Fr. James

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Peace be with you.  I wanted to share with you today a practice in our parish that many of you might not be familiar with: Lectio Divina.

Lectio Divina is a Latin phrase meaning Divine Reading. It is a way of praying with the scriptures in common and dates all the way back to the 3rd Century. Over the years, it was developed by some of the early Church Fathers, Saints of the Church, and religious communities.

In 2005, Pope Benedict XVI, reaffirmed the importance of Lectio Divina on the 40th anniversary of “Dei Verbum”: “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.” 

Several of us meet (with COVID safety) every Monday evening at     6:00 pm in the large classroom over at the Social Center.  There we  pray, read the Gospel for the coming Sunday three times, slowly,  prayerfully, and then share with each other how we encounter Jesus in the reading.  The only preparation needed is an open spirit and a desire to draw closer to our Lord.  At the heart of Lectio Divina is the belief that “the Word of God is living and active.” (Hebrews 4:12) 

There is no need to call ahead.  Just come to the door of the Social    Center facing Main Street this Monday at 6:00pm and allow Jesus to draw you closer to his heart.

May God Bless you all,

Fr James