Fourteen Lectio Divina communities reflected during Advent on Synodality – focusing on Communion, Encounter, Listening, Participation, Discernment, and Mission.
This was in response to Pope Francis’ call for a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, Mission.
The article shares the collective fruits of this journey in prayer and reflection.
Lectio Divina as Synodality in Practice
Encounter
Deep encounter with the Word of God and Jesus Christ.
Fosters a closer relationship with Jesus through Gospel reflection.
Promotes inclusivity: people of all backgrounds gather as equals.
Potential to reach marginalized and those on the periphery (e.g., divorced, poor, other faiths).
Participation
Every person is welcomed and valued in the Lectio community.
No qualifications needed—life experience is enough.
A safe, respectful space where all contribute and are met where they are.
Listening
Active, contemplative listening to Scripture and one another.
Scripture becomes alive through shared experiences and insights.
Encourages awareness of God’s presence in everyday life and in the world.
Opens hearts and minds to new ways of seeing and hearing.
Communion
Fosters deep communion with God and with each other.
Encourages transformative personal encounters with Jesus.
Shared prayer becomes healing, empowering, and unifying.
Builds real community rooted in the Word and deep fellowship.
Connects Scriptural communion with Eucharistic communion.
Discernment
Engages in theological reflection: seeking understanding and insight.
Encourages spiritual growth, wisdom, and commitment to justice and fraternity.
Empowers individuals to discern God’s call in their lives and respond in action.
Mission
Aim: Grow in Christlikeness and bring Christ’s presence to the world.
Encourages solidarity, compassion, and care for humanity and creation.
Promotes a just, humane, and dignified life for all through inner transformation.
Conclusion
Lectio Divina is a Spirit-led movement vital for today’s Church.
It complements and revitalizes Church traditions through engagement with the living Word.
The community sees Lectio as a continuous pilgrimage—ever growing, ever evolving.
Offered as a hopeful model for a renewed and synodal Church.
