Dear Parishioners,

Pope Francis has established a new Sunday feast day called “Word of God Sunday”, which we are celebrating today. He established this feast day in order to encourage all Catholics to reflect on the incomparable value of God’s Word. It really is the soul of theology and sustains the Christian life and all Catholics should have an intimate understanding of the scriptures in so far as they are able.

So, in order to help you prepare for Word of God Sunday, I would like to introduce to you a form of reflecting on the sacred text in a prayerful manner that is highly recommended by many in the Church. It is called Lectio Divina and you can even try right now as you prepare for Mass with today’s Gospel or with any scripture you choose. It can seem like you are doing the same thing over and over again. (Because you will be: almost all good things are worth repeating.) But, scripture should be enjoyed like a refined drink or a good play: you get more out of it the more you dwell on it.

Lectio Divina: “Divine Reading”

Lectio Divina, or “Divine Reading,” involves meditative listening to the reading, out loud and slowly, of a short passage or a few isolated verses of Scripture. It can be done on your own or with a group. Those who listen are encouraged to set aside analysis, and what they “know” already about the passage, seeking instead to open themselves to God’s Word, listen with their hearts, and receive it expectantly and passively. They then attend to what they receive from God. God’s Word is received personally, as an individualized gift to each person.

Lectio Divina, on your own:

Choose a short Scripture passage for your meditation, and it is to be read out loud slowly. Quiet yourself and ask the Holy Spirit to guard and guide your meditation.

First reading – One minute silent reflection before God. Take notice of whatever captures your attention in the passage or in your inner experience.

Second reading – One minute silent reflection. Listen for a single word or phrase that particularly strikes you.

Third reading – Three to five minutes of silent reflection. Listen to how the passage seems to touch your life experience.

Fourth reading – Three to five minutes of silent reflection. What do you feel the passage might be inviting you to do? What is God inviting you to be? How is God inviting you to change? Spend some time in prayer over what you received from God’s Word, and give thanks for His gift to you.

God bless!

Father Carter