Lectio Divina for Holy Week
Read the following Scripture two or three times:
Matthew 26:31-46
Then Jesus said to them. “This night all of you will have your faith in me shaken, for it is written:
I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be dispersed;
But after I have been raised up, I shall go before you to Galilee.” Peter said to him in reply, “Though all
May have their faith in you shaken, mine will never be.” Jesus said to him, “Amen, I say to you, this very night before the cock crows, you will deny me three tine.” Peter said to him, “Even though I should have
To die with you, I will not deny you.” And all the disciples spoke likewise.
Then Jesus came with then to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I
go over there and pray.” He took along Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to feel sorrow and
distress. Then he said to them, “My soul is sorrowful even to death. Remain here and keep watch with me.”
He advanced a little and fell prostrate in prayer, saying. “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from
me; yet, not as I will, but as you will.” When he returned to his disciples he found them asleep. He said
to Peter, “So you could not keep watch with me for one hour? Watch and pray that you may not undergo
The test. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Withdrawing a second time, he prayed again, “My
Father, if it is not possible that this cup pass without my drinking it, your will be done!” Then he returned once more and found them asleep, for they could not keep their eyes open. He left them and withdrew
Again and prayed a third time, saying the same thing again. Then he returned to his disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? Behold, the hour is at hand when the Son of Man
is to be handed over to sinners. Get up, let us go. Look, my betrayer is at hand.”
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?
Though all may have their faith in you shaken, mine will never be. When has my faith been tested or
Shaken? How can I seek God’s grace to strengthen my faith?
“My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet, not as I will, but as you will.” When has God
Asked my to do something I found difficult? How can I be more eager to follow God’s will for me?
The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. What weaknesses keep me from living an authentic Christian
Life of love and service? How can I discipline my will so that I follow the Spirit’s promptings?
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?
Spend time this week meditating on the Lord’s Passion and offering your daily struggles and sufferings
in union with him.
