Category Archives: Lectio Divina

Lectio
“Let your waists be girded, and let lamps be burning in your hands. And let you yourselves be like men awaiting their lord, when he will return from the wedding; so that, when he arrives and knocks, they may open to him promptly. Blessed are those servants whom the Lord, when he returns, will find being vigilant. Amen I say to you, that he will gird himself and have them sit down to eat, while he, continuing on, will minister to them. And if he will return in the second watch, or if in the third watch, and if he will find them to be so: then blessed are those servants. But know this: that if the father of the family knew at what hour the thief would arrive, he would certainly stand watch, and he would not permit his house to be broken into. You also must be prepared. For the Son of man will return at an hour that you will not realize.” (Luke 12:35-40)

Read this passage while taking in the imagery of watchfulness and readiness. Think of the servants awaiting their master and consider the sense of urgency in Jesus’ words. (more…)

Lectio
“And when you will have heard of battles and seditions, do not be terrified. These things must happen first. But the end is not so soon. Then he said to them: People will rise up against people, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and pestilences, and famines, and terrors from heaven; and there will be great signs. But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, you over to synagogues and into custody, dragging you before kings and governors, because of my name. And this will be an opportunity for you to give testimony. Therefore, set this in your hearts: that you should not consider in advance how you might respond. For I will give to And you will be handed over by your parents, and brothers, and relatives, and friends. And they will bring about the death of some of you. And you will be hated by all because of my name. And yet, not a hair of your head will perish. By your patience, you shall possess your souls.” (St. Luke 21:9-19)

Pay close attention to the words in this passage, noting Jesus’ warning of trials and His promise of strength. Observe the juxtaposition between the chaos of the world and the inner peace promised to His followers.

Meditatio
Meditate on the phrase, “Do not be terrified.” In the face of global turmoil, political strife, and personal persecution, Christ offers peace. Consider what it means to give testimony during adversity. How can you trust His promise that “not a hair of your head will perish”?

Oratio
Lord Jesus Christ, when I face trials, grant me courage and trust in Your providence. Help me to bear witness to Your name and remain steadfast in faith. Strengthen my patience, so that I may possess my soul in peace.

Contemplatio
Think of yourself standing before kings or adversaries, relying on Christ’s promise to give you words and wisdom. Rest in the assurance that no matter the suffering, your soul is secure in Him.

Actio
Focus on remaining patient in a challenging situation. Offer it as a testimony of your trust in Christ’s promise. Share your faith with someone who is fearful or anxious about the state of the world.

Lectio
“The kingdom of heaven shall be like ten virgins, who, taking their lamps, went out to meet the groom and the bride. But five of them were foolish, and five were prudent. For the five foolish, having brought their lamps, did not take oil with them. Yet truly, the prudent ones brought the oil, in their containers, with the lamps. Since the bridegroom was delayed, they all fell asleep, and they were sleeping. But in the middle of the night, a cry went out: ‘Behold, the groom is arriving. Go out to meet him.’ Then all those virgins rose up and trimmed their lamps. But the foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give to us from your oil, for our lamps are being extinguished.’ The prudent responded by saying, ‘Lest perhaps there may not be enough for us and for you, it would be better for you to go to the vendors and buy some for yourselves.’ But while they were going to buy it, the groom arrived. And those who were prepared entered with him to the wedding, and the door was closed. Yet truly, at the very end, the remaining virgins also arrived, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us.’ But he responded by saying, ‘Amen I say to you, I do not know you.’ And so you must be vigilant, because you do not know the day or the hour.”

Focus on the contrast between the wise and foolish virgins. Note the importance of being prepared and vigilant for the coming of the bridegroom.

Meditatio
Meditate on the oil as a symbol of spiritual readiness. Are you prepared for the coming of Christ in your own life? Consider the prudence of the wise virgins and the consequences faced by the foolish ones. How can you cultivate vigilance and readiness in your daily walk with the Lord?

Oratio
My Lord, grant me the wisdom to be vigilant and the grace to prepare my heart for Your coming. Help me to remain faithful and watchful, storing up the oil of faith, love, and good works, so I may enter into Your joy. Amen.

Contemplatio
Think of yourself among the virgins, hearing the midnight cry that announces the bridegroom’s arrival. Envision Christ as the bridegroom calling you. Think of both the peace and urgency of His invitation to be prepared.

Actio
Take one tangible step to deepen your spiritual readiness. This could include making a good confession, spending time in prayer, or making an act of charity. Be vigilant in seeking our Lord in all moments of your life.

Lectio
“Now you may dismiss your servant in peace, O Lord, according to your word. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared before the face of all peoples: the light of revelation to the nations and the glory of your people Israel.” (Luke 2:29-30)

Focus on the depth and gratitude of Simon’s words. Notice how he recognises Jesus as the fulfilment of God’s promise, a light for the nations and the glory of Israel.

Meditatio
Meditate on Simeon’s peaceful acceptance of God’s plan. What does it mean to recognise Christ as “Salvation” and “Light”? Meditate on how this revelation brings hope to all people, including you. Where do you see Christ’s light shining in your life?

Oratio
O Lord, I thank You for the gift of Your salvation. May my heart always be open to Your light and Your word. Help me to live in peace, trusting fully in Your promises, just as Simeon did. Amen.

Contemplatio
Contemplate the scene of Simeon holding the Christ-child and declaring this prayer. Contemplate the fact that the Lord’s promises are true and eternal.

Actio
Bring light to someone who is in darkness, whether through a kind gesture, a prayer, or an encouraging word. Let your life reflect the glory of Christ as a witness to His salvation.

Lectio
“And they went to Jericho. And as he was setting out from Jericho with his disciples and a very numerous multitude, Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, a blind man, sat begging beside the way. And when he had heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and to say, ‘Jesus, Son of David, take pity on me.’ And many admonished him to be quiet. But he cried out all the more, ‘Son of David, take pity on me.’ And Jesus, standing still, instructed him to be called. And they called the blind man, saying to him: ‘Be at peace. Arise. He is calling you.’ And casting aside his garment, he leapt up and went to him. And in response, Jesus said to him, ‘What do you want, that I should do for you?’ And the blind man said to him, ‘Master, that I may see.’ Then Jesus said to him, ‘Go, your faith has made you whole.’ And immediately he saw, and he followed him on the way.” (Mark 10:4-52)

When reading this passage, pay close attention to Bartimaeus’ persistence and Jesus’ response. Think about the themes of faith, mercy, and healing.

Meditatio
Meditate upon Bartimaeus’ determination despite being rebuked by the crowd. His faith and boldness caught Jesus’ attention. Meditate on your own approach to seeking the Lord’s help. Do you persevere in prayer and cry out to Him with trust? Contemplate how Jesus’ response affirms the power of faith.

Oratio
O Lord Jesus, like Bartimaeus, I call upon You in faith. Take pity on me and grant me the grace to see with clarity—both physically and spiritually. Strengthen my trust in Your mercy and help me to follow You more closely. Amen.

Contemplatio
Contemplate on Christ’s question: “What do you want, that I should do for you?” Allow yourself to answer Him honestly and sit with the peace of His mercy and love.

Actio
Imitate Bartimaeus by boldly seeking God’s help in a matter of great need. Also, encourage someone who is struggling to approach Jesus in faith. Offer them words of hope and support.

Lectio
“And behold, some men were carrying in the bed of a man who was paralyzed. And they sought a way to bring him in, and to place him before him. And not finding a way by which they might bring him in, because of the crowd, they climbed up to the roof, and they let him down through the roof tiles with his bed, into their midst, in front of Jesus. And when he saw his faith, he said, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.” And the scribes and Pharisees began to think, saying: “Who is this, who is speaking blasphemies? Who is able to forgive sins, except God alone?” But when Jesus realized their thoughts, responding, he said to them: “What are you thinking in your hearts? Which is easier to say: ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Rise up and walk?’ But so that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins,” he said to the paralytic, “I say to you to: Rise up, take up your bed, and go into your house.” And at once, rising up in their sight, he took up the bed on which he was lying, and he went away to his own house, magnifying God.” (Luke 5:18-25)

Take note of the actions and words of both Jesus and the paralytic’s friends. Focus on the themes of faith, forgiveness, and healing.

Meditatio
Meditate on the determination and faith of the men who brought the paralytic to Jesus. Meditate on Jesus’ authority to forgive sins and heal. How do these verses speak to your own need for spiritual and physical healing? Are there barriers in your life that need to be overcome by faith?

Oratio
Sweet Lord Jesus, strengthen my faith to trust in Your power to heal and forgive. Help me to bring others to You, even when obstacles arise. Grant me the grace to rise above my weaknesses and to walk in Your light. Amen.

Contemplatio
Envision Christ saying to you: “Your sins are forgiven. Rise up and walk.” Let His healing words bring peace and restoration to your soul.

Actio
Take a step of faith to bring someone closer to our Lord Jesus Christ. This could be through prayer, an encouraging word, or a simple act of kindness. Trust that the Lord can work miracles through your faith and efforts.

Lectio
“Blessed are you when they have slandered you, and persecuted you, and spoken all kinds of evil against you, falsely, for my sake: be glad and exult, for your reward in heaven is plentiful. For so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5:11-12)

In this final Beatitude, focus your attention on the words “slandered,” “persecuted,” and the phrase “reward in heaven.” Think about Christ’s call to rejoice in the face of suffering for His sake.

Meditatio
Meditate on the connection between your trials and the trials faced by the prophets and saints who have gone on before you. Consider the privilege of sharing in Christ’s sufferings and the assurance of a heavenly reward. How do these verses inspire courage and perseverance in your faith?

Oratio
Lord Jesus, strengthen me to endure slander and persecution with joy for Your sake. Help me to remain steadfast in my faith and to trust in the abundant reward You promise in heaven. May I follow the example of the prophets and saints. Amen.

Contemplatio
Allow the Lord’s promise of heavenly reward fill your heart with peace and joy. Trust that He is with you in every trial.

Actio
Respond to criticism or adversity with patience and kindness. Offer prayers for those who persecute you, and seek to reflect Christ’s love even in difficult situations.

Lectio
“Blessed are those who endure persecution for the sake of justice, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:10)

Focus your attention on the phrases “endure persecution” and “sake of justice.” Think Christ’s promise of “the kingdom of heaven.”

Meditatio
Meditate on the courage and faith required to endure persecution for righteousness. Consider the sacrifices made by those who stand firm in truth and righteousness, even in the face of suffering. How does this call to perseverance resonate in your own life?

Oratio
My Lord Jesus Christ, grant me the strength to stand firm in the face of opposition. Help me to endure suffering with faith and courage, trusting in Your promise of eternal reward. May my life reflect Your justice and truth. Amen.

Contemplatio
Contemplate on the Lord’s presence amid trials. Allow His promise of the kingdom of heaven to fill you with hope and steadfastness.

Actio
Support someone who is facing persecution or opposition for standing up for what is right. Offer encouragement, prayer, or practical help, and reaffirm your own commitment to justice and truth.

Lectio
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” (Matthew 5:9)

Carefully reflect on the words “peacemakers” and “sons of God.” Allow these words to inspire a deeper understanding of your role in fostering peace.

Meditatio
Meditate on the significance of being a peacemaker. This involves more than avoiding conflict; it means actively working to reconcile others and promote harmony. Reflect on how Christ, the Prince of Peace, calls you to share in His mission. What areas in your life or community need peace and reconciliation?

Oratio
Heavenly Father, give me the grace to seek peace in all I do. Help me to be an instrument of reconciliation and harmony, bringing Your light into a dark world. Strengthen me to stand firm in truth while sowing love and unity among others. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Contemplatio
Rest in God’s peace, allowing His presence to fill your heart. Let the assurance of being His child give you strength and serenity.

Actio
Take a step toward being a peacemaker. Resolve a conflict, reach out to someone estranged, or mediate peace in a tense situation. Let your actions reflect the peace of Christ.

Lectio
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” (Matthew 5:8)

Carefully think about the words “pure in heart” and “see God.” Let these words illuminate the connection between inner purity and divine vision.

Meditatio
Meditate on what it means to have a pure heart. Purity involves a heart free from sin, deceit, and divided intentions. Consider how a pure heart draws you closer to the Lord and enables you to perceive His presence and will. How can you cultivate purity in your daily life?

Oratio
My Lord, cleanse my heart and purify my thoughts, words, and actions. Remove anything that separates me from You, so that I may grow in holiness and see You more clearly in my life. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Contemplatio
Sit quietly in God’s presence, allowing His light to purify your heart. Rest in the promise of seeing Him, both in this life and in the eternal beatitude to come.

Actio
Practise purity by examining your thoughts and actions. Choose to turn away from anything that distracts or tempts you from the Lord. Strive to speak and act with sincerity and love, reflecting a pure heart.