Advent Lectio Divina

By S. Catherine Duenne, December 10, 2025

This Advent, we are delighted to share the prayer, lectio, and work of four Sisters of St. Benedict’s Monastery in St. Joseph, MN. Just down the road from Saint John’s Abbey, they met regularly to read and pray, using the traditional Benedictine practice of Lectio Divina, with the Sunday Gospel. 

As we anticipate this coming Sunday’s Gospel reading (Advent 3 — in full below the video), we offer this reflection from S. Catherine Duenne, who reminds us that those we least expect can be the ones who teach us the most — in the most unexpected and surprising ways.

Matthew 11:2-11

When John the Baptist heard in prison of the works of the Christ,
he sent his disciples to Jesus with this question,
“Are you the one who is to come,
or should we look for another?”
Jesus said to them in reply,
“Go and tell John what you hear and see:
the blind regain their sight,
the lame walk,
lepers are cleansed,
the deaf hear,
the dead are raised,
and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them.
And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me.”

As they were going off,
Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John,
“What did you go out to the desert to see?
A reed swayed by the wind?
Then what did you go out to see?
Someone dressed in fine clothing?
Those who wear fine clothing are in royal palaces.
Then why did you go out?  To see a prophet?
Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.
This is the one about whom it is written:
Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you;
he will prepare your way before you.
Amen, I say to you,
among those born of women
there has been none greater than John the Baptist;
yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”

Sister Catherine Duenne, a Benedictine sister in St. Joseph, MN, is a musician and the community’s Postulant and Novice Director.