This week we invite you to do a Lectio Divina practice with your group using the readings from the gospel. Below is the reading for this week so you can select people to read the gospel for each of the three parts. As you feel comfortable, take time to share your responses with the group after each step.
John 1:1-14
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.
There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.
He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God.
And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father's only son, full of grace and truth.
Step One
Play the recording once through with the intention of seeing which word or phrase jumps out to you the most. Write down or wonder about that word or phrase for a moment before sharing it with the group.
Step Two
Play the recording 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. Share what came up for you with the group.
Step Three
Listen to the recording one more time and discuss the following wondering as a group:
What is God calling me to do and/or change in response to this reading?