From Heath Garcia, MAC(SW/AW) ret., Military Spiritual Director at ArchAngel Ministries Dear friends in faith, especially my fellow service members and veterans, In the spirit of our shared journeys through trials and triumphs, today’s Lectio Divina draws from the timeless story of David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17:32-49, NABRE). This narrative reminds us that true strength comes not from armor or weapons, but from unwavering trust in God. As we navigate our own “battlefields” – whether in deployment, transition to civilian life, or personal struggles – let’s open our hearts to how God equips the unlikely for victory. Take 10-15 minutes in a quiet space. Breathe deeply, inviting the Holy Spirit to guide you. Scripture Passage (NABRE – New American Bible Revised Edition): David Challenges Goliath 32 Then David spoke to Saul: “My lord should not lose heart. Let your servant go and fight this Philistine.”33 But Saul answered David, “You cannot go up against this Philistine and fight with him, for you are only a youth, while he has been a warrior from his youth.”34 Then David told Saul: “Your servant used to tend his father’s sheep, and whenever a lion or bear came to carry off a sheep from the flock,35 I would chase after it, attack it, and snatch the prey from its mouth. If it attacked me, I would seize it by the throat, strike it, and kill it.36 Your servant has killed both a lion and a bear. This uncircumcised Philistine will be as one of them, because he has insulted the armies of the living God.”37 David continued: “The same Lord who delivered me from the claws of the lion and the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” Saul answered David, “Go! the Lord will be with you.”…49 David put his hand into the bag and took out a stone, hurled it with the sling, and struck the Philistine on the forehead. The stone embedded itself in his brow, and he fell on his face to the ground.50 Thus David triumphed over the Philistine with sling and stone; he struck the Philistine dead, and did it without a sword in his hand.

Visio Divina ("divine seeing") is a contemplative prayer practice similar to Lectio Divina, but centered on sacred images rather than text. It invites you to gaze prayerfully at visuals that evoke the scripture, allowing the Holy Spirit to speak through beauty, symbolism, and emotion. This session uses the same Gospel passage: Luke 9:22-25 (NABRE) — Jesus foretells His suffering and calls disciples to deny themselves, take up their cross daily, and follow Him, losing life for His sake to truly save it. The images provided provoke thought on personal "crosses" — service, wounds, family burdens — while pointing to Christ's companionship in them. Set aside 20-30 minutes in a quiet space. Light a candle if possible, perhaps near dog tags, a service photo, or a small cross. Begin with a slow reading of Luke 9:22-25 (as in the prior Lectio). PreparationSign of the cross. Pray: "Lord Jesus, who carried the cross and calls me to follow, open my eyes to see You in these images. Unite my sacrifices — as a [service member/veteran/family member] — with Yours. Speak to my heart. Amen." 1. Visio (Sacred Gazing) – Look Slowly. Gaze at each image (one at a time) for 2–4 minutes. Let your eyes rest softly — no rushing. Notice colors, light/shadow, figures, symbols. What draws you in first? What feels heavy or hopeful? 2. Meditatio (Meditation) – Reflect. After viewing all, return to the image that most moved you. Ask: - How does this scene echo Jesus' words about taking up the cross daily? - Where do I see self-denial in my service life (deployments, discipline, caregiving, healing)? - What might "losing my life for His sake" look like right now — perhaps trusting God with PTS symptoms, forgiving past regrets, or serving others despite pain? Journal briefly if helpful. 3. Oratio (Prayer) – Respond: Speak to God from what the images stirred: gratitude for companionship in sacrifice, petition for strength to follow, confession where you've resisted the cross, intercession for brothers/sisters in arms and their families.

As we step into Lent—a season of reflection, sacrifice, and spiritual renewal— It honors the unique crosses you bear: the demands of duty, the weight of deployments, the scars of combat, the challenges of reintegration, family separations, and physical or emotional wounds. Drawing from the Gospel's call to self-denial and following Christ, this practice invites you to unite your experiences with Jesus' passion, finding strength and hope in His resurrection. This session uses Luke 9:22-25 (NABRE), where Jesus speaks of suffering, self-denial, and taking up the cross—echoing the selfless service and resilience inherent in military life. Allocate 20-30 minutes in a quiet space, perhaps with a service medal, dog tags, or a family photo as a focal point. Preparation - Make the sign of the cross and pray: "Lord Jesus, who bore the ultimate cross for us, bless this Lenten time. Help me, as a [service member/veteran/family member], to see my sacrifices in light of Yours. Guide my heart toward renewal. Amen." - Read the passage once for overview: ~Luke 9:22-25"The Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised. Then he said to all, 'If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. What profit is there for one to gain the whole world yet lose or forfeit himself?'" 1. Lectio (Sacred Reading) - Read the passage aloud slowly, two or three times. Notice what resonates: perhaps "take up his cross daily" amid the routines of service, or "loses his life for my sake" reflecting missions where personal safety is secondary. - Pause silently for 2-3 minutes. What word or phrase speaks to your military journey—active deployments, veteran reflections, family support, or disability challenges?