Lectio Divina

by Fr Jean Celestin Ngoma

 

Calm me, My Lord.

Guide me beyond my worries and fears.

Help me now embrace the rhythm of my heartbeat with each breath.

Grant me a glimpse of your boundless love—a love that transcends earthly possessions.

Let your love awaken my senses,

easing my anxiety and bringing me peace.

 

 

1. Lectio (Read)

 

“Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews.  This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.” Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”  Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?”  Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.  Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’  The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”

St John 3:1-8, ESVUK

 

The sacred refrain that emerges to help me stay in the presence of God during this meditation is:

Let nothing frighten me as I come before my Lord.

 

 

2. Meditatio (Rejoice and Reflect)

 

After reflecting on the post-Easter moments filled with ecstatic visions of God, the Church guides us to focus on earthly matters. In this transition period, we are urged to "go down the plains and become witnesses to the ends of the earth."  Ultimately, we become what we celebrate.

The transition from the extraordinary to the ordinary can be challenging and requires honesty about ourselves and acknowledgment of our need for God's grace. This shift means stepping out of comfort zones, embracing the vulnerabilities of others, and being open to emotional pain and anxiety. For some, it may involve reducing social media to foster genuine connections.

Let nothing frighten me as I come before my Lord

 

Encountering Jesus helps us move from heavenly contemplation to living out our faith daily.  Imagining myself as Nicodemus, I approach Jesus with a desire to connect, bringing my past and all I have.  Despite being a Pharisee, Nicodemus’s status did not deter him from seeking Jesus.  Saint Teresa of Ávila reminds me, "He who has God finds he lacks nothing: God alone suffices."

 

Pause

 

What should I discuss with the Lord during this imaginary meeting?  I would thank the Lord for His love—for me, my family, and my vocation as a priest.  I also want to address my emotions and the dryness I sometimes feel in prayer.  Jesus reminds us, “Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God” (Saint John 3:5-6).

Let nothing disturb me. Let nothing frighten me while I meet my Lord.

 

Pause

 

The meeting between Jesus and Nicodemus reflects moments in my life where I experienced new birth—times of joy and love from family and friends, which resonate with my faith in Christ. These moments reaffirm that God came to me, allowing me to feel His love in meaningful ways.

Let nothing disturb me. Let nothing frighten me while I meet my Lord.

 

Pause

 

 

 

3. Oratorio (Ask)

 

I present to the Lord my fears and worries: the fear of stepping out of my comfort zone and embracing the vulnerabilities of others.

How can I truly "let nothing disturb me"?

In which areas do I need God's grace the most?

I fear being open to potential emotional pain, anxiety, and the discomfort that comes with practicing God’s command of love.  As a human, I am "disturbed" by my mortgage, the future of the world, and the wars between Iran and Israel.  I worry about the possibility of ending my life suffering from a long-term illness, as well as concerns about losing my job and going bankrupt.  The words of St. Teresa of Avila echo in my mind: "God alone suffices."

Let nothing frighten me as I come before my Lord

 

Pause

 

I creatively reminisce about Rembrandt van Rijn’s portrait, "The Jewish Bride," which captures a sense of vulnerability and enduring love, even in the face of adversity. This leads me to conclude that all I need is God’s love. Once I experience that love, I will be empowered to love as He desires and to embrace the vulnerabilities of others with a bit of courage.  I recognize that I am unworthy and filled with human worries, yet I also know that God’s love will cover everything. "Love covers a multitude of sins" (1 Peter 4:8).

 

Pause

 

I pray:  Lord, grant me that love; with it, I will be rich enough and desire less from this world.  Let nothing disturb me. Let nothing frighten me as I meet my Lord.

 

 

 

4. Contemplatio (Yield and pray)

 

As I yield in prayer, I write a few words to the Trinity.

 

Pause

 

- I am fully absorbed by Your love, God, the source of everything I have.  I know You love me, and I will be loved for better or worse.

 

Pause

 

- I am fully absorbed by You, Jesus Christ, my Savior: You incline Your head towards me with unwavering hope and tenderness.  You listen to the thoughts and innermost prayers of my heart.  You lean in to hear the stammering words of my prayers.

 

Pause

 

- I am fully absorbed by You, Holy Spirit, the Paraclete, who helps me grasp the essence of God’s love for me and enables me to share it with the Father’s heart.

Let nothing frighten me as I come before my Lord

 

Silence

 

Let nothing disturb me.

Let nothing frighten me. All things pass away.

God never changes. Patience obtains all things.

I have God and lack nothing. God alone is enough.

 (cf. Teresa of Avila)

 

Exit meditation.