Lectio Divina for the Solemnity of Jesus Christ, King of the Universe
We begin our prayer:
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Almighty ever-living God,
whose will is to restore all things
in your beloved Son, the King of the universe, grant, we pray,
that the whole creation, set free from slavery, may render your majesty service
and ceaselessly proclaim your praise. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity
of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.
Collect, Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe
Reading (Lectio)
Read the following Scripture two or three times.
Luke 23:35-43
The rulers sneered at Jesus and said, \”He saved others, let him save himself if he is the chosen one, the Christ of God.\” Even the soldiers jeered at him. As they
approached to offer him wine they called out, \”If you are King of the Jews, save yourself.\” Above him there was an inscription that read, \”This is the King of the Jews.\”
Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying, \”Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us.\” The other, however, rebuking him, said in reply, \”Have you no fear of God, for you are subject to the same condemnation? And indeed, we have been condemned justly, for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes, but this man has done nothing criminal.\” Then he said, \”Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.\” He replied to him, \”Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.\”
Prayer (Oratio)
Read the Scripture passage one more time. Bring to
the Lord the praise, petition, or thanksgiving that the Word inspires in you.
Contemplation (Contemplatio) Read the Scripture again, followed by this reflection: What conversion of mind, heart, and life is the Lord asking of me?
The rulers sneered at Jesus…. Even the soldiers jeered at him.
Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise. What grounds my hope? How can I bring hope to my environment?
After a period of silent reflection and/or discussion, all recite the Lord’s Prayer and the following:
Suggested: Meditation (Meditatio)
After the reading, take some time to reflect in silence on one or more of the following questions:
• What word or words in this passage caught your attention?
• What in this passage comforted you?
• What in this passage challenged you?
When I have judged or ridiculed others for their faith? When have I been judged or ridiculed?
We have been condemned justly. What sinful behaviors do I need to turn away from? How can I seek God’s grace and mercy to help my ongoing conversion?
Closing Prayer:
I rejoiced because they said to me,
\”We will go up to the house of the LORD.\”
And now we have set foot
within your gates, O Jerusalem.
Jerusalem, built as a city with compact unity.
To it the tribes go up,
the tribes of the LORD.
According to the decree for Israel,
to give thanks to the name of the LORD.
In it are set up judgment seats, seats for the house of David.
From Psalm 122