40 scriptural passages accompanied by short essays that intend to demonstrate the method of lectio divina. A good introduction to lectio divina as a practice. ( )

My wife and I read this devotional during the evenings of Lent. We sort of petered out at the end but I did enjoy the late Basil Pennington's reflections on the life of Christ.

Each of the entries in this book are based on Lectio Divinas Pennington did on passages from the life of Christ. They cover the whole arc of Jesus' earthly life. The reflections are presented under three categories: Beginnings, Teachings and Healings, and Passion & Resurrection.

For the most part Pennington's reflections are rather great and I gleaned some insights and learned to see particular scriptures in a different way. Though there is a certain unevenness to these. My wife and I read and let the reflections guide are evening prayers. But I found sometimes the reflections merely explicated Pennington's own views rather than helped us delve into the truth of the gospel. Thankfully some chapters were more nourishing than that.

Also occasionally these reflections seem directed specifically to fellow monks (but not always) so adjustments have to be made on how you read this.

Still it was good. ( )