Lectio Divina of the Gospels for the Liturgical Year 2025–2026
Lectio Divina on the Gospels Copyright © 2025, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, D.C. All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photo-copying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright holder. Excerpts from the New American Bible, revised edition, copyright © 2010, 1991, 1986, 1970, Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc. Washington, DC, and are used by permission of the copyright owner. Excerpts from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition, copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., Washington, DC. Used with permission. All rights reserved. No portion of this text may be reproduced by any means without permission in writing from the copyright owner. Excerpts from the English translation of The Roman Missal © 2010, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved. Epigraph quote taken from Guigo II, The Ladder of Monks and Twelve Meditations, trans. Edmund Colledge, o.s.a., and James Walsh, s.j. (Kalamazoo: Cistercian Publications, Inc., 1981 [Cisterician Studies no. 48]), 68-69. ISBN: 978-1-63967-173-1 Copyright © 2025, Magnificat Inc., New York. All rights reserved.
Lectio Divina of the Gospels for the Liturgical Year 2025–2026 United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
4 Contents What Is Lectio Divina and How to Use This Book 10 November 30, 2025 Lectio Divina for the First Week of Advent 15 December 7, 2025 Lectio Divina for the Second Week of Advent 19 December 8, 2025 Lectio Divina for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception 23 December 14, 2025 Lectio Divina for the Third Week of Advent 27 December 21, 2025 Lectio Divina for the Fourth Week of Advent 31 December 25, 2025 Lectio Divina for the Solemnity of Christmas 35 December 28, 2025 Lectio Divina for the Feast of the Holy Family 40 January 1, 2026 Lectio Divina for the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God 44 January 4, 2026 Lectio Divina for the Solemnity of the Epiphany 48 January 11, 2026 Lectio Divina for the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord 53 January 18, 2026 Lectio Divina for the Second Week in Ordinary Time 57 January 25, 2026 Lectio Divina for the Third Week in Ordinary Time 61 February 1, 2026 Lectio Divina for the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time 66
Contents 5 February 8, 2026 Lectio Divina for the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time 70 February 15, 2026 Lectio Divina for the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time 74 February 18, 2026 Lectio Divina for Ash Wednesday 78 February 22, 2026 Lectio Divina for the First Week of Lent 82 March 1, 2026 Lectio Divina for the Second Week of Lent 87 March 8, 2026 Lectio Divina for the Third Week of Lent 91 March 15, 2026 Lectio Divina for the Fourth Week of Lent 96 March 22, 2026 Lectio Divina for the Fifth Week of Lent 101 March 29, 2026 Lectio Divina for Holy Week 106 April 2–4, 2026 Lectio Divina for the Paschal Triduum 110 April 5, 2026 Lectio Divina for the Octave of Easter 115 April 12, 2026 Lectio Divina for the Second Week of Easter 119 April 19, 2026 Lectio Divina for the Third Week of Easter 124 April 26, 2026 Lectio Divina for the Fourth Week of Easter 129 May 3, 2026 Lectio Divina for the Fifth Week of Easter 133
Contents 6 May 10, 2026 Lectio Divina for the Sixth Week of Easter 137 May 14 or 17, 2026 Lectio Divina for the Solemnity of the Ascension 141 May 17, 2026 Lectio Divina for the Seventh Week of Easter 145 May 24, 2026 Lectio Divina for the Solemnity of Pentecost 149 May 31, 2026 Lectio Divina for the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity 153 June 7, 2026 Lectio Divina for the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi) 157 June 12, 2026 Lectio Divina for the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart 161 June 14, 2026 Lectio Divina for the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time 165 June 21, 2026 Lectio Divina for the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time 169 June 28, 2026 Lectio Divina for the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time 173 July 5, 2026 Lectio Divina for the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time 177 July 12, 2026 Lectio Divina for the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time 181 July 19, 2026 Lectio Divina for the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time 186 July 26, 2026 Lectio Divina for the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time 191
Contents 7 August 2, 2026 Lectio Divina for the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time 195 August 9, 2026 Lectio Divina for the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time 199 August 15, 2026 Lectio Divina for the Solemnity of the Assumption 203 August 16, 2026 Lectio Divina for the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time 208 August 23, 2026 Lectio Divina for the Twenty-First Week in Ordinary Time 212 August 30, 2026 Lectio Divina for the Twenty-Second Week in Ordinary Time 216 September 6, 2026 Lectio Divina for the Twenty-Third Week in Ordinary Time 220 September 13, 2026 Lectio Divina for the Twenty-Fourth Week in Ordinary Time 224 September 20, 2026 Lectio Divina for the Twenty-Fifth Week in Ordinary Time 229 September 27, 2026 Lectio Divina for the Twenty-Sixth Week in Ordinary Time 233 October 4, 2026 Lectio Divina for the Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time 237 October 11, 2026 Lectio Divina for the Twenty-Eighth Week in Ordinary Time 242 October 18, 2026 Lectio Divina for the Twenty-Ninth Week in Ordinary Time 247 October 25, 2026 Lectio Divina for the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time 251 November 1, 2026 Lectio Divina for the Solemnity of All Saints 255
Contents 8 November 8, 2026 Lectio Divina for the Thirty-Second Week in Ordinary Time 259 November 15, 2026 Lectio Divina for the Thirty-Third Week in Ordinary Time 263 November 22, 2026 Lectio Divina for the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe 267
Reading seeks for the sweetness of a blessed life, meditation perceives it, prayer asks for it, contemplation tastes it. Reading, as it were, puts food whole into the mouth, meditation chews it and breaks it up, prayer extracts its flavor, contemplation is the sweetness itself which gladdens and refreshes. Reading works on the outside, meditation on the pith, prayer asks for what we long for, contemplation gives us delight in the sweetness which we have found. —Guigo II, The Ladder of Monks, III (12th c.)
10 What Is Lectio Divina and How to Use This Book Reading – Meditation – Prayer – Contemplation Lectio divina or “divine reading” is a process of engaging with Christ, the Word of God. Through this sacred exercise, we enter into a closer relationship with the very Word himself, who communicates the love of the Father to us through the Holy Spirit. Lectio divina has four steps, in which we first hear what God has said (reading). We then take it in and reflect on it (meditation). From this our hearts are lifted up (prayer). Finally, after speaking to the Lord in prayer, we rest and listen for his message to us (contemplation). This is the process of lectio divina. It is a conversation with God, grounded in God’s own self-revelation to us. This helps us speak to God with a focus on what he has already told us about his relationship with humanity, his plans and desires for us, his promises, his admonitions, and his guidance on how we can live so as to find true life in abundance in Christ. Here is a brief description of each of the four steps: Reading (Lectio) Read the passage slowly and allow it to sink in. If there is a passage that is particularly striking, and that you want to keep with you, consider committing it to memory, or writing it down to keep with you, so that you can re-read it throughout the day, and let it enter deeper into your spirit. “Faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17) “The word of God is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating even between soul and spirit, joints and marrow,
11 What Is Lectio Divina and How to Use This Book and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12) Meditation (Meditatio) Read the passage again, and when something strikes you, a question arises in you, stop and meditate. Think about what God may be saying through it. “It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, and the glory of kings to fathom a matter.” (Proverbs 25:2) “I will ponder your precepts and consider your paths.” (Psalm 119:15) Prayer (Oratio) Speak to the Lord about what you have read and share what’s on your mind and heart—offer and share with the Lord your thanksgiving, petition, concerns, doubts, or simply affirm, back to the Lord, the very word that he has spoken. “Enter his gates with thanksgiving, his courts with praise.” (Psalm 100:4) “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7) Contemplation (Contemplatio) This is a quiet time, a time to rest in his presence and wait upon the Lord. It is a time where we allow the Lord to speak directly to our spirit from within us. It requires practice. But this allows us to be attentive to the Lord’s voice, and by regular practice, our ability to hear God’s voice
12 What Is Lectio Divina and How to Use This Book will grow in daily life and daily situations, as we learn to focus our minds and hearts, our thoughts, our concerns, and our hopes toward him. “My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27) “Be still and know that I am God!” (Psalm 46:11) Applying This Process of Lectio Divina to the Liturgical Year This Lectio Divina book will take the reader through the Sundays and major feasts and solemnities of the liturgical year. It can be used for individual devotion and can also easily be used to assist in small group reflections in parishes and small faith groups. It offers a structured process for engaging with the Word of God. As the reader or group becomes more comfortable engaging with Scripture, this process can be more closely tailored to suit the path of growth that best fits the reader(s). First, the lectio divina session is started by praying a prayer that is taken from a Mass collect from that liturgical week. Following that prayer, the main Scripture passage for reflection is read, taken from the Gospel reading for that day. This READING can be re-read, a few times, to let it sink in. Next, a set of three questions are offered to help in MEDITATION. These questions can also facilitate talking about the passage in a group setting. The individual then offers his or her personal PRAYER, responding to the Lord. In a group setting, people can speak out their prayers one at a time—this may help deepen the prayer response and further set the group’s focus on the Lord. Next, a structured set of passages and questions are offered that return the reader to the Gospel passage. This invites the reader to contemplate what the Lord is speaking and what it means for their life. It allows the individual or the prayer group to consider specific ways the Lord may be speaking into their life at that very moment. As each person begins to hear a response from the Lord—the Lord’s word
13 What Is Lectio Divina and How to Use This Book spoken directly and personally to them—that person can begin to let that word flow through their life, by an interior change and a will to do what the Lord is asking of them. Through this step of CONTEMPLATION, we hear God’s voice speaking to us, and it propels us to conversion of heart and mind. After the closing prayer, time is given to choosing how to live out the fruit of your prayer. You know your heart and life best—if it’s clear what God is asking of you, in faith, choose some way you can put that request or teaching from the Lord into action that week. It could be a small act of faith that the Lord is asking, or perhaps, a more serious and important step that he is asking you to take. If there is nothing specific that comes to your mind, consider the question and suggestion offered in the Living the Word This Week section. This portion offers guidance on what concrete actions may be taken in our daily lives. The Lectio Divina of the Gospels for the Liturgical Year offers a specific pattern of prayerful reading of God’s Word. As you begin on this path, may the Lord’s blessing follow you, and fall upon you, throughout the movement of seasons in this new liturgical year, and may your life, in turn, be a blessing upon others.
Lectio Divina of the Gospels
15 November 30, 2025 Lectio Divina for the First Week of Advent We begin our prayer: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Prepare our hearts, we pray, O Lord our God, by your divine power, so that at the coming of Christ your Son we may be found worthy of the banquet of eternal life and merit to receive heavenly nourishment from his hands. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. (Collect, Wednesday of the First Week of Advent) Reading (Lectio) 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 known 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.”
November 30, 2025 16 Meditation (Meditatio) After the reading, take some time to reflect in silence on one 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? If practicing lectio divina as a family or in a group, after the reflection time, invite the participants to share their responses. Prayer (Oratio) Read the Scripture passage one more time. Bring to the Lord the praise, petition, or thanksgiving that the Word inspires in you. Contemplation (Contemplatio) Read the Scripture again, followed by this reflection: What conversion of mind, heart, and life is the Lord asking of me?
November 30, 2025 17 In those days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage. What distracts me from prayer and from spending time in the presence of God? What steps can I take to limit these distractions? They did not know until the flood came and carried them all away. When have I avoided noticing the needs and concerns of others? How have I let my own desires and preoccupations carry me away from my life of faith? So too, you also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come. What can I do this Advent to help prepare for Christ’s coming at Christmas? How can I live in expectation of Christ’s coming at the end of time?
November 30, 2025 18 After a period of silent reflection and/or discussion, all recite the Lord’s Prayer and the following: Closing Prayer: I rejoiced because they said to me, “We will go up to the house of the Lord.” And now we have set foot within your gates, O Jerusalem. Jerusalem, built as a city with compact unity. To it the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord. According to the decree for Israel, to give thanks to the name of the Lord. In it are set up judgment seats, seats for the house of David. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! May those who love you prosper! May peace be within your walls, prosperity in your buildings. Because of my brothers and friends I will say, “Peace be within you!” Because of the house of the Lord, our God, I will pray for your good. (From Psalm 122) Living the Word This Week How can I make my life a gift for others in charity? If possible, spend some quiet time in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament.
19 December 7, 2025 Lectio Divina for the Second Week of Advent We begin our prayer: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. May the splendor of your glory dawn in our hearts, we pray, almighty God, that all shadows of the night may be scattered and we may be shown to be children of light by the advent of your Only Begotten Son. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. (Collect, Saturday of the Second Week of Advent) Reading (Lectio) 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 he 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.
December 7, 2025 20 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 (Meditatio) After the reading, take some time to reflect in silence on one 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? If practicing lectio divina as a family or in a group, after the reflection time, invite the participants to share their responses. Prayer (Oratio) Read the Scripture passage one more time. Bring to the Lord the praise, petition, or thanksgiving that the Word inspires in you.
December 7, 2025 21 Contemplation (Contemplatio) Read the Scripture again, followed by this reflection: What conversion of mind, heart, and life is the Lord asking of me? Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand! How does Scripture describe the kingdom of God? What elements of the kingdom do I see in the world around me? 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. What sins do I need to acknowledge? What conversion of life should I seek?
December 7, 2025 22 Produce good fruit as evidence of your repentance. How can I live God’s will more fully? What sort of amends do I need to make? After a period of silent reflection and/or discussion, all recite the Lord’s Prayer and the following: Closing Prayer: O God, with your judgment endow the king, and with your justice, the king's son; he shall govern your people with justice and your afflicted ones with judgment. Justice shall flower in his days, and profound peace, till the moon be no more. May he rule from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth. For he shall rescue the poor when he cries out, and the afflicted when he has no one to help him. He shall have pity for the lowly and the poor; the lives of the poor he shall save. May his name be blessed forever; as long as the sun his name shall remain. In him shall all the tribes of the earth be blessed; all the nations shall proclaim his happiness. (From Psalm 72) Living the Word This Week How can I make my life a gift for others in charity? Make a good examination of conscience and make plans to celebrate the Sacrament of Penance before Christmas.
December 8, 2025 23 December 8, 2025 Lectio Divina for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception We begin our prayer: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. O God, who by the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin prepared a worthy dwelling for your Son, grant, we pray, that, as you preserved her from every stain by virtue of the Death of your Son, which you foresaw, so, through her intercession, we, too, may be cleansed and admitted to your presence. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. (Collect, Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception) Reading (Lectio) Read the following Scripture two or three times. Luke 1:26-38 The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, “Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.” But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his
December 8, 2025 24 father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his Kingdom there will be no end.” But Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?” And the angel said to her in reply, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; for nothing will be impossible for God.” Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her. Meditation (Meditatio) After the reading, take some time to reflect in silence on one 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? If practicing lectio divina as a family or in a group, after the reflection time, invite the participants to share their responses. Prayer (Oratio) Read the Scripture passage one more time. Bring to the Lord the praise, petition, or thanksgiving that the Word inspires in you.
December 8, 2025 25 Contemplation (Contemplatio) Read the Scripture again, followed by this reflection: What conversion of mind, heart, and life is the Lord asking of me? Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you. What graces has God given me this week? When have I felt the Lord’s presence most profoundly? Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. When has fear kept me from following God’s will? How can my faith strengthen me in the face of my fears?
December 8, 2025 26 For nothing will be impossible for God. How can I grow in my trust of God’s providential care? What concerns do I need to consign to God in prayer? After a period of silent reflection and/or discussion, all recite the Lord’s Prayer and the following: Closing Prayer: Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done wondrous deeds; His right hand has won victory for him, his holy arm. The Lord has made his salvation known: in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice. He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness toward the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation by our God. Sing joyfully to the Lord, all you lands; break into song; sing praise. (From Psalm 98) Living the Word This Week How can I make my life a gift for others in charity? Pray (at least) a decade of the Rosary, asking God to grant you an increase in the virtues of faith, hope, and love.
December 14, 2025 27 December 14, 2025 Lectio Divina for the Third Week of Advent We begin our prayer: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. May your grace, almighty God, always go before us and follow after, so that we, who await with heartfelt desire the coming of your Only Begotten Son, receive your help both now and in the life to come. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. (Collect, Friday of the Third Week of Advent) Reading (Lectio) Read the following Scripture two or three times. Matthew 11:2-11 When John the Baptist heard in prison of the works of the Christ, he sent his disciples to Jesus with this question, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?” Jesus said to them in reply, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them. And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me.” As they were going off, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John, “What did you go out to the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind? Then what did you go out to see? Someone dressed in fine clothing? Those who wear fine clothing are in royal palaces. Then why did you go out? To see a prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written:
December 14, 2025 28 Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way before you. Amen, I say to you, among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” Meditation (Meditatio) After the reading, take some time to reflect in silence on one 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? If practicing lectio divina as a family or in a group, after the reflection time, invite the participants to share their responses. Prayer (Oratio) Read the Scripture passage one more time. Bring to the Lord the praise, petition, or thanksgiving that the Word inspires in you. Contemplation (Contemplatio) Read the Scripture again, followed by this reflection: What conversion of mind, heart, and life is the Lord asking of me?
December 14, 2025 29 Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another? When have I been distracted by things that are not God? How can I direct my attention more fully to God? And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me. When have I been treated badly because of my faith? How can I speak the truth in love? Among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. When has my pride been a source of sin and discord? How can I foster the virtue of humility?
December 14, 2025 30 After a period of silent reflection and/or discussion, all recite the Lord’s Prayer and the following: Closing Prayer: The Lord God keeps faith forever, secures justice for the oppressed, gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets captives free. The Lord gives sight to the blind; the Lord raises up those who were bowed down. The Lord loves the just; the Lord protects strangers. The fatherless and the widow he sustains, but the way of the wicked he thwarts. The Lord shall reign forever; your God, O Zion, through all generations. (From Psalm 146) Living the Word This Week How can I make my life a gift for others in charity? Look for a way you can place yourself at the service of others through a parish, diocesan, or community project.
December 21, 2025 31 December 21, 2025 Lectio Divina for the Fourth Week of Advent We begin our prayer: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Hear in kindness, O Lord, the prayers of your people, that those who rejoice at the coming of your Only Begotten Son in our flesh may, when at last he comes in glory, gain the reward of eternal life. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. (Collect, December 21) Reading (Lectio) Read the following Scripture two or three times. Matthew 1:18-24 This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:
December 21, 2025 32 Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means “God is with us.” When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home. Meditation (Meditatio) After the reading, take some time to reflect in silence on one 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? If practicing lectio divina as a family or in a group, after the reflection time, invite the participants to share their responses. Prayer (Oratio) Read the Scripture passage one more time. Bring to the Lord the praise, petition, or thanksgiving that the Word inspires in you. Contemplation (Contemplatio) Read the Scripture again, followed by this reflection: What conversion of mind, heart, and life is the Lord asking of me?
December 21, 2025 33 Joseph her husband…was a righteous man. What injustices do I see in my community? How can I work to eliminate these injustices and build a community of righteousness and peace? He will save his people from their sins. How can I express my gratitude for God’s gift of salvation? How can I grow in my reliance on God’s mercy? When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home. How do I discern God’s will for my life? How can I become more docile to God’s will?
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