The Bible isn’t just another book. For Catholics, it is the inspired word of God, a treasure trove of wisdom and a guide for living a good and meaningful life. The Church has always emphasized the importance of reading and reflecting on the Scriptures. One of the age-old practices for doing so is Lectio Divina, which means “Divine Reading” in Latin. This article aims to delve deep into what Lectio Divina is and how it aligns with the teachings of the Catholic Church.
What is Lectio Divina?
Lectio Divina is a method of praying with the Scriptures. It’s not just about understanding or studying the Bible as a scholarly endeavor, but it’s a way to engage with the word of God at a deeply personal level. Through this practice, you not only read the Bible but also listen to it, meditate on it, and internalize its messages.
According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, “the Church ‘forcefully and specifically exhorts all the Christian faithful… to learn the surpassing knowledge of Jesus Christ, by frequent reading of the divine Scriptures. Ignorance of the Scriptures is ignorance of Christ.'” (CCC 133). So, it’s not just a good idea to read the Bible; it’s something the Church strongly encourages.
The Four Steps of Lectio Divina
Lectio: Reading
The first step is ‘Lectio,’ which means reading. During this phase, you read a short passage from the Bible slowly and attentively. It isn’t about how much you read, but how well you read it. You try to understand the words and grasp the essence of the passage. In the words of St. Jerome, “Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ.” The purpose is to become acquainted with what God is saying.
Meditatio: Meditation
The second step is ‘Meditatio,’ meaning meditation. In this phase, you take a moment to reflect deeply on the passage you’ve read. You ponder its meaning and consider how it relates to your own life, circumstances, and journey of faith. The Psalmist says, “Blessed is the man who meditates on the law of the Lord day and night” (Psalm 1:2). This isn’t about abstract thinking but a deeply rooted reflection geared towards understanding God’s message to you.
Oratio: Prayer
The third stage is ‘Oratio,’ which stands for prayer. After meditating on the passage, you converse with God. This isn’t a monologue but a dialogue, where you talk to God about your thoughts, feelings, fears, and hopes and also listen for God’s response. St. Paul encourages us to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17), reminding us of the importance of constant communication with God.
Contemplatio: Contemplation
The final stage is ‘Contemplatio,’ or contemplation. At this point, you’ve read, reflected, and spoken to God, and now it’s time to simply be with God. You enter into a deep, peaceful awareness of God’s presence. It’s less about doing and more about being.
How Does Lectio Divina Fit Within Catholic Teaching?
The practice of Lectio Divina is not just a personal preference but is deeply rooted in the teachings and traditions of the Catholic Church. The Second Vatican Council, in its document Dei Verbum, affirms that “easy access to Sacred Scripture should be provided for all the Christian faithful” (DV 22). Lectio Divina is one of the most accessible ways to engage with Scripture, and it aligns perfectly with the Church’s exhortation to be familiar with the word of God.
Is Lectio Divina for Everyone?
Absolutely, yes. While the practice originated with monastic traditions, it’s not limited to monks or scholars. The Church encourages all the faithful to engage with Scripture. In his apostolic exhortation Verbum Domini, Pope Benedict XVI urged everyone to practice Lectio Divina, saying that it would bring about a “new spiritual springtime” if people allowed themselves to be led by it.
Theological Opinions and Universal Teachings
It’s important to distinguish between what is a universal teaching of the Church and what might be a theological opinion. The importance of reading Scripture and the practice of Lectio Divina align with universal teachings of the Church. There may be different methods or interpretations, which could be considered theological opinions, but the core practice itself is rooted in the universal teachings of the Church.
Conclusion
Lectio Divina is an ancient and honored tradition in the Catholic Church for engaging with Scripture. It’s more than just reading; it’s a form of prayer, a dialogue with God. It’s a way to fulfill the Church’s guidance to be intimately familiar with the Bible, drawing closer to God in the process. In the words of the Catechism, “prayer should accompany the reading of Sacred Scripture” (CCC 2653). Through Lectio Divina, we don’t just read the word of God; we experience it.