For this week's Lectio Divina passage, I am skipping the lectionary passages and heading to the Beatitudes in the gospel of Matthew. When we went to Israel and Palestine with Rizek and Alice Abusharr in 2008, our group stopped at the Church of the Beatitudes. A feeling of spiritual closeness came over me, and over my wife, Leanne, In silence, we walked around the Neo-Byzantine building overlooking the Sea of Galilee, and then our group gathered in the shade to read out loud, each taking a verse until the whole passage was read several times. The experience was profound.

So, for this week meditate on:

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them saying:
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for there is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst, for righteousness for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.
Matthew 5:1-11

Using this text, as the object for Lectio Divina, a slow contemplative way of praying, follow this four step process: (For background see this introduction from St. Andrew's Abbey in Valyermo.)

First, read or listen to the verse (lectio). Ask whether there is a word of phrase that jumps out at you, grabs your attention.
Second, reflect on it (meditatio). Ruminate on the passage a bit. What is God saying to you?
Third, respond (oratio). Out loud is okay; so, too, is journaling or prayer. If you are so moved, share your thoughts in the Comment section below.
Fourth, rest (contemplatio). Sit quietly for a few minutes, just letting your thoughts and meditation sink in.
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You are invited to us on Friday morning at 8 Pacific time for silent Centering Prayer. If you need the internet URL, email me at charlestaylorkerchner@gmail.com We are also associated with the Meditation Chapel, a worldwide network of that offers over 100 online meditation opportunities a week. I can help you register, if you wish.

Photo: CTK, 2008