AUGUSTINIAN LECTIO DIVINA

Feast of Sto. Nino (B)

Theme: Loving the Child Jesus in the children of today

Gospel: Mk 10:13-16

CALL TO SILENCE
INTRODUCTION
In today’s text the Lord is compared to “a great light” that puts to fight the
darkness of oppression and discouragement. The effects of the divine intervention are
joy and freedom. The agent of God’s salvation will be a Child-King (the “Emmanuel” of Is
7:14) who will have all the qualities and virtues of the great heroes of old. The Church
sees in this oracle a prophecy about Jesus the Messiah, who, with his birth, brings into
the world darkened by sin the light of God’s love which gives us joy, freedom, and
peace.

OPENING SONG
Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may all be holy.
Act in me, O Holy Spirit, that my work, too, may be holy.
Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit, that I love but what is holy.
Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit, to defend all that is holy.
Guard me, then, O Holy Spirit, that I always may be holy (2x). Amen.

OPENING PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your mercy and grace – Your willingness to walk with me
in spite of my sinful nature. Thank You Father, for Your faithfulness. I am filled with joy to know
that You are always with me. It gives me courage and peace knowing that You are my constant
companion. I praise You Father, because You are righteous, and just in all Your ways.
As You have been merciful to me, I desire to be merciful to others.
As You have blessed me, I want to be a blessing to others.
As You have forgiven me, I want to forgive those who wronged me.
Lord, I commend my mind, my heart, my words ... my life, to Your Spirit.
May I actions and lifestyle, speak for You. Amen.

Our Lady of Consolation …pray for us.

Our holy father St. Augustine …pray for us.
Our dear St. Joseph … pray for us.

“My heart is restless until it rests in You, my God!”

A. LECTIO
Return to yourself.

I silence myself and feel God’s loving presence…I clear my mind of distractions.
I relax the muscles of my body. I open my mind and heart and prepare myself to
encounter God in his Sacred Scriptures.

Take and Read: The proclamation of the Gospel according to Mk 10:13-16

Glory to You, O Lord

People were bringing children to Jesus that he might touch them, but the disciples
rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he became indignant and said to them: “Let the children
come to me. Do not prevent them, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15Amen, I
say to you, whoever does not accept the Kingdom of God like a child will not enter it.” Then he
embraced the children and blessed them, placing his hands on them.

The Gospel of the Lord

Praise to You, O Lord Jesus Christ
B. MEDITATIO
C. ORATIO ( Personal Prayer with Augustine’s Prayer )

D. CONTEMPLATIO ( Personal Prayer )

E. COMMUNICATIO ( Sharing of Prayer Experiences in Community/Plan of Action )

Ask the Holy Spirit to give you the grace to listen to God’s word and act on it in your
everyday life.

1. What does this episode say about Jesus’ attitude to children?

2. What does it say about his affectivity?
3. What did Jesus say then about the children?

CLOSING PRAYER

Lord, thank you for every moment in our lives. Thank you for all you have given us, we
are what we are because of You. Whatever we do, think, how or feel is because of You. May we
be vessels through which you speak, use us in ways you desire as your humble servants. May
we inspire each one of us to align our lives with You and Your will for us. All we have, we offer
in gratitude. We bow to You. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

CLOSING SONG