Lectio Divina

by Fr Jean Celestin Ngoma

 

Prayer for Stillness

 

Unshakeable Shepherd, you are ever-present in my life.

Restore your peace in my heart.

My Hero, Jesus Christ, rule over my mind and heart.

Reset my stressed heart because You are my Shepherd, and nothing is too hard for You.

 As You will, renew in me your peace now.

 

 

1. Lectio (Read)

 

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.  He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them.  He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.  I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me,  just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.  And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd.

St John 10:11-16, ESVUK

 

Silence

 

I choose "My Hero-God, you wrap yourself around me to protect me" (cf. Psalm 140:7) to help me focus on God's presence during my meditation.

 

 

2. Meditatio (Reflect)

 

The Shepherd's Sacrificial Love: I took a couple of minutes during my work break to reflect on the sacrificial dimension associated with the image of the Good Shepherd.  Unlike a hired manager who abandons the sheep in the face of danger, Jesus, our servant leader, does not run away from His divine responsibilities.  He embraces His calling with joy, without fearing mortal men.  My shepherd does not give up on me.

My Hero-God, you wrap yourself around me to protect me.

 

Faith in the Good Shepherd: This image of the Good Shepherd reveals that we, as followers of Jesus, must depend completely on Him.  Faith in the Good Shepherd is not just about obeying Jesus and standing on His promises; it means acknowledging that all aspects of my life, including my daily sustenance, come from Him.

My Hero-God, you wrap yourself around me to protect me.

 

I note that the Good Shepherd that St John presents to us is the one who always takes the initiative.  He is the project initiator in the economy of salvation.  In other miracle stories, the disciples of Jesus, the future shepherds, often tried to dismiss the crowds because they felt unable to meet their needs.  They were concerned about finances, food quantity, and time.  However, Jesus takes the initiative and provides for the people Himself.  He gives food and even gives Himself.  Jesus is my sacrificial Hero.

My Hero-God, you wrap yourself around me to protect me.

 

 

3. Oratorio (Ask and Pray)

 

Goodness is God's essence.  God's goodness is just, lovely, eternal, productive, nurturing, healing, and protective.  Through the Holy Spirit, a good shepherd takes initiative by embodying Christ's value of Kenosis (self-emptying) and practising generosity.

- Am I as good as the Father is?

- Am I as just as the Son of God?

- Am I as productive as the Holy Spirit is?

The words of Saint Paul echo in my mind: "...the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things, there is no law." (Galatians 5:22-23).

My Hero-God, you wrap yourself around me to protect me.

 

Today, I am called to become a shepherd in a "wild and free" world, reaching out to those experiencing chaos, lawlessness, and despair.  The grip of capitalism on our cultural mindset makes us increasingly anxious about finances, food quality, and quantity.  We strive to have more, be more, and do more.

How can I contribute to providential preservation in this ever-changing world? Speak to me, Jesus, my Hero!

 

Pause

 

We live in a world that resembles a party where guests believe they are satisfied with what has been provided. The celebration is over, yet the guests feel content and think their needs have been met, no longer recognizing their dependence on the host for support.

 

Pause

 

Lord, as a shepherd, help me continually to proclaim the spiritual promise that humanity cannot thrive without Your support.

We still need Your divine sustenance, and You will fill us according to our desire and thirst for You.

You are ready to fill our lives with Your grace. The more we earnestly seek You, the better gifts we receive from You.

My Hero-God, you wrap yourself around me to protect me.

 

Silence

 

 

 

4. Contemplatio (Yield and Pray)

 

I now yield in peace in Your presence, Lord, remembering the daily miracles You have shown me this week.

 

 My Hero-God, you wrap yourself around me to protect me.

 

Silence

 

I creatively formulate a trinitarian prayer to conclude my meditation:

Lord my God, give me a sign among the many others that will help me to depend fully on Jesus, Your Son.

Challenge me, Jesus, as all initiatives come from You.  Put me to the test this week, just as You tested Philip in the Gospel of Saint John.  Because of Your death and resurrection, I have been granted not only the will but also the means to help me overcome the challenges of life.  You know what I will face this week; make me experience a lack so immense that I may truly taste Your goodness as a good shepherd.

With You, Holy Spirit, the "Paraclete," I am confident in my ability to succeed in these tests and produce the fruit of self-control during this week.  

 

Silence

 

Exit meditation using Psalm 23.