Learning About Lectio

Lectio Divina was the main topic of the Amigos de Jesus youth group on Friday, February 13. The group met for their regular session in the Hope Room at Annunciation Church. The meeting started with a brief explanation by Maria about the meaning of Lent and practices common to this penitential season. Maria recommended acts of self-denial and a simple prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary which can be prayed on regular Rosary beads.

Next, Alejandra led the group in an icebreaker based upon a "caputure the flag"/tag theme. The youth had a great time trying to outmaneuver the flag and return to home base unscathed.

The main theme of the evening was Lectio Divina. Literally meaning "holy reading," Lectio is an ancient method of prayer used by the earliest Christians and made popular by 12th century monks. The youth group divided into two smaller groups. One group stayed with Maria and Alejandra while the other went with Br. Joseph. After a period of silence in the dark with only candles to see by and instrumental chant playing in the background, the youth were ready to open their hearts to the Word of God. Three readers were selected from each group to proclaim Sunday's Gospel during which Jesus speaks on the blessed life, the beatitudes.

After the first reading, the youth shared about the particular word or phrase that spoke to them most from the Gospel. Following a period of silence and the second reading, the youth shared about what that particular passage or word meant for them in the context of their everyday life and circumstances. Finally, after the third reading, a prayer was offered asking for the grace to respond to the Lord's invitation and thanking God for the graces received during prayer.

In general, the youth really seemed to enjoy the experience of meditation and praying with Scripture. Among some of the comments were: "I really understood the meaning of the passage after hearing it three times;" "This is the kind of stuff I love doing." "This was so peaceful;" "I felt so happy afterward..."

The next Amigos de Jesus youth group session will be on Friday, February 19 at 5:45 p.m. in the Hope Room. A slide show presentation of images from the evening is posted below. God bless all of you!

Br. Joseph

P.S. Right after the youth group session on Friday night, I took Francisco, Antonio, Alondra, and Leslie home in the van. We had pulled up to the stoplight at the corner of Colorado and Martin Luther King Blvd. when suddenly....... For the surprising conclusion to this story and a picture of what happened, join our Amigos de Jesus Group on Facebook.

For more photos, news on upcoming events, discussions, and video clips, visit our Amigos de Jesus Facebook Group.