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 17:1-9
Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. Then Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, “This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!” When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Get up and do not be afraid.” And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone.
As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, “Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”
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?