Although it took a little bit of work on my part to plan and set it up, the two times that we have done Lectio Divina in the Chapel have been times of rest for me in the midst of a very busy season. I am busy getting to know a new church community and reacquaint myself with the Ferguson area. My children are the most busy with all of their many activities in December, it seems, and none of them drive, so that means that my husband and I have to drive them hither and yon. I have been busy getting my father’s finances in order so that he will be able to access skilled nursing care when he needs it. And I have been busy sorting through years of files and emails as I transition out of my part-time position at Missouri Jobs with Justice and start a part-time position with the Diocese doing Development Work (grant writing). Busy, busy, busy.
Lectio Divina has given me a chance to rest in the presence of God – in the quiet of the Chapel, in the words of Holy Scripture, in the glow of candles, in the presence of fellow Christians, meditating on icons of Jesus, Mary and other saints, if I want to. I have treasured this time because it is a reminder that Jesus does not value me, or you, because of our busyness. Jesus values each of us because we are each a beloved child of God.
I invite you to join me for the final Advent Lectio Divina tomorrow, Saturday, Dec. 20, at 5 p.m. Get there a few minutes before 5 p.m., if you can, to settle in. We will start at 5 p.m. and conclude before 6 p.m. If there is interest, Lectio Divina will be offered again, perhaps in Lent. I also, of course, invite you to take the time in the midst of the busyness of the holiday season to worship at St. Stephen’s this coming Sunday, the Fourth Sunday of Advent, Dec. 21, at 10 a.m., and on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, at 7 p.m. and at the other worship services this Christmas Season.
O, Come Let Us Adore Him, Christ the Lord.
Blessings,
Pastor Teresa