LECTIO DIVINA verbum abbreviatum In the final section of Chapter 2, Fr. Casey Discusses verbum abbreviatum (abbreviated word). The concept expresses the infinite contained in the finite. God became flesh. The unfathomable being fathomed. The Scriptures are the living Word of God and reflect his infinity and incomprehensibility in finite words and ideas we can comprehend. There is no end to our ability to learn more about any book or text of Scripture. The more one spends time reading and learning the more one is convinced of the little progress they have made. As anyone who studies at great depth any subject learns the height, breadth and depth to the immense field of literature and studies published on that subject. The same holds true to our own study of Scripture and our ability to fully comprehend it in its fullness. It is elusive since it can never be achieved by anyone person no matter how long they devote themselves to it. This is a humbling realization that safeguards from eccentricity. Our motivation for reading and studying Scripture must always be examined for pure intentions. One test is to reflect on our personal behavior. “We can be sure that we have understood the Bible if it produces love in us and the fruits of the Spirit.” (44). There is no magic in lectio divina. It is hard work. The meaning of Scripture and its persuasive message are not always clear, immediate, effective and irresistible. We must have a strong drive and resolute will to persist at it energetically. This vital choice of will and wherewithal to pursue it grows as we grow in love with God and his Word. Growth takes time. Lectio divina takes time too. “Revelation is subtle. It does not bludgeon unbelievers into acceptance, but charms the heart of those willing to be wooed.” (46). “Sometimes we have to wander forty years in the desert until our dispositions become such that God’s subtle message can penetrate our defenses.” (47). Lectio divina as a whole is our lifetime of Scripture reading. Consequently there will be repetition. This does not have to mean boredom. Each time we go over the same text months or years apart we approach it with a changed mental state and perception. Things formerly hidden are now apparent. Analogously it is like watching a film for a second or third time. Each viewing is bound to bring a detail or line not previously caught in your viewing. So too is repetition in lectio divina. The advantage over film watching is that the Holy Spirit fills up what is lacking so that we may receive and bear fruit. * * * ____________________________________________________________ Get advanced SPAM filtering on Webmail or POP Mail ... Get Lycos Mail! http://login.mail.lycos.com/r/referral?aid=27005