Bulletin Insert: Epiphany 1 – Global Partnerships Lectio Divina: St. Luke’s, Rio de Janeiro, and Good Shepherd, Covington – January 9, 2022
The season of Epiphany is when we celebrate the revealing of Christ to the world. We mark the arrival of the One who is the light of the world: a light that brings life, a light that brings hope. This light shines its brightest when we are in community – with God and with one another. The Office of Global Partnerships of The Episcopal Church invites individuals, small groups, congregations, and dioceses to use our weekly video series throughout the season of Epiphany to draw closer to each other and our Lord. Using an adaptation of lectio divina with the gospel passage for each Sunday, you’ll meet and hear from Episcopalians and Anglican partners from around the world as they read and reflect on Jesus’ revelation to us.
This week’s lectio divina features parishioners Heather and Christine from the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Covington, Georgia, and the congregation’s Anglican Communion partners, Priscilla and Filipe from St. Luke’s Church in Rio de Janeiro, Anglican Episcopal Church of Brazil. Watch their discussion at iam.ec/epiphany2022 and follow along by yourself or in a small group. To participate:
1. Read today’s Gospel passage:
As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, John answered all of them by saying, “I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”
Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.” (Luke 3:15-17, 21-22, NRSV)
2. Reflect: Which word or short phrase caught your attention or came to mind? Whether you’re alone or in a group, say it aloud.
3. Read: Reread the passage, perhaps in a different translation. In this week’s video, you’ll hear the text in Portuguese.
4. Reflect: Where does the passage touch your life today? If you’re with a group, share your responses with each other, without discussing further. If you’re alone, say your response aloud or write it down.
5. Read: Reread the passage, perhaps in yet another translation.
6. Reflect: From what I’ve heard and shared, what do I believe God wants me to do or be? Is God inviting me to change in any way? You might consider journaling out your response and meditating on it over the course of this week.
7. Pray: In closing, say the Lord’s Prayer, today’s collect, or the Collect for Proper 28 in the Book of Common Prayer (p. 236).
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