This week we invite you to do a Lectio Divina practice with your group using the readings from the gospel. Below is a recording of the gospel reading for you to use, or 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.
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 questions as a group:
What images emerge for you when you hear John talk about “unquenchable fire?” What if John is not referring to hell in the way we might have learned about it? What other ways might we think about experiencing "unquenchable fire" when we fall short of God’s dream for us?