This week we invite you to do a Lectio Divina practice using the readings from the gospel. Below is a copy of the gospel reading for you to use. Feel free to write down your responses in a journal, or simply wonder about them in silence.
Matthew 3:13-17
Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now; for it is proper for us in this way to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.”
Step One
Read the gospel once through with the intention of seeing which word or phrase jumps out to you the most. Take some time to wonder about that word or phrase when the recording has ended. Why do you think it was this word or phrase that jumped out to you today?
Step Two
Read the gospel again with the intention of identifying what parts of the story bring up feelings of discomfort or challenging questions. Take a moment to hold these questions and feelings, without trying to answer them, and see where you feel this discomfort in your body. Take some time to journal about these feelings or questions if you feel so inspired.
Step Three
Read the gospel one more time and wonder/journal about the following question:
What is God calling me to do and/or change in response to this reading?