Latest Thoughts
Explore My Reflections
Following the contemplative rhythm of Lectio Divina
Moving from Attentive Reading (Lectio)
To Reflection (Meditatio)
To Prayerful Response (Oratio)
And finally into Silent Resting in God (Contemplatio)
Grappling With Divinity invites a slow unfolding of Scripture, Spiritual Wisdom, and Lived Experience.
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Lectio: Love Over Self-Interest
This insightful Lectio Divina, inspired by Pedro Arrupe, SJ, challenges believers to elevate their understanding of justice. It emphasizes that true justice requires more than merely avoiding injustice; it calls for rejecting self-interest and embracing love as society’s driving force. This reflection invites readers to actively pursue justice by fostering communities rooted in compassion…
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Oratio: When It’s Time
In this contemplative oratio divina, Robert Van Valkenburgh expresses a prayerful hope for a peaceful transition to eternal life. He seeks the courage to let go when the Lord calls him home, the peace of having loved well, and the grace to accept forgiveness. The reflection emphasizes the desire to leave a legacy of…
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Lectio: The Weapons Of Love And Truth
This compelling Lectio Divina based on Pope Benedict XVI’s insight delves into the essence of Christian nonviolence as a profound way of being, rather than just a strategy. It emphasizes that true nonviolence stems from a deep conviction in God’s love and power, empowering individuals to confront evil with love and truth. This reflection…
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Oratio: Every Season
In this heartfelt oratio divina, Robert Van Valkenburgh reflects on the Lord’s faithfulness, wisdom, and mercy throughout life’s seasons. He shares how God’s presence assures us that storms and rainy days are temporary and serve a deeper purpose. This reflection highlights the transformative understanding that even in suffering, God’s love is ever-present, teaching us…
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Lectio: Gate Of Heaven
This profound Lectio Divina based on James Finley’s insight highlights the spiritual significance of acknowledging our poverty before God. By accepting our limitations and weaknesses, we open ourselves to God’s grace, discovering that this humility is the very gateway to heaven. This reflection encourages believers to embrace their dependence on God, recognizing it as…
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Oratio: Willed Into Being
In this oratio divina, Robert Van Valkenburgh contemplates the beauty and mystery of creation, from the gentle sprouting of grass to the force of natural storms. He reflects on the divine will behind every aspect of the natural world and life’s cycles, revealing the awe-inspiring yet mysterious nature of God’s creative acts. This reflection…
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Lectio: All With All
This Lectio Divina inspired by John Shea emphasizes the inclusive nature of God’s invitation to the heavenly table. It highlights that this divine banquet is open to everyone who is willing to share fellowship with others, emphasizing unity and acceptance. This reflection invites believers to adopt a spirit of openness and inclusivity, mirroring the…
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Oratio: On Our Way Home
In this evocative oratio divina, Robert Van Valkenburgh reflects on the fleeting nature of time and the shared journey of life. He poignantly captures the inevitability of moving forward, highlighting our interactions as both strangers and friends on the road to our ultimate home. This reflection encourages readers to cherish each moment and relationship,…
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Lectio: Dividing Soul And Spirit
This Lectio Divina on Hebrews 4:12 delves into the dynamic and penetrating nature of God’s Word. Described as sharper than a double-edged sword, Scripture has the power to reach the depths of our being, discerning the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. This reflection highlights the transformative and discerning capacity of God’s Word, inviting…
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Oratio: New Prayer Posture
In this enlightening oratio divina, Robert Van Valkenburgh invites us to lift our heads and engage with the world as a way of renewing our connection to God. He emphasizes the importance of experiencing the beauty around us—the sun, the breeze, and the quiet whispers of creation—as a form of prayer and prostration. This…
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The Yoke We Were Not Meant To Carry: Brother Lawrence and the Grace That Meets Our Powerlessness (Lectio Divina)
What if the surrender you keep circling never comes by trying harder, but only by the trying finally giving out? Brother Lawrence asks for a total trust that sounds simple and costs everything, and this reflection sits with the exhaustion that finally lets God in.
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Owe Nothing But Love: Theodoret of Cyrus on Love as the Fulfilling of the Law (Lectio Divina)
What if the command to love was never a debt you could actually pay off? Theodoret of Cyrus reads Paul’s warning about owing nothing but love and finds something stranger than an obligation — a debt that grows the more it’s paid, rather than shrinking. This reflection sits with what it feels like to carry…
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No Longer Carved in Stone: Augustine of Hippo and Love as God’s One Law (Lectio Divina)
What if the law you can’t seem to keep was never meant to be kept from outside at all? Augustine insists something was written into you long before you ever tried, and failed, to obey a command pressed on you from without.
