 loaves and a few fish.

Grant that i may be mindful of the needs of those around me and do what what I can with what I have and allow you to accomplish through me what you will.

Grant that I may be open to your Spirit so that I may give you filial obedience out of love.

I ask this of you, who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.”

Contemplatio – Keep silence and remain in recollection for a few minutes.

Note: Tomorrow’s selection is from Lk 6.17, 20-26

2/11/10

Lectio - Mk 7.31-37

Meditatio: "They were exceedingly astonished and they said, ‘He has done all things well. He makes the deaf hear and [the] mute speak’.” Mk 7.37

Oratio: "O God, all things and creatures obey you.

I remember at your Son’s touch and his command, ‘Ephphatha’ the deaf mute in Decapolis was cured.

Grant that I may be open to your Spirit so that I may give you filial obedience out of love.

I ask this of you, who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.”

Contemplatio – Keep silence and remain in recollection for a few minutes.

Note: Tomorrow’s selection is from Mk 8.1-10

2/10/10


Lectio - Mk 7.24-30

Meditatio: "The woman was a Greek, a Syrophoenician by birth, and she begged him to drive the demon out of her daughter.” Mk 7.26

Oratio: "O God, you hear the cry of those who humbly entreat you.

I remember Jesus cured the daughter of a Syrophoenician woman because she put her self last in the food chain.

Grant that I may have a humble and contrite heart so they you will be attentive to my prayers.

I ask this of you, who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.”

Contemplatio – Keep silence and remain in recollection for a few minutes.

Note: Tomorrow’s selection is from Mk 7.31-37

2/09/10

Lectio - Mk 7.14-23

Meditatio: "Nothing that enters one from outside can defile that person; but the things that come out from within are what defile.” Mk 7.15

Oratio: "O God, your ways are true and uplifting.

I remember your Son made it clear that is not what we eat that defiles, but what comes from the heart. He thereby opened the way for the Gentiles to accept the good news.

Grant that I may have a heart impregnated with your wisdom so that I may love you rightly and give you worthy praise.

I ask this of you, who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.”

Contemplatio – Keep silence and remain in recollection for a few minutes.

Note: Tomorrow’s selection is from Mk 7.24-30

2/08/10

Lectio - Mk 7.1-13

Meditatio: "You nullify the word of God in favor of your tradition that you have handed on.” Mk 7.13a

Oratio: "O God, your ways are spirit and life.

I remember Jesus condemned the Pharisees and Scribes for nullifying your ways in favor of their traditions of external piety.

Grant that I may worship you with a sincere heart and that what I am on the inside is what I reflect on the outside.

I ask this of you, who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.”

Contemplatio – Keep silence and remain in recollection for a few minutes.

Note: Tomorrow’s selection is from Mk 7.14-23

2/07/10

Lectio - Mk 6.53-56

Meditatio: "Whatever villages, or towns, or countryside he entered, they laid the sick in the marketplaces and begged him that they might touch only the tassel of his cloak; and as many as touched it were healed.” Mk 6.56

Oratio: "O God, what power you have!
I remember the sick of the region on Gennesaret touched only the tassel
of your Son’s cloak and they were cured.
Grant that I may always realize the healing power of touch and by you compassionate hands to those in need.
I ask this of you, who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.”

Contemplatio – Keep silence and remain in recollection for a few minutes.

Note: Tomorrow’s selection is from Mk 7.1-13

2/06/10

Lectio - Lk 5.1-11

Meditatio: "After he had finished speaking, he said to them, ‘Put out into the deep and lower your nets for a catch’.” Lk 5.4

Oratio: "O God, you manifest your power and glory in many ways.
I remember your Son showed his power to Simon and his fishing partner who had spent the whole night fishing and caught nothing.
He told them to lower their nets and they caught so many fish that it filled both boats to the point of sinking - and they left everything and followed him.
Grant that I may respond to the many ways you manifest yourself to me and seek what you want of me.
I ask this of you, who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.”

Contemplatio – Keep silence and remain in recollection for a few minutes.

Note: Tomorrow’s selection is from Mk 6.53-56

2/05/10

Lectio - Mk 6.30-34

Meditatio: "He said to them, ‘Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest awhile’.” Mk 6.31a

Oratio: "O God, you are solicitous for our needs.
I remember after the Twelve had returned from their missionary work, your Son told them to go to a quiet place and rest awhile.
Grant that I may recognize the importance of rest and quiet time not only to recharge my physical batteries but my spiritual ones
as well for that is your recipe for well being.
I ask this of you, who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.”

Contemplatio – Keep silence and remain in recollection for a few minutes.

Note: Tomorrow’s selection is from Lk 5.1-11

2/04/10

Lectio - Mk 6.14-29

Meditatio: "She went out and said to her mother, ‘What shall I ask for?’ She replied, ‘The head of John the Baptist’.” Mk 6.24

Oratio: "O God, you alone have the right to take away the gift of life. I remember King Herod, based on faulty thinking, acceded to the request of his step-daughter and had John the Baptist beheaded. Grant that I ma always have my passions under control so that I may serve you rightly. I ask this of you, who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.”

Contemplatio – Keep silence and remain in recollection for a few minutes.

Note: Tomorrow’s selection is from Mk 6.30-34

2/03/10

Lectio - Mk 6.7-13

Meditatio: "They drove out many demons, and they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them." Mk 6.13

Oratio: "O God, you wish us to do marvelous things.
I remember your Son used the twelve to drive out demons and cure the sick and they did.
Grant that I may always allow you to use me as your instrument to do your will and it will be amazing what you will accomplish through me.
I ask this of you, who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.”

Contemplatio – Keep silence and remain in recollection for a few minutes.

Note: Tomorrow’s selection is from Mk 6.14-29

2/02/10

Lectio - Mk 6.1-6

Oratio: "So he was not able to perform any mighty deeds there, apart from curing a few sick people by laying his hand on them.” Mk 6.5

Meditatio: " O God, you desire our well-being.
I remember your Son because of the Nazarene’s lack of faith, was unable to do much for them to their detriment and contrary to your will.
Grant that I may always remember when I anoint the sick, that it your power that flows through me as your instrument when I lay my hands
on them and bring about their spiritual well-being.
I ask this of you, who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.”

Contemplatio – Keep silence and remain in recollection for a few minutes.

Note: Tomorrow’s selection is from Mk 6.7-13