Lectio Divina

May this meditation on Your Word help me experience the freedom of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross.

Bless my senses to absorb this healing mystery and allow me to embrace Your words with a pure heart.

 

1. Lectio (Read)

 

Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear Jesus.  And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.”  So he told them this parable:  “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it?  And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing.  And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbours, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’  Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance."

St Luke 15:1-7, ESVUK

 

 

2. Meditatio (Rejoice and Reflect)

 

After a divine coaching session on the power of love in the beginning of this Trinity time, I find myself reflecting on God's humility and the strength granted to me by the Spirit to release the pain caused by pride. I contemplate how God's love transforms me and empowers me to be His hands, feet, and body for the world (cf. St. Teresa of Avila).

I think about the rich man who ignored Lazarus, illustrating how he failed to cultivate the fruits of the Spirit by neglecting to heal one of Jesus's wounds in Lazarus. Ultimately, it was about love, not the state of his heart.

 

Pause

 

I recognize the same warning from the Lord in this reflection: if we do not practice charity or mercy, we search for Him where He can be least found, hindering our spiritual ascension. To be healed and to heal others, I need to emulate Christ’s humility.  In prayer, I invite Jesus to replace my memories of pride and shame with His restoring love, allowing Him to cleanse what pride has created.

Lord Jesus, grant me the strength to let go of the pain pride has caused.

 

 

3. Oratorio (Ask and Pray)

 

I realize that humility raises me up just as Jesus was raised from the dead.  It gives me a sense of freedom in my heart.  Along with other virtues such as compassion, kindness, gentleness, and patience (cf. Colossians 3:12), humility helps in the struggle against worldly norms.

What makes me wear garments unfit for Your Kingdom, Lord?  What leads me to indulge in desires that harden my heart?

What do You want me to understand?

Is it pride that fosters self-love in the human heart and mind?

Lord Jesus, grant me the strength to let go of the pain pride has caused.

 

I pray to the Trinity:

Lord, I am not perfect in love, but I open my heart to embrace the spirit of Lent and help those in need.

 

Pause

 

Jesus, help me prioritize my life around You, using Your self-emptying love as a guide.

 

Pause

 

Holy Spirit, remind me of moments where pride created anxiety and stress.  Help me find rest in God’s love.

 

Silence

 

 

4. Contemplatio (Yield and pray)

 

In prayer, I seek help from Jesus, who comes to me in humility and silence. 

 

Silence

 

The grace to ask: I ask for healing from my past wounds caused by pride.

 

 … awaiting in silence to see what Jesus will do in me.

 

Lord Jesus, grant me the strength to let go of the pain pride has caused.

 

Exit meditation.