What is lectio divina?

According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, CCC 2708, “Meditation engages thought, imagination, emotion, and desire. This mobilization of faculties is necessary in order to deepen our convictions of faith, prompt the conversion of our heart, and strengthen our will to follow Christ. Christian prayer tries above all to meditate on the mysteries of Christ, as in lectio divina or the rosary. This form of prayerful reflection is of great value, but Christian prayer should go further: to the knowledge of the love of the Lord Jesus, to union with him.” The five steps of lectio divina include:

• Reading. Read a passage slowly and carefully within the bible.
• Meditation. Thinking deeply or dwelling upon a spiritual reality within a text.
• Prayer. Having a loving encounter with God by seeking to understand God’s character and word.
• Contemplation. Resting in God’s presence.
• Action. Go and do likewise.

THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT: Gospel Reading – John 4, 5-42

Jn 4,5-6: Sets the scene in which the dialogue takes place
• Jn 4,7-26: Describes the dialogue between Jesus and the woman
• 7-15: about water and thirst
• 16-18: about the husband and family
• 19-25: about religion and the place for adoration
• Jn 4,27-30: Describes the effect of the conversation on the woman
• Jn 4,31-38: Describes the effect of the conversation on Jesus
• Jn 4,39-42: Describes the effect on the mission of Jesus in Samaria

During this 3rd Sunday of Lent, one picks one of the Readings that will touch your idea of “Living Water,” by discovering and meditating on the above steps for lectio divina. A couple of questions: What most attracted your attention in Jesus’ attitude to the woman during the dialogue? What method did Jesus use to help the woman become aware of a deeper dimension to life.