The Living Podcast
A simple rhythm for everyday life, the living podcast.
Each episode guides you through an ancient practice of prayer called Lectio Divina — a way of listening to God through Scripture that has shaped the Church for centuries.
This isn’t about rushing to insight or information.
It’s about creating space to be with God… and to listen.
Each day includes:
- A brief invitation and practice of presence.
- Four movements through a short passage of Scripture.
- Quiet moments for reflection and prayer.
- A closing blessing to carry with you into your day.
You can listen in the morning, during a commute, or in the evening as you wind down. There’s no right way to do this — just come as you are.
The Living Podcast
Day 37 of Lent - Lectio Divina on Luke 22:47-51
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Welcome back to The Living, a space created to help you encounter God in your everyday life, be with him, and find life right where you are. Today is Thursday, March 26, and we are in a Linton journey looking at the final week of Jesus' life. This week we've been spending time in the Garden of Gethsemane. We've seen Jesus under pressure, we've heard his prayer, we watched him surrender, and now the moment arrives. The stillness of the garden is interrupted by footsteps, torches, voices, movement in the dark. The one who prayed nevertheless now steps forward. Before we dive into today's Lectio Divina and study and pray through the text, let's begin by slowing down. Let's take a deep breath in and gently exhale. Let your body settle into this moment. Maybe even ask Jesus. Will you help me stay present to this moment? Today's scripture comes from the Gospel of Luke, chapter twenty-two, verses forty-seven through fifty-one, when Judas approaches Jesus in the garden. And as always, for our Lectio Divina practice, we'll be looking through four movements. We'll read, reflect, respond, and then take time to rest. While he was still speaking, a crowd came up, and the man who was called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him. But Jesus asked him, Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss? When Jesus' followers saw what was going to happen, they said, Lord, should we strike with our swords? And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear. But Jesus answered, No more of this. And he touched the man's ear and healed him. On this second reading, this is an opportunity to reflect. Maybe ask the Holy Spirit to highlight something to you that you haven't seen before. While he was still speaking, a crowd came up, and the man who was called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him, but Jesus asked him, Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss? When Jesus' followers saw what was going to happen, they said, Lord, should we strike with our swords? And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear. But Jesus answered, No more of this. And he touched the man's ear and healed him. What stands out to you in this moment? As I read this passage again, I invite you to listen for the invitation to respond to the Lord. You might ask, where have I experienced hurt or betrayal? Where might I be holding on to something I need to release to God? While he was still speaking, a crowd came up, and the man who was called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him, but Jesus asked him, Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss? When Jesus' followers saw what was going to happen, they said, Lord, should we strike with our swords? And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear. But Jesus answered, No more of this. And he touched the man's ear and healed him. Give yourself space to respond to the Lord. While he was still speaking, a crowd came up, and the man who was called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him, but Jesus asked him, Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss? When Jesus' followers saw what was going to happen, they said, Lord, should we strike with our swords? And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear. But Jesus answered, No more of this. And he healed the man. Judas approaches Jesus with a kiss. And yet it becomes this moment of betrayal. Jesus can see it clearly. And still he doesn't step back. He doesn't retreat. He doesn't run. Instead, he continues to move forward. The cross wasn't something forced upon him. He moved willingly towards it. Knowing he'd be betrayed. Knowing the pain. This is the love of Jesus. A love that does not retreat even when he is wounded. Let's close with a word of prayer. Jesus, you understand what it means to be hurt. You understand betrayal. Teach us to trust you even in those places. And thank you that you still came forward. That you loved us enough to still go to the cross. Thank you, Lord. We pray this in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen. Today, go in his presence, rest in his love. This is the living. We'll continue tomorrow.