The Book of Mark
Fall 2005 Bible Study
The Infancy Narratives
The Book of Mark
Fall 2005 Bible Study
The Infancy Narratives
| "St. Joan of Arc Bible Study is an open and growing group that meets for fellowship and to discuss the Bible and other faith-centered literature. Our informal study group draws from biblical scholarship, historical perspectives, current events and personal reflections. We welcome honor and respect the personal ideas and spiritual journeys of all who join us." |
Greetings
There were 18 of us gathered down in the Hall at the ol country church this blessed night. We took the advice of our pastor, Fr. Jim DeBruycker, and read the Infancy Narratives found in Mathew's and Luke's gospels (yes, including the genealogy in Mathew's gospel!). Actually it is a wonderful tradition the bible study has kept since a couple of years after our inception. It was nice to hear Fr. Jim mention it though and we find it to be a wondrous experience.
We brought many gorgeous candles of all shapes and sizes and put them on the floor in the middle of the circle, turned the lights down low and opened our time together with a reading and also played a favorite Christmas song of ours performed by the musical group, Simple Gifts. With Carin Vagle providing the lead vocals, the song, O come, O come, Emanuel, is quite beautiful indeed.
We took a deep breath, became still, and took turns reading to each other. After each gospel we took time to reflect upon and discuss anything that may have struck or interested us. This experience proved again to be most contemplative and serene with a sprinkling of anticipation for the mysteries that surround us. When we had come to a reasonably good stopping point, we took a break to enjoy the lovely food and drink several people brought to share.
The hospitality time was moving fast so we had to ask, "It's now 8:40. We have twenty minutes. Should we do the Lectio Divina (sacred reading) or not?" We decided to go for it and we are so glad we did. Of course we got home a bit later than normal but so be it. I have come to realize that when there is ever any question, in any situation, about whether to do a spiritual exercise or not, always do it! It has never been the wrong thing to do.
Mom gave us a quick run-down on how the monks at St. John's do this in community. So with these instructions, and the passages Luke 1:26 - 38, we split into two groups and got down to business (but certainly not as usual!). Here are the instructions and what we did...
(1st) You may pass, and (2nd) if you chose to pray silently, please conclude with "amen"
First Reading: One person reads the passage through (slowly) 2 times, pausing between the readings. This is to allow a hearing of a word or phrase that touches the heart; hold it, silently repeating it. After 1 - 2 minutes of silence each person shares that word or phrase that has touched her or his heart.
Second Reading: (Read by a second person) is for the purpose of hearing or seeing Christ in the text. Each ponders what word or phrase is touching her or his life that day. After 2-3 minutes of silence, each is invited to share what is being heard or seen for one's life that day.
Third Reading: Calls us forth into doing or being. Members ask themselves what the text is calling them to do or become today or this week. After 2 - 3 minutes of silence, each shares, with more elaboration, her or his calling from the test. (Be especially aware of what is shared by the person to your right!)
Closing Prayer: At the conclusion for a brief time of sharing discussion, each person is invited to pray for the person on her or his right.
Our small group experience of this form of prayer was phenomenal. Several breakthroughs occurred and many decisions were made for this coming week. Several of us would even like to come back and check in with each other on how these things did or didn't go.
The over all experience felt deeply rooted, intimate and life-affirming. I think Pope Benedict is correct in feeling that this form of sacred reading could indeed bring a "new spiritual springtime" to the church.
Next week we will finish up our Marken journey, chapters 15 - 16. The following week, Jan 3, will be the semi-annual potluck!