Infinitum Lent JourneySample

Today we will continue to consider Generosity & Me in the context of Lent.

We will spend our time engaging in 'divine reading' (Lectio Divina). This is our Infinitum take on the old discipline of 'divine reading.' Remember, we are gazing through the lenses of Generosity & Me.

First Movement: Peruse. Peruse means' read (something), typically in a thorough or careful way.' Before you start, ask the Lord to open the eyes of your heart for this exercise and then read slowly, curiously, and aggressively.

John 13:21-32 VOICE:

21 Jesus was becoming visibly distressed.

Jesus: I tell you the truth: one of you will betray Me.

22 The disciples began to stare at one another, wondering who was the unfaithful disciple. 23 One disciple in particular, who was loved by Jesus, reclined next to him at the table. 24 Peter motioned to the disciple at Jesus’ side.

Peter (to the beloved disciple): Find out who the betrayer is.

Beloved Disciple (leaning in to Jesus): 25 Lord, who is it?

Jesus: 26 I will dip a piece of bread in My cup and give it to the one who will betray Me.

He dipped one piece in the cup and gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. 27 After this occurred, Satan entered into Judas.

Jesus (to Judas): Make haste, and do what you are going to do.

28 No one understood Jesus’ instructions to Judas. 29 Because Judas carried the money, some thought he was being instructed to buy the necessary items for the feast or give some money to the poor. 30 So Judas took his piece of bread and departed into the night.

31 Upon Judas’s departure, Jesus spoke:

Jesus: Now the Son of Man will be glorified as God is glorified in him. 32 If God’s glory is in him, his glory is also in God. The moment of this astounding glory is imminent.

Second Movement: Weigh. Here are contextual synonyms: consider · contemplate · think about · give thought to · entertain the idea of · deliberate about · turn over in one's mind · mull over · reflect on · ruminate about · muse on · assess · appraise. Don't rush this movement.

Third Movement: Ask. Ask God to confirm or clarify bits you've been chewing on and to enlighten you on things you missed that he has for you. In this movement, you might profitably ask about lessons and tips God has from this reading for you in the realm of surrender, generosity, and mission.

Fourth Movement: Muse. Muse—'be absorbed in thought… gaze thoughtfully at'—is a verb synonym of the Latin word 'contempatio.' From Google, "The word contemplation is derived from the Latin word 'contemplatio,' ultimately from the Latin word 'templum,' a piece of ground consecrated for the taking of auspices, or a building for worship." So, in a sense, we are to recognize that we are on holy ground in this exercise (note further that 'auspices' means 'a divine or prophetic token').

Fifth Movement: Activate. Apply what you have picked up (this might take the rest of the day… or the rest of your life).