Lectio Divina for the Fifteenth Week  in Ordinary Time

We begin our prayer:

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

O God, who show the light of your truth to those who go astray, so that they may return to the right path, give all who for the faith they profess are accounted Christians

the grace to reject whatever is contrary to the name of Christ

and to strive after all that does it honor. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.

(Collect, Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time)

Reading (Lectio)

Read the following Scripture two or three times.

Mark 6:7-13

Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over unclean spirits. He instructed them to take nothing for the journey but a walking stick— no food, no sack, no money in their belts. They were, however, to wear sandals but not a second tunic. He said to them, “Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave. Whatever place does not welcome you or listen to you, leave there and shake the dust off your feet in testimony against them.” So they went off and preached repentance. The Twelve drove out many demons, and they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.

Meditation (Meditatio)

After the reading, take some time to reflect in silence on one or more of the following questions:

• What word or words in this passage caught your attention? 
• What in this passage comforted you? 
• What in this passage challenged you?

If practicing lectio divina as a family or in a group, after the reflection time, invite the participants to share their responses.

Prayer (Oratio)

Read the Scripture passage one more time. Bring to the Lord the praise, petition, or thanksgiving that the Word inspires in you.

Contemplation (Contemplatio)

Read the Scripture again, followed by this reflection:

What conversion of mind, heart, and life is the Lord asking of me?

Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two. Where is God sending me? Who should accompany me on this journey?

He instructed them to take nothing for the journey but a walking stick. How can I be a good steward of my possessions? How can I grow in detachment from my worldly goods?

Whatever place does not welcome you or listen to you, leave there and shake the dust off your feet in testimony against them. When have I felt unwelcome? When have I failed to welcome someone?

After a period of silent reflection and/or discussion, all recite the Lord’s Prayer and the following: 

Closing Prayer:

I will hear what God proclaims;

            the LORD —for he proclaims peace.

Near indeed is his salvation to those who fear him,  glory dwelling in our land.

Kindness and truth shall meet;            justice and peace shall kiss. Truth shall spring out of the earth,  and justice shall look down from heaven.

The LORD himself will give his benefits;      our land shall yield its increase. Justice shall walk before him,      and prepare the way of his steps.

(From Psalm 85)

Living the Word This Week

How can I make my life a gift for others in charity?

Learn more about welcoming the stranger by visiting the Justice for Immigrants website:

Excerpts from the New American Bible, revised edition ©

2010, 1991, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Washington, D.C. and are used by permission of the copyright owner. Excerpts from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., Washington, DC. Used with permission. All rights reserved. No portion of this text may be reproduced by any means without permission in writing from the copyright owner.