Lectio Divina

When it comes to Benedictine practice, lectio divina is a term that frequently pops up. Here is a helpful passage from Norvene Vest's devotional commentary and workbook on the Rule, Preferring Christ.

...the modern reader often finds the Rule hard to understand, even though it emphasizes daily life. That is because it is written within the context of the ancient monastic art of lectio divina, and it needs to be read in that way, if it is to be truly appreciated. Lectio divina literally means "divine reading", and carries the same double meaning in Latin as in English: what is being read is divine/holy, usually the Scriptures; and how it is being read is with the help of God's Spirit. In order for this "how" to happen, one slows down radically so as to open up freely.

It is the monastic insight that reading, if it be authentic, cannot be undertaken simply with the eyes and the mind. Rather, it must involve the whole person: mind, heart, body and spirit. It is reading not so much for information as for formation, that is, for encounter with the living God in this moment in such a way that one's heart catches fire and one's life is transformed.

(p. 1)

Now that's a pretty good challenge for our fast-paced life today! In posts over the next several days I'll add further, more specific observations by Norvene Vest on this subject. Meanwhile, feel free to add your comments as we roll along!