Lectio Divina: For the 16th Week In Ordinary Time

Please read slowly and reflectively.

Slowly count to five at the end of each line.

A READING FROM THE GOSPEL OF JESUS ACCORDING TO MATTHEW (FIRST READER ONLY)

THE REIGN OF HEAVEN IS LIKE A TREASURE/

HIDDEN IN A FIELD./

WHICH A PERSON FINDS AND COVERS UP;/

WHO THEN, IN JOY , GOES AND SELLS ALL/

AND BUYS THAT FIELD./

THE REIGN OF HEAVEN IS LIKE A MERCHANT/

IN SEARCH OF FINE PEARLS./

WHO, ON FINDING ONE PEARL OF GREAT VALUE,/

WENT AND SOLD ALL, AND BOUGHT IT./

"HAVE YOU UNDERSTOOD ALL THIS?" HE ASKED THEM./

"YES", THEY REPLIED.