Communal Lectio Divina for Monday, December 5, 2022, 8:00 am

Lectio Divina Procedure

1st reading:  Read:  Listen for the overall sense of the passage.  Share a word or phrase that seems to “light up” or makes the passage come alive for you.

2nd reading: Reflect-. What most captures your attention as you listen? Reflect what message or question from God you are hearing that the passages are building for you

3rd reading:  Respond-  What are you moved to say to God in response to the message or question you are hearing? Share a specific prayer of intention, thanksgiving, or concern that rises within you.

Silence: Rest in God- Quiet "the self" to make room to listen to God speaking in your heart, beyond words.

Gospel for the 3rd Sunday of Advent  Matthew 11:2-11

2 When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples 3 and said to him, "Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?"4 Jesus answered them, "Go and tell John what you hear and see: 5 the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. 6 And blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me."

7 As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: "What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind? 8 What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces. 9 What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.10 This is the one about whom it is written, 'See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.' 11 Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

Lord's Prayer  (recited together)

Our Father, Who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Closing Prayer

• O God of Isaiah and John the Baptist,
  through all such faithful ones
  you proclaim the unfolding of future joy
  and renewed life.
  Strengthen our hearts to believe your advent promise
  that one day we will walk in the holy way of Christ,
  where sorrow and sighing will be no more
  and the journey of God's people will be joy. Amen.