Author Archives: Holy See

Lectio

Read the passage carefully and attentively.

Passage: “Now these things were done in a figure of us, that we should not covet evil things, as they also coveted. Neither become ye idolaters, as some of them, as it is written: The people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play. Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them that committed fornication: and there fell in one day three and twenty thousand. Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them tempted and perished by the serpent. Neither do you murmur, as some of them murmured and were destroyed by the destroyer. Now all these things happened to them in figure: and they are written for our correction, upon whom the ends of the world are come. Wherefore, he that thinketh himself to stand, let him take heed lest he fall. Let no temptation take hold on you, but such as is human. And God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that which you are able: but will make also with temptation issue, that you may be able to bear it.” (First Epistle to the Corinthians 10:6-13)

Meditatio

Reflect deeply on the passage, considering its meaning and implications.

• Warning Against Coveting and Idolatry: Meditate on St. Paul’s warnings against coveting evil things and becoming idolaters. Consider how these sins were a stumbling block for the Israelites and how they can be for us as well.
• Consequences of Sin: The passage recounts the severe consequences that befell those who committed fornication and murmured against God. Reflect on how these acts of disobedience led to their destruction.
• Historical Examples for Our Correction: Understand that these events were written as examples for us, to serve as warnings and corrections. They remind us to stay vigilant and faithful.
• Humility and Awareness: “He that thinketh himself to stand, let him take heed lest he fall.” Meditate on the importance of humility and the awareness of our own weaknesses.
• God’s Faithfulness in Temptation: Meditate on the assurance that God will not allow us to be tempted beyond our capacity to resist and that He will provide a way to endure and overcome temptation.

Oratio

Respond to the passage with a heartfelt prayer.

Lord, I thank Thee for the lessons and warnings given to us through Thy Word. Help me to heed these examples and to avoid the pitfalls of coveting, idolatry, and other sins. Grant me the humility to recognise my weaknesses and the wisdom to stay vigilant. I trust in Thy faithfulness, knowing that Thou will provide the strength and means to overcome any temptation. Guide me, Lord, to live a life pleasing unto Thee, always aware of Thy presence and support. Amen.

Contemplatio

Spend time in silent contemplation.

Imagine the scenes of the Israelites as described in today’s verses. See their actions and the consequences that followed. Contemplate how these historical events serve as a mirror for your own life, showing you the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God. Let the assurance of God’s faithfulness and support fill you with peace and confidence.

Actio

Determine a concrete action to take in response to the insights gained from the passage.

• Avoid Temptation: Identify areas in your life where you are susceptible to temptation. Take practical steps to avoid these situations and seek accountability if needed.
• Cultivate Humility: Practise humility in your daily interactions, acknowledging your dependence on God’s grace and strength.
• Stay Vigilant: Regularly examine your actions and motivations to ensure they align with God’s will. Seek correction and guidance through prayer and Scripture.
• Trust in God’s Faithfulness: Whenever you face temptation, remember God’s promise to provide a way to endure it. Strengthen your trust in Him through prayer and reliance on His Word.

Lectio

Read the passage slowly and attentively, focusing on each word and phrase.

Passage: “And there was also a strife amongst them, which of them should seem to be the greater. And he said to them: The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and they that have power over them are called beneficent. But you not so: but he that is the greater among you, let him become as the younger: and he that is the leader, as he that serveth. For which is greater, he that sitteth at table or he that serveth? Is not he that sitteth at table? But I am in the midst of you, as he that serveth. And you are they who have continued with me in my temptations: And I dispose to you, as my Father hath disposed to me, a kingdom; That you may eat and drink at my table, in my kingdom: and may sit upon thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” (Saint Luke 22:24-30) (more…)

Lectio

Read the passage carefully and thoughtfully.

Passage: “And one of the Pharisees desired Jesus to eat with him. And Jesus went into the house of the Pharisee and sat down to meat. And behold a woman that was in the city, a sinner, when she knew that he sat at meat in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster box of ointment. And standing behind at his feet, she began to wash his feet with tears and wiped them with the hairs of her head and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment. And the Pharisee, who had invited him, seeing it, spoke within himself, saying: This man, if he were a prophet, would know surely who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him, that she is a sinner. And Jesus answering, said to him: Simon, I have somewhat to say to thee. But he said: Master, say it. A certain creditor had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence and the other fifty. And whereas they had not wherewith to pay, he forgave them both. Which therefore of the two loveth him most? Simon answering, said: I suppose that he to whom he forgave most. And he said to him: Thou hast judged rightly. And turning to the woman, he said unto Simon: Dost thou see this woman? I entered into thy house: thou gavest me no water for my feet. But she with tears hath washed my feet; and with her hairs hath wiped them. Thou gavest me no kiss. But she, since she came in, hath not ceased to kiss my feet. My head with oil thou didst not anoint. But she with ointment hath anointed my feet. Wherefore, I say to thee: Many sins are forgiven her, because she hath loved much. But to whom less is forgiven, he loveth less. And he said to her: Thy sins are forgiven thee. And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves: Who is this that forgiveth sins also? And he said to the woman: Thy faith hath made thee safe. Go in peace.” (Saint Luke 7:36-50) (more…)

Lectio

Read the passage carefully and thoughtfully.

Passage: “And when he drew near, seeing the city, he wept over it, saying: If thou also hast known, and that in this thy day, the things that are to thy peace: but now they are hidden from thy eyes. For the days shall come upon thee: and thy enemies shall cast a trench about thee and compass thee round and straiten thee on every side, And beat thee flat to the ground, and thy children who are in thee. And they shall not leave in thee a stone upon a stone: because thou hast not known the time of thy visitation. And entering into the temple, he began to cast out them that sold therein and them that bought. Saying to them: It is written: My house is the house of prayer. But you have made it a den of thieves. And he was teaching daily in the temple. And the chief priests and the scribes and the rulers of the people sought to destroy him.” (Saint Luke 19:41-47) (more…)

Lectio

Read the passage slowly and attentively, focusing on each word and phrase.

Passage: “Then were little children presented to him, that he should impose hands upon them and pray. And the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said to them: Suffer the little children, and forbid them not to come to me: for the kingdom of heaven is for such. And when he had imposed hands upon them, he departed from thence. And behold one came and said to him: Good master, what good shall I do that I may have life everlasting? Who said to him: Why askest thou me concerning good? One is good, God. But if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. He said to him: Which? And Jesus said: Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness. Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. The young man saith to him: All these have I kept from my youth, what is yet wanting to me? Jesus saith to him: If thou wilt be perfect, go sell what thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.” (Saint Matthew 19:13-21) (more…)

Lectio

Read the passage slowly and attentively, focusing on each word and phrase.

Passage: “And after these things, the Lord appointed also other seventy-two. And he sent them two and two before his face into every city and place whither he himself was to come. And he said to them: The harvest indeed is great, but the labourers are few. Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest that he send labourers into his harvest. Go: Behold I send you as lambs among wolves. Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way. Into whatever house you enter, first say: Peace be to this house. And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon him: but if not, it shall return to you. And in the same house, remain, eating and drinking such things as they have: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Remove not from house to house. And into what city soever you enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you. And heal the sick that are therein and say to them: The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.” (Saint Luke 10:1-9) (more…)

Lectio

Read the passage slowly and attentively, paying close attention to each word and detail.

Passage: “This is my commandment, that you love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love than this no man hath, that a man lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends, if you do the things that I command you. I will not now call you servants: for the servant knoweth not what his lord doth. But I have called you friends, because all things, whatsoever I have heard of my Father, I have made known to you. You have not chosen me: but I have chosen you; and have appointed you, that you should go and should bring forth fruit; and your fruit should remain: that whatsoever you shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” (Saint John 15:12-16) (more…)

Click here for the Lectio Divina for Saint Luke 16:1-9.

Lectio

Read the passage slowly and attentively, paying close attention to each word and detail.

Passage: “Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh, you shall die: but if by the Spirit you mortify the deeds of the flesh, you shall live. For whosoever are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For you have not received the spirit of bondage again in fear: but you have received the spirit of adoption of sons, whereby we cry: Abba (Father). For the Spirit himself giveth testimony to our spirit that we are the sons of God. And if sons, heirs also; heirs indeed of God and joint heirs with Christ: yet so, if we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified with him.” (Romans 8:12-17) (more…)

Lectio

Read the passage slowly and attentively, paying close attention to each word and detail.

Passage: “Jesus said to his disciples: Let your loins be girt and lamps burning in your hands. And you yourselves like to men who wait for their lord, when he shall return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open to him immediately. Blessed are those servants whom the Lord, when he cometh, shall find watching. Amen I say to you that he will gird himself and make them sit down to meat and passing will minister unto them. And if he shall come in the second watch or come in the third watch and find them so, blessed are those servants. But this know ye, that if the householder did know at what hour the thief would come, he would surely watch and would not suffer his house to be broken open. Be you then also ready: for at what hour you think not the Son of man will come.” (Saint Luke 12:35-40) (more…)