Following the assigned readings from the Episcopal Church’s lectionary, the Gospel lesson for each week is provided before the meditation. All scripture passages come from the New Revised Standard Version.
We encourage you to engage the ancient practice known as Lectio Divina or “Divine Reading,” whereby Christians listen for the Holy Spirit speaking through the plain words of the scriptures. Read the passage once — aloud if you wish — and then observe a minute or more of silence. Then read the passage a second time, and listen for a word or phrase that stands out to you. Read it a third time and consider how the Gospel is calling you to respond.
At the conclusion of each week there is a piece of art. You may wish to practice a form of Visio Divina, or “Divine Seeing.” Gaze upon the art for a minute, and hold a minute of silence. Gaze upon it a second minute, and consider a word or phrase that comes to mind. Gaze upon it for a third minute, and consider how the image is calling you to respond in your walk with Christ.
After reading the meditation written by a member of the community, questions are provided for your reflection. You may wish to journal or draw as you respond. Carry the questions with you throughout the week. In this way, we can tap into the ancient practice of Midrash, whereby rabbis would make notes, interpolations, and interpretations around the margins of the scriptures, which were regarded as sacred and living texts.
As you wrestle with the questions and hold them in your heart, consider how God is showing up in your life. Consider how you are being called to show up for others, bearing God’s love to and for the world.
To find more resources to help you practice a Holy Lent, please visit stbarts.org/lent and download our app at stbarts.org/app.
