LEXIO DIVINA SACRED READING. INTRODUCTION The sacred tradition of faith had been passed on from...
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Transcript of LEXIO DIVINA SACRED READING. INTRODUCTION The sacred tradition of faith had been passed on from...
LEXIO DIVINASACRED READING
INTRODUCTION
The sacred tradition of faith had been passed on from generation to generation orally and later on
through reading and listening to the Word of God
Literal MeaningLEXIO= Reading
Divina in ecclesiastical Latin does not mean divine but sacred
LEXIO DIVINA = Sacred reading
It is a reading of a more or less lengthy passage from the Sacred Scripture, simultaneously listening to the text in the context and to God who is speaking through the text. This reading with an attitude of openness to the Holy Spirit would lead to meditation, prayer and contemplation.
In the fifth centurya Carthusian monk, Guigo called Lexio Divina a
ladder that has four steps by which one could ascend from earth to heaven
St. Benedict, in the early sixth century wrote in his rulebook
that each monk should spend several hours a day reading or listening to books being read.
Listening to the Word was seen as a source of spiritual energy, which was able to put the
monk in contact with God thus causing transformation in their lives.
STEP 1- LEXIOIt is an attentive and understanding reading.
With reverence and eagerness pay attention to what God wants to tell you. “Speak Lord
your servant is listening.” (1 Sam 3,9)To hear the entire speaker one needs to be
attentive to the feelings of the speaker.
Read the text carefully- seek something new God wants to
communicate to you- read several times- read it aloud so
that you read and hear. It is also good to write down the
text on a sheet of paper.
Analyze the text- Active and passive characters- look for
places and times mentioned- purpose of the text, its literal
form (teaching, poem, quotation) - Key words and
synonyms
Look for voice of the narrator and speech of the characters- begin with a particular reference and end with the
same. E.g. Mk 10, 46 – 52 “on the way” -Identify the context by paying
attention to hook words (in those days, after that) -Check cross
references and footnotes.
STEP 2. MEDITATIO (Meditation)
In meditation mind reflects on some Christian truth, or passage or an
experience with aim of reaching fuller understanding. Using the faculty of
fantasy enter in to the story depicted in the passage
STEP 3. ORATIO (Prayer)
This prayer is a spontaneous cry of our inner self in response to our
experience in the meditation of the text. Certain phrases may be
repeated.
STEP 4. CONTEMPLATIO (Contemplation)
It is a form of prayer in which the mind does not function discursively but is arrested in a simple
attention and one-pointedness. In order to enter into contemplation, take a comfortable posture.
With pure desire for God, for God’s own sake remain in a serene repose
in God’s Holy presence as much time as possible. Towards the end
conclude contemplation with a short thanks giving.
CONCLUSIONLexio Divina effects in transformation
of our outlook, our awareness and attitudes. Our thoughts gradually
become attuned to the thoughts of God (Is 55, 8). Gradually our eyes
are opened to see life and situations as God sees. Lexio Divina
leads people to action and empowers people to be doers of
the word of God.