Category Archives: Lectio Divina

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.

Lectio
“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.” (Matthew 5:7)

Dwell on the words “merciful” and “obtain mercy.” Reflect on how mercy flows from our Lord and is meant to be shared.

Meditatio
Meditate on the depth of God’s mercy toward you. Mercy does not always mean pity; rather mercy is an active compassion—extending forgiveness, love, and aid to others. Reflect on moments when you have received mercy and times when you have shown it. How can you grow in this virtue?

Oratio
Lord, thank You for Your boundless mercy. Help me to show mercy to others, forgiving as You forgive and loving as You love. May my heart mirror Yours in compassion and generosity. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Contemplatio
Allow the Lord’s love to soften your heart and inspire you to extend that same mercy to those around you.

Actio
Practise mercy by forgiving someone who has wronged you, or by offering help to someone in need without expecting anything in return. Let your actions reflect God’s merciful love.

Lectio
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they shall be satisfied.” (Matthew 5:6)

When reading this passage, focus on the intensity of “hunger and thirst” and the promise of being “satisfied.” Let these words stir a desire for righteousness and the Lord’s will.

Meditatio
Meditate on what it means to hunger and thirst for justice (righteousness). Consider both personal holiness and a longing for God’s justice in the world. Are there areas in your life or society where you feel this deep yearning? Meditate on how God promises fulfilment to those who seek Him sincerely.

Oratio
My Lord, increase my desire for Your righteousness and justice. Help me to strive for holiness in my own life and to work for justice in the world around me. Satisfy my soul with the joy of doing Your will. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Contemplatio
Contemplate the fact that the Lord will satisfy every longing for justice. Be still, and let the promise of His providence bring you peace and strength.

Actio
Today, take one concrete step toward justice or righteousness. This could mean standing up for someone who is being treated unfairly or committing to a specific area of personal spiritual growth.

Lectio
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be consoled.” (Matthew 5:5)

Reflect on the words “mourn” and “consoled” in this passage. Let these words speak to your heart, understanding the depth of God’s promise.
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Lectio
“Blessed are the meek, for they shall possess the earth.” (Matthew 5:4)

Read this verse slowly, letting each word settle in your heart. Focus on “meek” and “possess the earth.”
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