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. Feel free to write down your responses in a journal, or simply wonder about them in silence.
Step One
Play the recording 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
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. Take some time to journal about these feelings or questions if you feel so inspired.
Step Three
Listen to the recording one more time and wonder/journal about the following question:
What do you think it means that through his omission of "the day of vengeance of our God" from Isaiah 61 Jesus seems to be emphasizing the importance of God's favor over God's vengeance? How does this challenge our understanding of how we read scripture if Jesus is choosing to emphasize some parts (i.e. verses about liberation and healing) over others (i.e. wrath and vengeance)?