Lectio Divina for the Second Sunday Of Advent
Read the following Scripture two or three times:
Matthew 3:1-12
John the Baptist appeared, preaching in the desert of Judea and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” It was of him that the prophet Isaiah had spoken when her said: A voice of one crying out in the desert, Prepare the way of the Lord, Make straight his paths.
John wore clothing made of camel’s hair and had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. At that time Jerusalem, all Judea, and the whole region around the Jordan were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the Jordan River as they acknowledged their sins.
When he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce good fruit as evidence of your repentance. And do not presume to say to yourselves, “We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you,
God can raise up children to Abraham from these stones. Even now the ax lies at the root of the trees.
Therefore, every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. I am baptizing you with water, for repentance, but the one who is coming after me is mightier than I. I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fan is in his hand.
He will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.
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?
A voice of one crying out in the desert, /Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths. When
have I felt like a voice crying out in the desert? When have I failed to use my voice when I should have
The whole region around the Jordan…were being baptized by him in the Jordan River as they acknowledged their sins. What sins am I struggling with today? What prevents me from acknowledging my sinfulness and relying on God’s mercy?
I am not worthy to carry his sandals. How can I serve the Lord? How can I grow in humility and docility to the Lord’s will?
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
