Lectio Divina for the First Sunday Of Advent
Read the following Scripture two or three times:
Matthew 24:37-44
Jesus said to his disciples: “As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.
In those days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day that Noah entered the ark. They did not know until the flood came and carried them all away. So will
it be also at the coming of the Son of Man. Two men will be out in the field; one will be taken, and one will be left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken, and one will be left. Therefore,
stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come. Be sure of this: if the master of the
house had know the hour of night when the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and not let his house be broken into. So too, you also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.”
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?
In those days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day that Noah entered the ark. How can I make more time for God in the busyness of daily life? How can I
become more attentive to the presence of God in the everyday aspects of my life.
So will it be also at the coming of the Son of Man. How can I prepare my heart to be a worthy home for the Lord? How can I grow in longing for the coming of the Lord ?
One will be taken, and one will be left. When have I felt left out or forgotten? How can I learn to notice and reach out to those on the margins?
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?
Choose a spiritual or corporal work of mercy to practice this Advent to prepare your heart for Christ’s coming.
