In the Story

Today's Scripture

One of the most ancient Christian practices is one that requires us to put ourselves within the context of the scriptures. The idea is that the Word of God is not static type on a page, but living and effective. This practice is called Lectio Divina and today’s Gospel is one that I love to use with people who are new to the practice of Lectio Divina because it provides a tangible, reachable example. I would love to share this with you today.

There are four steps to Lectio: Reading, Reflecting, Responding and Resting. Each day when I write these reflections – they represent the third step for me (having done steps one and two). Let’s walk through these steps briefly with the blind beggar Bartimaeus.

Reading. This is a slow and thoughtful reading, allowing each word and phrase to resonate some meaning within you. Allow your other senses to be imagined within the reading. In today’s Gospel, you might imagine the crowded, bustling of the streets, the sharp voices rebuking the blind man, or the desperation within his plea. Allow words or phrases to stick out from among the others.

Reflecting. Read the passage again, allowing the words or phrases that jumped out in your first reading to take prominence. Avoid the temptation to break into ‘study mode’, but continually allow them to speak to you, and to experience them. Often times, this step will take me into the shoes of one or more of the individuals involved in the story. That can be a very fruitful way to experience the passage. Are you the disciples, worried about protecting the Teacher? Are you in the crowd, hoping to have your own experience with Jesus? Are you the blind man himself, desperately seeking not only healing, but to be noticed and loved?

Responding. Read the passage a third time, paying attention to how you are responding to what you have heard in your reflection time. What emotions, images, reactions, praise, wonder, gratitude is welling up within you. Express these to the Lord – either out loud if you are in a group discussion, or perhaps in prayer, or in some journal writing.

Resting – lastly, spend some time resting with your experience, trying not to intentionally draw more out of it, but resting in the feeling that it leaves you with. One way to do this, is to boil the previous steps down to a word or phrase. As you sit quietly and listen, if your mind starts to wander, use the word or phrase to gently bring it back.

This process allows us to continue to use scripture as God intended: as loving conversation, not entertainment, or textbook or rule book. Spend some time putting yourself in the midst of God’s love story (it’s where you belong).