A Note from Fr. Gary
| April 4th, 2024 Dear Companion of St. Anthony, Allow me to begin with a quote from the gospel reading for Thursday of the Octave of Easter: Luke 24:46-48 Jesus said, “Thus it is written that the Messiah would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day and that repentance, for the forgiveness of sins, would be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things.” When praying with this passage, an image that I’ve been reflecting upon since Easter Sunday, once again came to mind. In the first days of the Easter Season 2024, it dawned on me that Easter, rather than a “finish line” for Lent, could rightly be compared to a “megaphone” to proclaim the Resurrection of Jesus all the way to Pentecost and beyond! In my previous message to you I mentioned an ancient practice in the Church known as Lectio Divina (or Sacred Reading). With the above passage from Luke’s gospel, I invite you to give this practice a try this Easter Season. I introduce to you the four “R’s” of Lectio Divina: Read, Reflect, Respond, Rest. First, at a slow pace read the passage, quietly but out loud. Repeat that again slowly two more times with a short break in between. Second, focus on any word or phrase that may have attracted your attention while you read, and reflect on that for a moment of quiet. Third, formulate in your own words a prayer to God, as a way of responding or sharing the impact that this reading is having on you. Fourth, take a final moment just to rest in quiet and offer God the chance to either share something deeper with you by way of an insight and/or simply be silent. You might conclude this time of sacred reading with a Glory be. This practice of praying with God’s Word, can be repeated if you find it helpful throughout the Easter season and beyond. Try using a portion of the gospel reading of the day. I suggest that by doing so, we are opening up to a real opportunity that takes place when we accept our calling to be “witnesses of these things”. Don’t be surprised to discover as you share the good news of Jesus Christ risen farther and wider, that you’ll also discover God’s invitation to you to grow deeper and more trusting. Peace, Friar Gary |
