Lectio Divina for the Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe
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 hin, 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 his man had done nothing criminal.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come
into your kingdom.” He replied to him, “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”
Meditation
After the reading, take some time to reflect in silence on 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?
Contemplation
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. 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?
Amen, 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 recite the Lord’s Prayer.
Living the Word This Week
How can I make my life a gift for others in charity?
Read about prayer as a school of hope in paragraphs 32-34 of Spe salvi:
www.vatican.va/content/benedict-xvi/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_ben-xvi_ene_20071130_spe-salvi.html
