Lectio Divina

by Fr Jean Celestin Ngoma

 

Calm me, Lord, as you calmed the storm;
still me, Lord, keep me from harm.
Let all the tumult within me cease,
enfold me, Lord, in your peace.
Calm me, Lord, as you calmed the storm;
still me, Lord, keep me from harm.
Let all the tumult within me cease,
Lord, enfold me in your peace.

(David Adam)

 

 

1. Lectio (Read)

 

“There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day.  And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man's table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores.  The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's side.  The rich man also died and was buried, and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side.  And he called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.’  But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner bad things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish.  And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not do so, and none may cross from there to us.’  And he said, ‘Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father's house—for I have five brothers—so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.’  But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.’  And he said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’  He said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.’"

St Luke 16:19-end, ESVUK

 

 

2. Meditatio (Rejoice and Reflect)

 

The profound idea of “change” remains vividly in my thoughts as I seek to maintain my connection with God in this meditation. Change depicts God’s desire for me during this trinity season. It can be challenging, requiring me to leave my comfort zones and face the unknown.  Some parents have shared how empty nest syndrome has brought emotional turmoil and a sense of meaninglessness.

 

Pause

 

I recall William Tyndale, who faced immense challenges translating the Bible from Latin to English. Local authorities resisted this translation, fearing it would make the scriptures accessible to ordinary people. Tyndale fled England but was captured and executed. While facing death, he prayed, “May God change King Henry’s heart,” and, remarkably, a few years later, Henry VIII allowed an English translation of the Bible based on Tyndale’s work.

 

Pause

 

The transition from the high points of Ascension and Pentecost to the Trinity season marks a shift from the extraordinary to the ordinary. Acts 1:10 illustrates this: as the angels ask, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven?" After experiencing heavenly visions, we are now called to focus on earthly matters and be witnesses to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). This shift can be painful and requires us to grow in virtues within our daily lives. It calls for honesty about ourselves, stepping out of our comfort zones, and embracing both our own and others' vulnerabilities.

 

Pause

 

In today’s Gospel, I come across a rich man who failed to fulfill God’s purpose, neglecting to love his neighbour. In contrast, St. Alban, the first British martyr, and whom the Church of England remembers today, embodied faith and God’s love by aiding the fugitive priest ultimately sacrificing his life. Saint Alban resolutely decided to wear the priestly garments of Amphibalus, pretending to be him, while Amphibalus slipped away.  Alban was then beheaded by the Roman authorities in place of Amphibalus.  Alban’s actions exemplify the commitment to God’s love which includes accepting other’s vulnerabilities.

 

 

3. Oratorio (Ask)

 

As Saint Ignatius of Loyola did, I want to ask God for the contemplation that allows me to attain His love this week, experiencing moments of joy that originate from the Creator of life.  I intend to bring these gifts back to God in prayer.

 

 Pause

 

I focus on what God has already accomplished in my life, using "the fullness of divine life in Jesus" as my guiding light.

 

Pause

 

I recall my Baptism and the various gifts and talents I have received from God. I reflect on the moments of renewal I have experienced: these joyful occasions resonate with my new birth in Christ, bringing illumination and transformation into a new life.

 

Pause

 

I pay attention to how God tirelessly works in the world and within me, following a simple formula: God and me, me and God, together tomorrow. I focus on the moments when God re-creates me and breathes new life into my weary spirit.

 

 

4. Contemplatio (Yield and pray)

 

I yield in prayer and  humbly acknowledge the goodness of the Lord in my life; everything flows from God—mercy, justice, and love are gifts that nourish my soul, just as water sustains all living things.

 

Pause

 

Indeed, every blessing that fosters my spiritual growth and salvation is a precious gift.

 

 Pause for prayer:

 Lord, I offer everything I have back to You:

“Take, O Lord, and receive my complete freedom, my memory, my understanding, and my entire will.  Everything I am and possess comes from You; I wholeheartedly surrender it all so that You may use it according to Your divine purpose.  Grant me only Your love and grace; with these, I will find true wealth and desire nothing more."

(The Suscipe)

Amen.

 

Exit meditation.