Lectio Divina Reading

April 1, 2004

Thursday, Week VI of Lent

In all truth I tell you, whoever keeps my word, will never see death.

The Jews said, ‘Now we know that you are possessed. Abraham is dead, and the prophets are dead, and yet you say, "Whoever keeps my word will never know the taste of death." Are you greater than you father Abraham, who is dead? The prophets are dead too. Who are you claiming to be?’ Jesus answered: If I were to seek my own glory my glory would be worth nothing; in fact, my glory is conferred by the Father, by the one of whom you say, ‘He is our God, although you do not know him. But I know him, and if I were to say, ‘I do not know him,’ I should be a liar, as you yourselves are. But I do know him and I keep his word. Your father Abraham rejoiced to think that he would see my Day; he saw it and was glad.

The Jews then said, ‘You are not fifty yet, and you have seen Abraham!" Jesus replied: In all truth I tell you, before Abraham ever was, I am.

At this they picked up stones to throw at him; but Jesus hid himself and left the Temple.

Reflection Questions For A Lenten Day Of Prayer

What is God doing in your life that causes you awe and wonder? What gifts has God given you for His people? How does He remind you of your responsibility to His people? Have you rebelled? What are you called to share with the whole community?

Friday of Week VI

Second reading, Philippians 2:6-11

Who, being in the form of God, did not count equality with God something to be grasped. But he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, becoming as human beings are; and being in every way like a human being, he was humbler yet, even to accepting death, death on a cross. And for this God raised him high, and gave him the name which is above all other names; so that all beings in the heavens, on earth and in the underworld, should bend the knee at the name of Jesus and that every tongue should acknowledge Jesus Christ as Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Further Reflection Questions:

What are you grasping at? What fills you that is in the way of your cooperation with divine grace? How are you striving to become empty so that God can work in you? How do you confess the Lordship of Jesus in your life to the glory of God the Father?

Lectio Divina for CP Groups
Contemplative Outreach of Dallas