new creation – Sojourners y Peregrinas

2 Corinthians 5 Lectio Divina (Lectio in Groups)

Lectio: Read verses 1-10 again, taking note of the language of earthly and heavenly “tents” or bodies, and the language of clothing.

Meditatio: In verse 4, the meaning of “putting on our new bodies” is the idea of putting on an overcoat or outer garment to cover up everything underneath. Consider all the “clothing” you have put into your closet through the last few weeks (cf. Series 17 Clothed with Christ). Consider how all of these things are preparing you for life spent in the presence of God.

Lectio: Read verses 11-17. Highlight the words and phrases that speak about the old and the new.

Meditatio: Reflect on the changes that knowing Christ has brought about in your life. How have these changes impacted how you view others? Which of your relationships still need to be more controlled by Christ’s love?

Lectio: Read verses 18-21. Focus on what these verses say about reconciliation.

Meditatio: How are we reconciled to God? How one views others (through the lens of Christ’s love) and behaves toward them can be a mirror of God’s grace. How can you be a reflection of God’s grace?

Oratio: Pray to be completely controlled by Christ’s love. Pray to stop evaluating others from a human point of view and rather to see them from God’s perspective. Pray that your behavior will reflect God’s grace and extend the love of Christ so that you will be an agent of reconciliation.

Contemplatio: Spend some time in silence, allowing the Holy Spirit to work in your heart to allow you to see where your prayers might be applied and answered.