Special Lectio Divina for the Beginning of Lent
As we step into Lent—a season of reflection, sacrifice, and spiritual renewal— It honors the unique crosses you bear: the demands of duty, the weight of deployments, the scars of combat, the challenges of reintegration, family separations, and physical or emotional wounds. Drawing from the Gospel's call to self-denial and following Christ, this practice invites you to unite your experiences with Jesus' passion, finding strength and hope in His resurrection.
This session uses Luke 9:22-25 (NABRE), where Jesus speaks of suffering, self-denial, and taking up the cross—echoing the selfless service and resilience inherent in military life. Allocate 20-30 minutes in a quiet space, perhaps with a service medal, dog tags, or a family photo as a focal point.
Preparation
- Make the sign of the cross and pray: "Lord Jesus, who bore the ultimate cross for us, bless this Lenten time. Help me, as a [service member/veteran/family member], to see my sacrifices in light of Yours. Guide my heart toward renewal. Amen."
- Read the passage once for overview: ~Luke 9:22-25"The Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised. Then he said to all, 'If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. What profit is there for one to gain the whole world yet lose or forfeit himself?'"
1. Lectio (Sacred Reading)
- Read the passage aloud slowly, two or three times. Notice what resonates: perhaps "take up his cross daily" amid the routines of service, or "loses his life for my sake" reflecting missions where personal safety is secondary.
- Pause silently for 2-3 minutes. What word or phrase speaks to your military journey—active deployments, veteran reflections, family support, or disability challenges?
2. Meditatio (Meditation)
- Ponder the selected word or phrase. Consider: How does "denying himself" mirror the self-sacrifice in military oaths—leaving family for duty, enduring combat stress, or adapting to injuries? For families, it might mean the quiet endurance of worry and absence. What "cross" do you carry daily? For combat veterans, perhaps memories of battle; for disabled veterans, physical limitations; for active duty, the burden of readiness; for families, the shared load across Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, or Space Force. In Lent, unite these with Christ's cross: His suffering validates yours, offering redemption. How might "losing your life" for His sake bring healing or purpose beyond worldly honors?
- Journal if desired, connecting to personal experiences like VA visits, reunions, or unit camaraderie.
3. Oratio (Prayer)
- Pray spontaneously from the heart: Thank God for the strength in service and the bonds of brotherhood/sisterhood. Confess where self-preservation (e.g., avoiding vulnerability or seeking escape) has overshadowed faith. Seek grace: "Lord, as I [face deployments/heal from wounds/support my loved one], help me follow You faithfully. Protect all in uniform and their families."
- Conclude with: "Eternal Father, we offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your Dearly Beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world." (Adapted from the Divine Mercy Chaplet, resonant for those in harm's way.)
4. Contemplatio (Contemplation)
- Rest in silence for 5-10 minutes, letting go of analysis. Envision Christ walking beside you—on a patrol, in a hospital room, at a homecoming, or during quiet family moments. Allow His presence to affirm your sacrifices as part of a greater mission.
- If thoughts wander to service-related stresses, gently refocus on His peace.
5. Actio (Resolution and Action)
- Choose a Lenten action tailored to your context: e.g., fast from a comfort to honor a fallen comrade; pray daily for deployed units or veteran support; offer almsgiving to organizations like Wounded Warrior Project or Fisher House; or, for families, a shared reflection on gratitude. For disabled veterans, perhaps adapting prayer to mobility needs.
- Close: "Lord, fortify me in this Lent to serve You as I have served my country.
May Glory be to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit
MAC(EXW/SW/AW) Heath Garcia
USN (Ret.)
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Special Lectio Divina for the Beginning of Lent
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