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 conversation with God.
- Contemplation. Resting in Gods presence.
- Action. Go and do likewise.
Meditation 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B: “The Good Shepherd ought to be the the model and ‘form’ of the Bishop’s pastoral office. Conscious of his own weaknesses, ‘the bishop can have compassion for those who are ignorant and erring. He should not refuse to listen to his subjects whose welfare he promotes as of his very own children. The faithful should be closely attached to the bishop, as the Church is to Jesus Christ, and as Jesus Christ is to the Father.’279
“Let all follow the bishop, as Jesus Christ follows his Father, and the college of presbyters as the apostles; respect the deacons as you do God’s law. Let no one do anything concerning the Church in separation from the bishop.” 280 (CCC, 896)
1st Reading: Jeremiah 23:1-6: “I shall gather the remnant of my flock and appoint shepherds for them.”
Responsorial Psalm 23:1- 6: “The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.”
2nd Reading: Ephesians 2: 13–18: “Christ is our peace who made both one.”
Gospel: Mark 6: 30–34: “They were like sheep without a shepherd.”
Today is often called Good Shepherd Sunday. Our Readings bring joy and hope. Jeremiah tells us that Jesus is firmly critical of those shepherds who are careless and give poor and harmful example to their people, thus driving them away from the Church. “I myself will gather the remnant of my flock … and bring them back to their meadow.” Jesus is very present to each and every one of us today.
Our Responsorial Psalm is very comforting and joyful. I know that God is present to me. “Even though I walk in the dark valley I fear no evil”. I know that our Father in Heaven, will bring goodness and healing out of our messes!
Jesus is always present to me if I follow ways of ‘goodness and kindness;’ his Spirit of wisdom and prudence will guide me to life-giving resolutions to problems that occur. In our 2nd Reading, Our Father in heaven makes it clear, through Jesus Crucifixion, Death and Resurrection I have been forgiven. Jesus, paid the price for all of us. Isn’t it time to rebuild a strained relationship and come together for healing and wholeness?
I can see the devil laughing at us, because we have fallen for his tricks to bring us into sin. Now is the time to wake up, and ask ourselves: Is what I am saying or doing going to bring peace or war; am I going to give some of my excess clothing to those who could certainly use them; can I give up some of my free time to help struggling students in our schools; could I give one of my empty rooms to a youngster who has no parents, and give him or her the love so desperately needed. God gives us so many opportunities to be His hands, feet, voice, love. God so much depends on His children to help Him love all His children who are in need. Thank you for saying yes to our Heavenly Father! SM