Bulletin Insert: Epiphany 7 – Global Partnerships Lectio Divina: The Diocese of Botswana and the Diocese of North Carolina – February 20, 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 Professor James Nathaniel Amanze and the Rev. Bonny Bashe of the Diocese of Botswana, in the Anglican Church of the Province of Central Africa, and the Rev. Miriam Saxon and the Rev. Leon Spencer of the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina. 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: Jesus said, “I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. Do to others as you would have them do to you.
“If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
“Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.” (Luke 6:27-38, 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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