VATICAN CITY, OCT. 15, 2008 (Zenit.org).- Observers attest that the practice of lectio divina is a recommendation being made over and over by the synod fathers and auditors at the world Synod of Bishops.
The fourth step is the reading, or rather, the proclamation, of the Biblical text. Following the proclamation is a moment of silence so that each participant can personally reflect.
The participants read the passage again, marking it this time with exclamation points beside those verses that invite them to actions or changes of attitudes.
Finally, time is left for contemplation, aided by silence or music. What is important, the bishop said, is that "Jesus takes hold of me, looks at me and I at him, an exchange of gazes."
Thus, the participants move to the last stage, "action," writing a word (for example, dialogue or help) that indicates to them the path to follow and share.
These community activities are carried out over a span of three years, Bishop Silva explained. It does not pretend to be a Bible course, but rather, an encounter with Jesus in sacred Scripture. In Chile, he affirmed, the meetings have brought "moments of great communion."
The Sri Lankan prelate arrived to this conclusion: "The Church in the world today is facing serious threats from various 'isms' and in confronting this challenge, lectio divina is one way that is proven to be effective. In the words of our Holy Father: 'if lectio divina is effectively promoted this practice will bring to the Church -- I am convinced of it -- a new spiritual springtime.'"
The fourth step is the reading, or rather, the proclamation, of the Biblical text. Following the proclamation is a moment of silence so that each participant can personally reflect.
The participants read the passage again, marking it this time with exclamation points beside those verses that invite them to actions or changes of attitudes.
Finally, time is left for contemplation, aided by silence or music. What is important, the bishop said, is that "Jesus takes hold of me, looks at me and I at him, an exchange of gazes."
Thus, the participants move to the last stage, "action," writing a word (for example, dialogue or help) that indicates to them the path to follow and share.
These community activities are carried out over a span of three years, Bishop Silva explained. It does not pretend to be a Bible course, but rather, an encounter with Jesus in sacred Scripture. In Chile, he affirmed, the meetings have brought "moments of great communion."
The Sri Lankan prelate arrived to this conclusion: "The Church in the world today is facing serious threats from various 'isms' and in confronting this challenge, lectio divina is one way that is proven to be effective. In the words of our Holy Father: 'if lectio divina is effectively promoted this practice will bring to the Church -- I am convinced of it -- a new spiritual springtime.'"
