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.
November 30, 2025, First Sunday of Advent: Isaiah 2:1-5; Psalm 122: 1-2, 3-4, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9; Romans 13:11-14; Matthew 24:37-44
Take the time to be still and make sure it is a dedicated time to read the Word of God. Relax with maybe a cup of tea and/or fruit. It is important to empty one’s mind of trivialities or other preoccupations because Lectio is a time of reflection, a spiritual exercise.
After the reading, take some time to reflect in
silence on one or more of the following questions:
What word or words in this passage caught
your attention? What in this passage challenged you?
Read the Scripture again, followed by this
reflection:
What conversion of mind, heart, and life is the Lord
asking of me?