We have been reflecting on the proclamation of the Word of God at Mass and then as a continuation of this, in different prayer and study groups.
Another way of reflecting of the Word of God is called Lectio Divina. The guidelines for scriptural interpretation that we talked about last week also apply here. It’s always important to have a Catholic Bible with a good translation and commentary.
The Catholic Bishops’ web page offers the following:
Spiritual reading of Sacred Scripture, especially the Gospels, is an important form of meditation. This spiritual reading is traditionally called lectio divina or divine reading. Lectio divina is prayer over the Scriptures.
The first element of this type of prayer is reading (lectio): you take a short passage from the Bible, preferably a Gospel passage and read it carefully, perhaps three or more times. Let it really soak-in.
The second element is meditation (meditatio). By using your imagination enter into the Biblical scene in order to “see” the setting, the people, and the unfolding action. It is through this meditation that you encounter the text and discover its meaning for your life.
The next element is prayer (oratio) or your personal response to the text: asking for graces, offering praise or thanksgiving, seeking healing or forgiveness. In this prayerful engagement with the text, you open yourself up to the possibility of contemplation.
Contemplation (contemplatio) is a gaze turned toward Christ and the things of God. By God’s action of grace, you may be raised above meditation to a state of seeing or experiencing the text as mystery and reality. In contemplation, you come into an experiential contact with the One behind and beyond the text.
A final suggestion: Begin with the Gospel according to St, Mark. It is the simplest.
More next time.
Saint James Catholic Church 