Text, Context and Subtext
Be seated attentive but relaxed, in a quiet place, where you are alone. May be in your room, or in the garden, where you can be by yourself.
Choose a passage from the Gospels, or just begin to read one of the gospels, especially from the part of the public ministry of Jesus. I suggest, Lk 4:1-12.
Read the text a little bit loud, slowly and dramatically.
As you read, imagine the context of the text. Where is it taking place? Who are the people in the scene? Imagine the details of the context, as you continue to read.
Now supply your own subtext to the text. The subtext is the emotions, hidden undertones in the text. In the language of theatre, text is the script (the lines written by a playwright), context is the scene (usually the director interprets this to the actors, or it is created by the sets or by the dramatis personae) and the subtext is the intonation with which the actor renders the lines depending on the context. Imagine, for instance, when Jesus says a particular sentence in the gospel, with what emotion (subtext) is he saying it. Repeat the sentence with different intonations and inner feelings until you are satisfied with it. Then move on with the text.
Enjoy re-living the whole drama, where you are the narrator and you are the actor/actress! Now and then just pause and become aware of insights and feelings that the text produces in you.
End by thanking God for this moment.