Rediscovering Lectio Divina - Full Length.pdf

This document can be downloaded from www.chch.catholic.org.nz/karlschultzearly church would use inherited methods since the church grew out of Judaism, continued tointeract with the rabbis, and identified with their Hebrew ancestors (cf. Heb 11). The Hebrews,of course, borrowed much from the cultures they interacted with, and in a very real sense we cantrace lectio divina’s lineage back to the first civilization, Sumer (modern day southern Iraq),where principles of reading, writing, and interpersonal communications were first refined. Thuswe are dealing with a model that is not only spiritual and transcendent but foundational anduniversal.We can also identify similar practices used by Muslims in reading the Koran, particularlyin a group --- which they refer to as circle study, for all the participants face each other out ofmutual respect and recognition of equality. While observing this practice my inadvertent turningmy back on the group momentarily was immediately perceived and I was gently informed of thegroup’s protocol.Lectio divina has been recommended enthusiastically by Popes John Paul II, BenedictXVI, the Pontifical Biblical Commission, the Catholic Catechism (nos. 1177, 2708), the CatholicBiblical Federation, and Cardinal Carlo Martini, S.J., archbishop emeritus of Milan and arenowned biblical scholar. Cardinal Martini has published over forty books on the subject andfostered awareness and practice throughout the world. He gave an outstanding presentation onlectio divina to the U.S. bishops at a conference in Collegeville, Minnesota in 1986. The text ofhis talk is included in the appendix to my book, Where is God When You Need Him?Components of Lectio DivinaLectio divina is commonly described as being composed of five stages: reading/listening,meditation, prayer, contemplation, and action. Cardinal Martini incorporated three values centralto Jesuit spirituality: discernment, decision, and consolation. Lectio divina’s dynamic activitiesand holistic nature are such that it fosters personal growth and healing while deepening our2