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.

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?

Dear Fellow Veterans, Active Duty Service Members, Combat Heroes, Disabled Warriors, and Your Beloved Families, Grace and peace to you from our Lord Jesus Christ. As your Spiritual Director, Heath Garcia, I'm honored to share this week's Lectio Divina with you through ArchAngel Ministries. In the midst of the battles we've faced—whether on foreign soil, in the quiet struggles of homecoming, or supporting loved ones through it all—God's Word offers us a refuge of healing, strength, and unshakeable faith. This practice of Lectio Divina invites us to encounter Scripture not just with our minds, but with our hearts, allowing the Holy Spirit to speak directly to our wounds, our resilience, and our hope. For the week of February 3, 2026, we'll focus on the Gospel reading from Mark 5:21-43, the stories of the woman healed from her affliction and Jairus' daughter raised from death. These narratives resonate deeply with our experiences: the long-suffering from unseen injuries, the desperation in the face of loss, and the power of faith to bring restoration. I've selected key verses (Mark 5:25-34, 35-36, 41-42) to guide us, drawing from the daily Mass readings. Preparation: Find a quiet space—perhaps your favorite chair, a walk in nature, or even in the company of family. Take a few deep breaths, invoking the Holy Spirit: "Come, Holy Spirit, open my heart to Your Word. Heal what is broken, strengthen what is weary. "The Scripture Passage (Mark 5:25-34, 35-36, 41-42, NABRE) "A woman afflicted with hemorrhages for twelve years had suffered greatly at the hands of many doctors and had spent all that she had, yet she grew worse. She had heard about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak. She said, "If I but touch his clothes, I shall be cured." Immediately, her flow of blood dried up. She felt in her body that she was healed of her affliction. Jesus, aware at once that power had gone out from him, turned around in the crowd and asked, "Who has touched my clothes?" But his disciples said to him, "You see how the crowd is pressing upon you, and yet you ask, 'Who touched me?'" And he looked around to see who had done it. The woman, realizing what had happened to her, approached in fear and trembling. She fell down before Jesus and told him the whole truth. He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has saved you. Go in peace and be cured of your affliction."

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10, NIV) Brothers and sisters in arms—active duty, retired, combat-wounded, disabled vets, and your families—welcome to this week's Lectio Divina in our Haven. This ancient practice of "divine reading" invites us to slow down, let Scripture speak personally, and encounter God's voice amid the noise of life, memories, or the fight to heal. Lectio Divina has four movements (Lectio, Meditatio, Oratio, Contemplatio). Take 20-30 minutes in a quiet spot if you can. Grab your Bible (or phone app), a journal if it helps, and breathe. No rush—God meets us right where we are, even in the foxhole of the heart. Lectio (Read) – Read the verse slowly 3-4 times aloud or silently. Let it sink in. What word or short phrase stands out to you today? (e.g., "do not fear," "I am with you," "I will strengthen you," "uphold you," "righteous right hand")Don't force it—just notice what the Holy Spirit highlights. Write it down. Meditatio (Reflect) – Reread the verse, then sit with that word/phrase. How does it connect to your story? Maybe a deployment memory, a moment of fear in combat, the weight of invisible wounds (PTSD, guilt, loss), or the daily battle to keep going. Where in your life right now do you need to hear "I am with you" or "I will strengthen you"? Imagine God's strong, righteous right hand reaching out—steadying you like a battle buddy who never leaves your side. What feelings or memories rise? Be honest with Him; He already knows. Oratio (Respond/Pray) – Turn your reflection into an honest conversation with God. Speak back to Him: gratitude, questions, cries for help, confessions, or simple thanks for His promise. Example: "Lord, I've carried this fear too long... help me trust You're still holding me up." Pray for the Haven family too—lift up a brother/sister whom you know is struggling, or the families walking alongside.

Lectio Divina Meditation: Facing Our Giants with Faith From Heath Garcia, Spiritual Director of Archangel Ministries Dear brothers and sisters in service—active duty military, combat veterans, wounded warriors, and your families—welcome to this week's Lectio Divina meditation for January 19-25, 2026. As we gather in this group setting, whether in person or virtually, let's remember that Archangel Ministries is here to support you through spiritual guidance, drawing on the protection of the archangels, such as St. Michael, patron of warriors. This week, in the Second Week of Ordinary Time, our readings from 1 Samuel remind us of David's courage in battle, a story that echoes the trials many of you have faced on the front lines. Lectio Divina is an ancient practice of divine reading: we read Scripture (Lectio), reflect on it (Meditatio), respond in prayer (Oratio), and rest in God's presence (Contemplatio). Today, we'll focus on a passage from Wednesday's reading (January 21, Memorial of St. Agnes), 1 Samuel 17:32-33, 37, 40-51—the story of David facing Goliath. This narrative speaks directly to themes of courage, trust in God amid overwhelming odds, and the battles we fight, both external and internal. I'll guide us through each step, with time for sharing in the group. Let's begin with a moment of silence to invite the Holy Spirit. Opening Prayer: Heavenly Father, like David before Goliath, we come before You facing our own giants—wounds of war, memories of combat, family strains from service. Send Your archangels to guard us as we listen to Your Word. Amen. The Scripture Passage: 1 Samuel 17:32-33, 37, 40-51 ~ David spoke to Saul: “Let your majesty not lose courage. I am at your service to go and fight this Philistine.” 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.” David continued: “The LORD, who delivered me from the claws of the lion and the bear, will also keep me safe from the clutches of this Philistine.” Saul answered David, “Go! The LORD will be with you.”Then, staff in hand, David selected five smooth stones from the wadi and put them in the pocket of his shepherd’s bag. He took his sling in hand and went directly to the Philistine. The Philistine then moved to meet David at close quarters, while David ran quickly toward the battle line in the direction of the Philistine. 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 prostrate on the ground. Thus, David overcame the Philistine with a sling and a stone; with no sword in his hand, he struck the Philistine down and killed him. David then ran and stood over him; with the Philistine’s own sword, which he drew from its sheath, he dispatched him and cut off his head. When they saw that their hero was dead, the Philistines took to flight.