ROME (CNS) — The ancient
tradition of “lectio divina” or sacred reading of Scripture should be promoted
as a way to enrich the spiritual life of the church, Pope Benedict XVI said in
an address to biblical experts. “The church must always renew and rejuvenate
herself” through “the Word of God, which never gets old or expires,” he said.
The pope urged a renewal of this ancient tradition, saying he was convinced it
would “bring a new spiritual springtime to the church if promoted effectively.”
The pope’s message came in a Sept. 16 address at his summer residence of Castel
Gandolfo to some 500 biblical experts, scholars and pastoral leaders attending
an international conference in Rome. The Catholic Biblical Federation and the
Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity sponsored the congress
commemorating the 40th anniversary of “Dei Verbum,” the Second Vatican Council’s
document on Scripture and revelation.