The Lenten season began as the final preparation for the baptism of adults who had been under instruction for many months. It is now also a preparation for the annual reaffirmation of baptismal vows at Easter. Seven responsibilities are emphasized here.

4. 'LECTIO DIVINA'

Daily reading of the Scriptures, especially with a study guide, is one of the Lenten disciplines. John 16:12-13, suggests that inspired writing did not cease when the Biblical books had been written. Others by saints and scholars ancient and modern deepen our understanding of 'the Jesus Event'. The criterion of 'lectio divina', spiritual reading, is that it witnesses to one God, to Jesus Christ in whom the Spirit of God lived among

us in a vicarious human life and to the continuing presence of that Spirit in one holy, catholic and apostolic Church as affirmed by the ecumenical creeds.

The acknowledgement

of that unity is basic to the profession of the One Faith. Sectarian or personal interpretations weaken that witness. A fuller understanding of how to 'walk the walk' as well as 'talk the talk' is the purpose of 'lectio divina'.