Posted on 09/16/2005 4:54:04 PM PDT by NYer
CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy, SEPT. 16, 2005 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI believes that the recovery of the practice of "lectio divina," prayerful meditation of Scripture, will bring a "new spiritual springtime" for the Church.
When meeting today with more than 400 experts attending a congress in Rome on "Sacred Scripture in the Life of the Church," the Holy Father recommended this ancient practice which literally means "divine reading."
"Assiduous reading of sacred Scripture accompanied by prayer makes that intimate dialogue possible in which, through reading, one hears God speaking, and through prayer, one responds with a confident opening of the heart," the Pope said.
Over the past 40 years, this proposal has received attention throughout the Church after the publication of the Second Vatican Council's dogmatic constitution on divine Revelation, "Dei Verbum."
"If this practice is promoted with efficacy, I am convinced that it will produce a new spiritual springtime in the Church," stated the Holy Father.
To promote "lectio divina," Benedict XVI suggested "new methods, attentively pondered, adapted to the times."
"One must never forget that the Word of God is a lamp for our steps and a light on our path," he said.
The first to use the expression "lectio divina" was Origen (circa 185-254), who affirmed that to read the Bible profitably it is necessary to do so with attention, constancy and prayer.
Later on, "lectio divina" became a mainstay of religious life. The monastic rules of Sts. Pacomius, Augustine, Basil and Benedict made the practice of diving reading, together with manual work and participation in liturgical life, the triple base of monastic life.
The systematization of "lectio divina" in four steps dates back to the 12th century, explained the Holy Father.
Around 1150, Guido, a Carthusian monk, wrote a book entitled "The Monks' Ladder," where "he set out the theory of the four rungs: reading, meditation, prayer and contemplation," according to the Pope. "This is the ladder by which the monks ascend from earth to heaven."
You've got it all right here in the Religion Forum. If you are not yet subscribed to Salvation's 'Daily Mass Readings', now's your chance to do so. Simply send a freepmail to Salvation and you can be assured of not only reading the Daily Scriptures but also reflections on them. By so doing, you will have read the entire Bible in the span of only 3 years!
I think The Anglican Breviary is probably the best Western-rite variant of the divine office currently in print.
http://www.anglicanbreviary.net
Also.http://www.breviary.net
Fascinating.
Pope Benedict's interaction with the eastern churches while head of CDF is really becoming apparent. Y'know, I wouldn't be surprised if he recommended praying the Chotki next.
If there is NOT an ongoing Bible study at your Catholic Church -- then go to the priest and offer to lead a Bible study group!!!!
I will be leading one starting next week. We will be reviewing the entire book of Isaiah this year.
We have already done
The Acts of the Apostles
The Gospel of Luke
Exodus
The Prison Letters of Paul
Next year we are planning to study the book of Revelation.
My Roman Catholic girlfriend just gave me an Old Believer's Lestovka for my b'day, so maybe he'll do that to.
"Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ." (St. Jerome)
John,
I agree that the Anglican Breviary is the best divine office book out there -- at least for now.
Look at waht Baronius Press is doing:
"English-Latin Breviary
We are also undertaking a project of reprinting the three volume set of "The Divine Office in English and Latin" published in 1963 by the Order of St Benedict. This project is in an early stage and we estimate it will take 12-18 months. We are appealing to people with an interest in this project who would like to help us with proofreading. Please contact us via our Email Enquiry Form (Subject: Breviary) with a brief description of what you would be able to offer."
I have been hoping for this for a number of years. I can't wait !
Personally, I would like to see the resurrection of some of the monastic orders' breviaries as well.
from vladimir's post - " reprinting the three volume set of 'The Divine Office in English and Latin' published in 1963 by the Order of St Benedict."
It is not clear to me whether Baronius Press is reprinting a Roman Breviary that the OSB might have printed or if Baronius Press is reprinting a Monastic Breviary that the OSB printed and used.
I have been looking for a copy of a traditional monastic breviary. It would be great if they are reprinting the monastic breviary, but I doubt it.
You beat me to it.
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