SOMETHING EXTRA TO CHEW ON
“I would like in particular to recall and recommend the ancient tradition of Lectio Divina: the diligent reading of Sacred Scripture, accompanied by prayer, brings about that intimate dialogue in which the person reading hears God who is speaking, and in praying, responds to him with trusting openness of heart (cf. Dei Verbum, n.25). If it is effectively promoted, this practice will bring to the Church – I am convinced of it – a new spiritual springtime.” Pope Benedict XVI
Pope Francis explains:
There is one particular way of listening to what the Lord wishes to tell us in His Word and of letting ourselves be transformed by the Spirit. It is what we call Lectio Divina. It consists of reading God’s Word in a moment of prayer and allowing it to enlighten and renew us…
In the presence of God, during a recollected reading of the text, it is good to ask, for example: ‘Lord, what does this text say to me? What is it about my life that you want to change in this text? What troubles me about this text? Why am I not interested in this?’
Or perhaps: ‘What do I find pleasant about this text? What is it about this word that moves me? What attracts me? Why does it attract me?’
When we make an effort to listen to the Lord, temptations usually arise. One of them is simply to feel troubled or burdened and to turn away.
Another common temptation is to think about what the text means for other people, and so avoid applying it to our own life. It can also happen that we look for excuses to water down the clear meaning of the text. Or we can wonder if God is demanding too much of us, asking for a decision which we are not yet prepared to make.
This leads many people to stop taking pleasure in the encounter with God’s Word; but this would mean forgetting that no one is more patient than God our Father, that no one is more understanding and willing to wait.
He always invites us to take a step forward, but does not demand a full response if we are not yet ready. He simply asks that we sincerely look at our life and present ourselves honestly before Him and that we are willing to continue to grow, asking from Him what we ourselves cannot as yet achieve.
Coming soon, this study group will be well suited for the intellectually curious, the want-to-be teacher, and the pipe-smoking philosopher!
It is also an ideal settling for newcomers to the Catholic faith, adults seeking a refresher or those who want to remember what they forgot from Catholic school.
The goal will always be to integrate the teachings of the Church into our lives, find better ways to articulate Catholic truth in practical ways, real life situations and to help us better appreciate the gifts of the Holy Spirit given to us through Sacrament of Confirmation.
Interested in particpating? Contact us here.