Open up a horizon of hope Ū tonu ki te pae o te tu-manako

Transcription

1 CARITAS LENTEN REFLECTION PROGRAMME 2014 Open up a horizon of hope Ū tonu ki te pae o te tu-manako The Catholic Agency for Justice, Peace & Development

2 Lenten Reflection Programme 2014 PO Box 12193, Wellington 6144 Aotearoa New Zealand ISSN (Print) ISSN (Online) ISBN (Print) ISBN (Online) English version: Te Reo Māori version: Tongan version: Tokelauan version: Samoan version: David Nonu, Lisa Beech, Fr Albano Da Costa SVD, Patricia Lynch, Maria Sinnott, Martin de Jong Piripi Walker Langi Paasi Eneliko Tovio Savelina Kasiano Pasifika programmes coordinator: Te Reo Māori oversight: Additional advice and input: Illustrations: Design: David Nonu Te Rūnanga o te Hāhi Katorika ki Aotearoa Pā Mikaere Ryan Tamāriki Ferguson Rose Miller The Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand Lenten reflection programme is available in English, Te Reo Māori, Tokelauan, Samoan and Tongan language versions This programme is a contribution to the New Zealand Diversity Action Programme COVER: Boys jumping off wharf at Gizo township, Solomon Islands. Credit: Adrian Heke.

3 CARITAS LENTEN REFLECTION PROGRAMME 2014 Open up a horizon of hope Ū tonu ki te pae o te tu-manako Pope Francis: Inaugural homily, 19 March 2013 A guide to using the Caritas Lenten Reflection Programme We are called to live and share our faith with each other and with the wider community. Lent provides an opportunity each year to deepen our understanding of our faith by reflecting on the Lenten Gospels. During Lent we have the opportunity to turn back to God, to reexamine the practice of our faith and to consider what we want to change in our lives. Praying with the Lenten Gospels Lectio Divina Central to the Caritas Lenten Reflection Programme is shared reflection on the Gospels for the six Sundays of Lent in the style of lectio divina, a Latin term which means reading with God. In this form of prayer, after the first reading of the Gospel, members of the group repeat a word or phrase which stood out for them. They may repeat several words or phrases each, as they feel so moved. The Gospel is then read again, and there is an opportunity for sharing. Gospel reflections Following this shared reflection on the Gospel, the programme offers additional material to generate further discussion. Its focus is to help us live the Gospels to share our faith and the love that God has given us with our neighbours. This section has been developed following feedback that groups are looking for opportunities to deepen their understanding of the Scriptural context of the Gospels, as well as Catholic social teaching and its application in the work of Caritas and in their daily lives. 1

4 Additional sources of material used in preparing the programme In preparing this year s programme, Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand has drawn on material including: Pope Francis: Inaugural Homily, 19 March 2013; Caritas projects and programmes; The practical experience of Caritas workers and our partners from our own reflection and sharing on the messages of the 2014 Lenten Gospels. Prayers The programme offers suggestions for prayer, including Opening Prayers. If your group has other prayers or a preferred way of praying, please feel free to substitute these prayers. For example, you may wish to use formal prayers of the Church or forms of intercessory prayer. What is important is taking the time to pray together. Bible translation The Gospel and Psalm readings are taken from the Lectionary, based on Ordo Lectionum Missae, Editio Typica Altera, Typis Polyglottis Vaticanis, Please feel free to read the Gospels from the Bible in another translation. Groups for shared Lenten reflection Communities who use this programme include Catholic parishes, ecumenical groups, families, ethnic communities, religious communities, rest home residents, and groups in prison. A number of parishes organise formal day-time or evening group meetings. Increasingly the programme is being picked up in new ways: for example, families choosing to reflect and pray together for the six weeks of Lent. Please feel free to adapt the programme to suit the needs of your group or community. 2

5 Leaders The role of the leader or facilitator is to assist the group by providing focus and some structure to the session, as well as to encourage members to share and to listen. This role can be taken by one person nominated for all the sessions or it can be rotated among group members. All members of Lenten groups have their own life experiences and faith journeys, as well as different gifts and different insights. Each person has a significant contribution to make to the weekly reflections. A prayer focus a lit candle, a Bible, flowers, other symbols and appropriate music as a background to reflection can be very helpful. Response A significant aim of our Lenten practice of prayer, fasting and almsgiving is to change our behaviour and to respond with love to our neighbours. Each session ends with an invitation and an opportunity to make a personal commitment to put our faith into action. Session outline A session is generally expected to last minutes. The time-frame could be as follows: Welcome, opening prayer and sharing minutes Scripture context, Gospel reading and response minutes Gospel reflection and discussion minutes Response and personal commitment 5-10 minutes Closing prayer 5-10 minutes 3

6 New Zealand Bishops Lent appeal: Week 1 One project supported by Lenten donations to Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand Photo: Cathy Bi Christ was challenged in the desert to listen to discern the truth to listen to the authentic voice of what God was asking him to do. The Christchurch earthquakes challenged Caritas to listen for the voices of those made more vulnerable. It brought us into contact with the Aranui community, including young mother Lamepasola Timu. She spoke with Caritas to a parliamentary select committee about changes to state housing policy. She said that Housing New Zealand needed to take into account how their policies would impact close-knit and supportive communities like Aranui, rather than focus on individual households. 4

7 Session One First Sunday of Lent: Tuning our hearts to God s authentic voice Let us be protectors of creation, protectors of God s plan inscribed in nature, protectors of one another and of the environment. Let us not allow omens of destruction and death to accompany the advance of this world! Pope Francis: Inaugural homily, 19 March 2013 Opening Prayer E Hēhu Karaiti, Christ Jesus: You were alone in the desert. Hungry for connection, help us to tune our hearts to your authentic voice. Responsorial Psalm Psalm 50 Response: Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned. Have mercy on me, God, in your kindness. In your compassion blot out my offence. O wash me more and more from my guilt and cleanse me from my sin. (Response) My offences truly I know them; my sin is always before me. Against you, you alone, have I sinned; what is evil in your sight I have done. (Response) A pure heart create for me, O God, put a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from your presence, nor deprive me of your holy spirit. (Response) Give me again the joy of your help; with a spirit of fervour sustain me. O Lord, open my lips and my mouth shall declare your praise. (Response) 5

8 Group Sharing Leader: What are your hopes as we begin this Lenten journey? Gospel Reading Invite a member of the group to read the following passage aloud. A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew 4:1-11 Jesus was led by the Spirit out into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. He fasted for forty days and forty nights, after which he was very hungry, and the tempter came and said to him, If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to turn into loaves. But he replied, Scripture says: Man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God. The devil then took him to the holy city and made him stand on the parapet of the Temple. If you are the Son of God, he said, throw yourself down; for scripture says: He will put you in his angels charge, And they will support you on their hands in case you hurt your foot against a stone. Jesus said to him, Scripture also says: You must not put the Lord your God to the test. Next, taking him to a very high mountain, the devil showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendour. I will give you all these, he said, if you fall at my feet and worship me. Then Jesus replied, Be off, Satan! For scripture says: You must worship the Lord your God, and serve him alone. Then the devil left him, and angels appeared and looked after him. After the reading, pause for silent reflection. Then invite people to share a word or phrase that stood out for them. Invite another group member to read the Gospel passage aloud again. 6

9 Gospel Reflection Who do we listen to? Is it easier to hear the tempter than to listen to the voice of Christ? Do we hear our own needs, or do we discern the voice of the poor? Jesus was alone in the desert. In our New Zealand context, being alone in the desert might be equivalent to existing in the midst of other people but feeling isolated or disconnected. Caritas found that political debates about changes to state housing policy often focused on individual households rather than understanding or considering the impact on communities. Through our relationships with Christchurch parishes, schools and the Christchurch Diocesan earthquake response, we became aware that state housing policy and practice was breaking up some tight-knit communities. The community associated with St James Catholic School, Aranui provided an authentic voice from a state housing community to be heard by politicians considering legislative changes to housing provision. This authentic voice, coming from the community, warned that state tenants would end up living in isolation if viewed as households rather than communities. In the Gospel, both the tempter and Christ quoted from Scripture. Decisions that are well-intentioned still need discernment in working out what their impact will be on real people. Group Discussion What voices do we listen to in our society? How do we remain open to the authentic voice of the Spirit? How do we consider more deeply and more carefully what God is saying to us? How do we make time for a careful listening to God? Response We end our discussion and sharing with a commitment to put our faith into action. What is one action I commit to undertake, either by myself or together with other members of the group, as a result of our reflection and discussion this week? 7

10 Tuning our hearts to God s authentic voice (please write your response in the space provided) Ideas for action Find out what your parish is doing for poor and vulnerable people already. Join a group or attend a meeting of a group in your parish or community to hear the stories of people in need. In response to the need, decide on a practical response. Find out what issues of the day Caritas is commenting on and consider making your own submission or letter in support. Final Prayer Jesus, help us to listen to your voice, in the desert and in the busy-ness of our lives. May our service to one another be guided by you alone, and may you continue to ignite our hearts with the fullness of your love. Amen. 8

11 New Zealand Bishops Lenten appeal: Week 2 One project supported by Lenten donations to Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand Photo: anna robertson God reassures and encourages us in difficult situations to use the truth to transform a situation. In Timor Leste, Reuben de Silva is a journalist with Radio Timor Kmanek, a Caritas partner. When rural volunteer teachers were not receiving stipends due to them, Reuben got involved. He went out to speak to them, then brought some back to speak directly with the Minister of Education on air. As a result, the Minister agreed to investigate. 9

12 Session Two Second Sunday of Lent: Stand up and do not be afraid We learn how to respond to God s call, readily and willingly, but we also see the core of the Christian vocation, which is Christ! Let us protect Christ in our lives, so that we can protect others, so that we can protect creation! Pope Francis: Inaugural homily, 19 March 2013 Opening Prayer Te Atua o te Rangimārie, Peaceful God: you reassure us when you touch us in our time of fear. Encourage us to stand up and declare your truth. Responsorial Psalm Psalm 32 Response: Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you. The word of the Lord is faithful and all his works to be trusted. The Lord loves justice and right and fills the earth with his love. (Response) The Lord looks on those who revere him, on those who hope in his love, to rescue their souls from death, to keep them alive in famine. (Response) Our soul is waiting for the Lord. The Lord is our help and our shield. May your love be upon us, O Lord, as we place all our hope in you. (Response) 10

13 Group Sharing Leader: How has this week been? Were you able to put into action the commitment you made last week? Did any insights from last week s session stay with you? Did last week s reflection cause you to change your behaviour in any way? Gospel Reading Ask a member of the group to read the following passage aloud, from a Bible or from this booklet. A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew 17:1-9 Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain where they could be alone. There in their presence he was transfigured; his face shone like the sun and his clothes became as white as the light. Suddenly Moses and Elijah appeared to them; they were talking with him. Then Peter spoke to Jesus. Lord, he said, it is wonderful for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah. He was still speaking when suddenly a bright cloud covered them with shadow, and from the cloud there came a voice which said, This is my Son, the Beloved; he enjoys my favour. Listen to him. When they heard this, the disciples fell on their faces, overcome with fear. But Jesus came up and touched them. Stand up, he said, do not be afraid. And when they raised their eyes they saw no one but only Jesus. As they came down from the mountain Jesus gave them this order. Tell no one about the vision until the Son of Man has risen from the dead. After the reading, pause for silent reflection. Then invite people to share a word or phrase that stood out for them. Invite another group member to read the Gospel passage aloud again. 11

14 Gospel Reflection In the Gospel, the authentic voice of God asks the disciples and us to listen to Jesus as the Beloved Son of God. The moment of Transfiguration corresponds to our own baptism and baptismal call to share in Christ s role as Priest, Prophet and King. In Timor Leste, the Church is fulfilling its prophetic call by providing a radio station Radio Timor Kmanek, to build community and provide information to people in remote rural locations. In his radio programme Crying without a Voice, Reuben de Silva responded to the call of his baptism and vocation as a journalist by seeking out and listening to the voice of Christ in the community. When he heard that rural volunteer teachers were not receiving their stipends, he set out over rough roads to speak to them directly. After hearing their story, he got some of the teachers to meet with the Minister of Education on air at the radio station. As a result, the Minister agreed to investigate the issue. Reuben was touched by Christ. He was not afraid to seek out the authentic voice, and bring the truth to those with power to change the situation. He lived out the baptismal call and vocation in order to protect the lives and wellbeing of others. Group Discussion How do you experience God s touch? How can we bring the loving touch of Christ to others? Response We end our discussion and sharing with a commitment to put our faith into action. What is one action I commit to undertake, either by myself or together with other members of the group, as a result of our reflection and discussion this week? 12

15 Stand up and do not be afraid (please write your response in the space provided) Ideas for action Offer side-by-side mentoring to give support to someone overcoming difficulties. Explore a different media source to those you normally tune in to such as community radio or a website of a community agency, to hear stories from a new perspective or a different perspective. Be alert to people living with fear or loss, and consider a way to encourage them or to speak on their behalf. Final Prayer E te Atua, You have invited us and encouraged us to come to this group during Lent. You have touched us and encouraged us to stand up and not be afraid. Give your courage to the people of Timor Leste. May they be strengthened by knowing that we support them as they bring change to their country. We pray especially for Radio Timor Kmanek, that they may continue to be a beacon of hope for their remote communities. May your words continue to inspire us. Āmene. 13

16 New Zealand Bishops Lenten appeal: Week 3 One project supported by Lenten donations to Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand Photo: adrian heke Caritas works alongside communities helping them to help themselves. Maria, along with 1,500 other people in the diocese of Auki, in the Solomon Islands, used to have to rely on five dripping pipes to supply fresh water. In December 2012, seven local communities worked with Caritas, contributing their labour and money to help repair their water tank and improve the water flow. Now it takes Maria less than a minute to fill a bucket with water to wash the clothes for her family, compared with the 20 minutes it used to take. 14

17 Session Three Third Sunday of Lent: Living water The vocation of being a protector, however, is not just something involving us Christians alone; it also has a prior dimension which is simply human, involving everyone... it means building sincere friendships in which we protect one another in trust, respect, and goodness. Pope Francis: Inaugural homily, 19 March 2013 Opening Prayer E te Atua o te wai ora, God of living water: You quench our thirst with waters that never run dry. Help us to share generously to bring lifegiving water to others. Responsorial Psalm Psalm 94 Response: If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts. Come, ring out our joy to the Lord; hail the rock who saves us. Let us come before him, giving thanks, with songs let us hail the Lord. (Response) Come in; let us bow and bend low; let us kneel before the God who made us for he is our God and we the people who belong to his pasture, the flock that is led by his hand. (Response) O that today you would listen to his voice! Harden not your hearts as at Meribah, as on that day at Massah in the desert when your fathers put me to the test; when they tried me, though they saw my work. (Response) 15

18 Group Sharing Leader: How has this week been? Are you responding differently to people around you since the beginning of Lent? Have you been able to share any insights from last week s discussion with a friend, neighbour or workmate? Gospel Reading Ask a member of the group to read the following passage aloud, from a Bible or from this booklet. A reading from the holy Gospel according to John 4:5-15; 19-26; Jesus came to the Samaritan town called Sychar, near the land that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. Jacob s well is there and Jesus, tired by the journey, sat straight down by the well. It was about the sixth hour. When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, Give me a drink. His disciples had gone into the town to buy food. The Samaritan woman said to him, What? You are a Jew and you ask me, a Samaritan, for a drink? Jews, in fact, do not associate with Samaritans. Jesus replied: If you only knew what God is offering and who it is that is saying to you: Give me a drink, you would have been the one to ask, and he would have given you living water. You have no bucket, sir, she answered, and the well is deep: how could you get this living water? Are you a greater man than our father Jacob who gave us this well and drank from it himself with his sons and his cattle? Jesus replied: Whoever drinks this water will get thirsty again; but anyone who drinks the water that I shall give will never be thirsty again: the water that I shall give will turn into a spring inside him, welling up to eternal life. 16

19 Sir, said the woman, give me some of that water, so that I may never get thirsty and never have to come here again to draw water. I see you are a prophet, sir. Our fathers worshipped on this mountain, while you say that Jerusalem is the place where one ought to worship. Jesus said: Believe me, woman, the hour is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know; for salvation comes from the Jews. But the hour will come in fact it is here already when true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth: that is the kind of worshipper the Father wants. God is spirit, and those who worship must worship in spirit and truth. The woman said to him, I know that Messiah that is, Christ is coming; and when he comes he will tell us everything. I who am speaking to you, said Jesus, I am he. Many Samaritans of that town had believed in him on the strength of the woman s testimony, so, when the Samaritans came up to him, they begged him to stay with them. He stayed for two days, and when he spoke to them many more came to believe; and they said to the woman, Now we no longer believe because of what you told us; we have heard him ourselves and we know that he really is the saviour of the world. After the reading, pause for silent reflection. Then invite people to share a word or phrase that stood out for them. Invite another group member to read the Gospel passage aloud again. 17

20 Gospel Reflection What value do you place on relationships you have with others? Do they quench your thirst for connectedness in your community? Communities have always been strengthened by being aware of their collective needs and uniting or coming together to develop solutions. In the Diocese of Auki in Solomon Islands, seven communities have worked together with Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand to repair their water system. This project is about more than just providing a good water supply. It is also about seeking ways to work with each other towards a common goal. Jesus knew no boundaries. Jesus was asking for more than water. He sought to share a deeper understanding of truth for the world. The living water is available for all. Group Discussion When we see people in basic need of food, water and shelter; what does that say about our society and the world we live in? There are many in our churches and community who may feel marginalised or tired of trying to fit in or making it in our society. How can we share our lives and time generously so that we may draw from life-giving water together? Response We end our discussion and sharing with a commitment to put our faith into action. What is one action I commit to undertake, either by myself or together with other members of the group, as a result of our reflection and discussion this week? 18

21 Living Water (please write your response in the space provided) Ideas for action Speak to migrants or newcomers in your parish and welcome them. Check on how they are coping and invite them for a meal, or visit them where they reside. Identify ways to share your talents or gifts with someone in need. Learn about better ways to gather, store, and use water in our communities. Final Prayer Leader: E Hēhu Karaiti, Jesus, as you said to the Samaritan woman, you also say to us, If only you knew what God is offering. Read antiphonally (an individual or group reads a line, then the rest read the next line). Come let us sing joyfully to the Lord Open up our hearts and minds to receive your living water For he is our God, and we are the people he shepherds. Help us build sincere friendships in which we protect each other Let us kneel before the Lord who made us, for he is our God Amen. May your living water turn into a spring inside us, welling up to eternal life. 19

22 New Zealand Bishops Lenten appeal: Week 4 One project supported by Lenten donations to Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand Photo: angela murray Our human brokenness and frailty provides an opportunity for God to act and work miracles, if we have faith. Cathy is a teacher and fluent signer for deaf students at the San Isidro Care Centre in Solomon Islands. She is an experienced teacher, but most of her skills about working with deaf people has been from the internet and books. She feels she is making a lot of it up and learning as she goes. Cathy and other teachers at the Aruligo Centre will benefit from a formal training course in deaf education supported by Caritas/Mahitahi this year. 20

23 Session Four Fourth Sunday of Lent: Open our eyes Let us never forget that authentic power is service, and that the Pope too, when exercising power, must enter ever more fully into that service which has its radiant culmination on the Cross. He must be inspired by the lowly, concrete and faithful service which marked Saint Joseph and, like him, he must open his arms to protect all of God s people and embrace with tender affection the whole of humanity, especially the poorest, the weakest, the least important,... Pope Francis: Inaugural homily, 19 March 2013 Opening Prayer: E te Ariki, Lord: You responded to the needs of the blind man, to reveal God s work in him. Open our eyes to see people s needs, and to have the courage to act so that those we meet may encounter Christ through us. Responsorial Psalm Psalm 22 Response: The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want. Fresh and green are the pastures where he gives me repose. Near restful waters he leads me, to revive my drooping spirit. (Response) He guides me along the right path; he is true to his name. 21

24 If I should walk in the valley of darkness no evil would I fear. You are there with your crook and your staff; with these you give me comfort. (Response) You have prepared a banquet for me in the sight of my foes. My head you have anointed with oil; my cup is overflowing. (Response) Surely goodness and kindness shall follow me all the days of my life. In the Lord s own house shall I dwell for ever and ever. (Response) Group Sharing Leader: How has this week been? Did you have the opportunity to speak out for another person this week? Has anything changed in the way you are responding to concerns and issues since the beginning of Lent? Gospel Reading Ask a member of the group to read the following passage aloud, from a Bible or from this booklet. A reading from the holy Gospel according to John 9:1; 6-9; 13-17; As Jesus went along, he saw a man who had been blind from birth. He spat on the ground, made a paste with the spittle, put this over the eyes of the blind man and said to him, Go and wash in the Pool of Siloam (a name that means sent ). So the blind man went off and washed himself, and came away with his sight restored. His neighbours and people who earlier had seen him begging said, Isn t this the man who used to sit and beg? Some said, Yes, it is the same one. Others said, No, he only looks like him. The man himself said, I am the man. 22

25 They brought the man who had been blind to the Pharisees. It had been a sabbath day when Jesus made the paste and opened the man s eyes, so when the Pharisees asked him how he had come to see, he said, He put a paste on my eyes, and I washed, and I can see. Then some of the Pharisees said, This man cannot be from God; he does not keep the sabbath. Others said, How could a sinner produce signs like this? And there was disagreement among them. So they spoke to the blind man again, What have you to say about him yourself, now that he has opened your eyes? He is a prophet, replied the man. Are you trying to teach us, they replied, and you a sinner through and through, since you were born! And they drove him away. Jesus heard they had driven him away, and when he found him he said to him, Do you believe in the Son of Man? Sir, the man replied, tell me who he is so that I may believe in him. Jesus said, You are looking at him; he is speaking to you. The man said, Lord, I believe, and worshipped him. After the reading, pause for silent reflection. Then invite people to share a word or phrase that stood out for them. Invite another group member to read the Gospel passage aloud again. Gospel Reflection Are we able to see what God is asking of us? How can we be part of the stories of transformation? The blind man was condemned by his neighbours because of his disability. Belief in Jesus has the power to bring healing to blind individuals and communities that are divided. The San Isidro Care Centre in Aruligo, Solomon Islands is a centre for the deaf. Teachers and interpreters at the centre are committed and have lots of goodwill. However, student progress is very slow because none of the staff have had formal training in teaching deaf people. Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand through its overseas volunteer arm Mahitahi is planning to strengthen the skills of teachers at the centre with the assistance of trained New Zealand teachers of the deaf. God asks us to see the needs of others and work to bring transformation and hope. 23

26 Group Discussion How do we see people with disabilities in our society? What do I need to change in me? In what ways can our community support the hopes of people with disabilities? Response We end our discussion and sharing with a commitment to put our faith into action. What is one action I commit to undertake, either by myself or together with other members of the group, as a result of our reflection and discussion this week? Open our eyes (please write your response in the space provided) Ideas for action Identify community organisations that assist people with disabilities. Organise your community to assist. Share your reflections with your family to raise awareness and instil the value of service to others. Look at volunteer opportunities available through Mahitahi or other organisations. Consider purchasing from businesses that employ people with disabilities in their workforce. 24

27 Final Prayer Jesus, you revealed yourself to the man who had been blind. Open our eyes to see you in our lives today. In verdant pastures he gives me repose, beside restful waters he leads me; E te Ariki, Lord: Open our eyes to the beauty of your creation. Even though I walk in the dark valley I fear no evil; for you are at my side. E te Ariki, Lord: Open our eyes to your presence with us always You spread a table before me in the sight of my foes; E te Ariki, Lord: Open our hearts to challenge those who turn their eyes away from you. Only goodness and kindness follow me all the days of my life; E te Ariki, Lord: Open our hearts to recognise your healing actions in our world. Amen. 25

28 New Zealand Bishops Lenten appeal: Week 5 One project supported by Lenten donations to Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand Photo: mark mitchell Caritas is there before, during and after emergencies. It enables a rapid and locally informed response when disasters hit anywhere in the world. In 2013, Caritas responded to a number of devastating typhoons and earthquakes in the Philippines. Many people lost everything when a typhoon hit their homes in Mindanao. NASSA (Caritas Philippines) worked with local people in order to identify and help others to recover. Together they built 800 homes for affected families such as those above. This is just one example of Caritas work in emergency relief and recovery. 26

29 Session Five Fifth Sunday of Lent: Take the stone away God does not want a house built by men, but faithfulness to his word, to his plan. It is God himself who builds the house, but from living stones sealed by his Spirit. Pope Francis: Inaugural homily, 19 March 2013 Opening Prayer E te Wairua Tapu, Holy Spirit: You are always present, even in the midst of death and destruction. May we never fail to be deeply disturbed and moved to action by human suffering. Responsorial Psalm Psalm 120 Response: With the Lord there is mercy and fullness of redemption. Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord, Lord, hear my voice! O let your ears be attentive to the voice of my pleading. (Response) If you, O Lord, should mark our guilt, Lord, who would survive? But with you is found forgiveness: for this we revere you. (Response) My soul is waiting for the Lord, I count on his word. My soul is longing for the Lord more than watchman for daybreak. (Let the watchman count on daybreak and Israel on the Lord.) (Response) 27

30 Because with the Lord there is mercy and fullness of redemption, Israel indeed he will redeem from all its iniquity. (Response) Group Sharing Leader: How has this week been? Were you able to put into action the commitment you made last week? Did you share any insights from last week s session with another person? Allow plenty of time for sharing. Gospel Reading Ask a group member to read the following passage aloud, from a Bible or from this booklet. A reading from the holy Gospel according to John 11:3-7; 17; 20-27; The sisters Martha and Mary sent this message to Jesus, Lord, the man you love is ill. On receiving the message, Jesus said, This sickness will not end in death but in God s glory, and through it the Son of God will be glorified. Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus, yet when he learned that Lazarus was ill he stayed where he was for two more days before saying to the disciples, Let us go to Judaea. On arriving, Jesus found that Lazarus had been in the tomb for four days already. When Martha heard that Jesus had come she went to meet him. Mary remained sitting in the house. Martha said to Jesus, If you had been here, my brother would not have died, but I know that even now, whatever you ask of God, he will grant you. Your brother, said Jesus to her, will rise again. Martha said, I know he will rise again at the resurrection on the last day. Jesus said: 28

31 I am the resurrection and the life. If anyone believes in me, even though he dies he will live, and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this? Yes Lord, she said, I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God the one who was to come into this world. Jesus said in great distress with a sigh that came straight from the heart, Where have you put him? They said, See how much he loved him! But there were some who remarked, He opened the eyes of the blind man, could he not have prevented this man s death? Still sighing, Jesus reached the tomb; it was a cave with a stone to close the opening. Jesus said, Take the stone away. Martha said to him, Lord, by now he will smell; this is the fourth day. Jesus replied, Have I not told you that if you believe you will see the glory of God? So they took away the stone. Then Jesus lifted up his eyes and said: Father, I thank you for hearing my prayer. I knew indeed that you always hear me, but I speak for the sake of all these who stand round me, so that they may believe it was you who sent me. When he had said this, he cried in a loud voice, Lazarus, here. Come out! The dead man came out, his feet and hands bound with bands of stuff and a cloth round his face. Jesus said to them, Unbind him, let him go free. Many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary and had seen what he did believed in him. After the reading, pause for silent reflection. Then invite people to share a word or phrase that stood out for them. Invite another group member to read the Gospel passage aloud again. 29

32 Gospel Reflection It s easy to say Alleluia or Praise the Lord when things are going well. How hard it must have been for Martha who had come face to face with the reality of death to profess her faith I have come to believe you are the Christ. Although the high point of the Gospel is the raising of Lazarus, most of the story is taken up with accounts of the grief and sorrow of those who have lost a beloved brother and friend. Jesus was close to this family, he regularly ate with them, they were his friends. Their home was only two miles from Jerusalem and he was often their guest. In the midst of a calamity, not of our making, such as a typhoon or earthquake, it can be hard to believe in the resurrection or even in God s presence. Like Mary and Martha, we may say, If you had been here my brother would not have died, or How could God allow this to happen? The Gospel reminds us there is no resurrection without suffering, there is no moment of glorification without pain. People who experienced Typhoons Bopha and Haiyan in the Philippines in had to cope with the sudden drastic loss of people as well as the loss of their homes. The support of agencies such as Caritas in situations like this helps people to rebuild their lives. It also helps people believe again that new life can emerge from the rubble. The extraordinary survival stories of people pulled alive from debris, and who find hope and a way forward after a disaster, remind us that we believe in a God of life and hope, who grieves with us and suffers with us, but also invites us to trust that new life will follow death and destruction. Group Discussion What stones or barriers exist around us that prevent us from seeing the needs of others? How can we offer practical assistance or support to people in grief or recovering from disaster? What risks might we need to take ourselves in order to bring life to others? 30

33 Take the stone away (please write your response in the space provided) Ideas for action Find out about the Seasons for Growth programme for dealing with loss and change. Check whether your parish has a special ministry for grief, death and dying. If not, consider setting one up. Pray for those who you know who are grieving, being open to promptings of the Spirit to act. Find out about a recent emergency in New Zealand or overseas and what is being done to support those who are grieving and in need of recovery. Response We end our discussion and sharing with a commitment to put our faith into action. What is one action I commit to undertake, either by myself or together with other members of the group, as a result of our reflection and discussion this week? Final Prayer E Hehu Karaiti, In the midst of disaster, miracles of survival bring us hope. It was a miracle that Jesus brought his friend Lazarus back to life. It shows us the strength of his faith a faith that we share with Martha and Mary. Lord, during times of trial hear our voices. Our souls trust in your word. Help us walk with others through difficult times so that we may rebuild lives together. Āmene. 31

34 Photo: adrian heke Open up a horizon of hope 32

35 Session Six Palm Sunday: The Passion of Jesus Christ Today too, amid so much darkness, we need to see the light of hope and to be men and women who bring hope to others. To protect creation, to protect every man and every woman, to look upon them with tenderness and love, is to open up a horizon of hope;... Pope Francis: Inaugural homily, 19 March 2013 Opening Prayer E te Atua, you are the God who brings life out of death. In the midst of darkness you open up a horizon of hope for the world. Through our prayers, our self-sacrifices and our almsgiving, help us to become men and women who bring hope to others. Responsorial Psalm Psalm 21 Response: My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? All who see me deride me. They curl their lips, they toss their heads. He trusted in the Lord, let him save him; let him release him if this is his friend. (Response) Many dogs have surrounded me, a band of the wicked beset me. They tear holes in my hands and my feet. I can count every one of my bones. (Response) They divide my clothing among them. They cast lots for my robe. O Lord, do not leave me alone, my strength, make haste to help me! (Response) 33

36 I will tell of your name to my brethren and praise you where they are assembled. You who fear the Lord give him praise; all sons of Jacob, give him glory. Revere him, Israel s sons. (Response) Gospel Reading The full account of the Passion of Christ, which is read on Palm Sunday, can be found in Matthew 27. A short excerpt has been chosen for this programme, but you can choose to use a different passage from the Passion, or to read the whole Passion Gospel from a Bible. Matt 27:50-66 But Jesus, again crying out in a loud voice, yielded up his spirit. At that, the veil of the Temple was torn in two from top to bottom; the earth quaked; the rocks were split; the tombs opened and the bodies of many holy men rose from the dead, and these, after his resurrection, came out of the tombs, entered the Holy City and appeared to a number of people. Meanwhile the centurion, together with the others guarding Jesus, had seen the earthquake and all that was taking place, and they were terrified and said: In truth this was a son of God. And many women were there, watching from a distance, the same women who had followed Jesus from Galilee and looked after him. Among them were Mary of Magdala, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of Zebedee s sons. When it was evening, there came a rich man of Arimathaea called Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus. This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Pilate thereupon ordered it to be handed over. So Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean shroud and put it in his own new tomb which he had hewn out of the rock. He then rolled a large stone across the entrance of the tomb and went away. Now Mary of Magdala and the other Mary were there, sitting opposite the sepulchre. 34

37 Next day, that is, when Preparation Day was over, the chief priests and the Pharisees went in a body to Pilate and said to him, Your Excellency, we recall that this imposter said, while he was still alive, After three days I shall rise again. Therefore give the order to have the sepulchre kept secure until the third day, for fear his disciples come and steal him away and tell the people, He has risen from the dead. This last piece of fraud would be worse than what went before. Pilate said to them: You may have your guards. Go and make all as secure as you know how. So they went and made the sepulchre secure, putting seals on the stone and mounting a guard. After the reading, pause for silent reflection. Then invite people to share a word or phrase that stood out for them. Invite another group member to read the Gospel passage aloud again. Gospel Reflection For many, Jesus death and placement in the tomb would have felt like the end, but for the women waiting at the tomb it wasn t. They remained sitting opposite the sepulchre in hope and expectation. Even the authorities felt this was not the end by placing a guard over his tomb, they feared the consequences of Jesus death. Even before Jesus dies, there is a hint in the Passion reading that there is something coming beyond his death. All of our preparation and reflection in Lent leads us to this moment of waiting, looking towards a horizon of hope. 35

38 Group Sharing What horizon of hope are we looking towards? How can we bring hope to others? How can we open up that horizon to others? Response We end our discussion and sharing with a commitment to put our faith into action. What is one thing that I can do, either by myself or together with other members of the group, as a result of our reflection and discussion during Lent this year? Record your commitment to yourself in the box on the following page: Final Prayer E te Atua, in the midst of darkness, show us the light. Help us to become men and women who bring hope to others, to protect creation and all people with tenderness and love. Send us out to open up a horizon of hope. Āmene. 36

39 Open up a horizon of hope Ū tonu ki te pae o te tūmanako Pope Francis is asking us to go beyond the borders of the Church, to go out to the margins, to bring good news to others and be a beacon of hope. What can I/we do to continue to open up a horizon of hope? 37

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41 FEEDBACK FORM CARITAS LENTEN REFLECTION PROGRAMME 2014 Caritas appreciates hearing back from participants about how the Lenten programme was used, what you liked about it, and what you would like to see changed or improved. Your feedback helps us to see how widely the programme has been used, and to improve it for Name: Parish/group/community: Time and day your group met: What was positive about the programme? What can be improved? How did participating in the programme affect your group, or your personal behaviour during Lent?

42 Specific sections of the programme: Very helpful Helpful Adequate Unhelpful No help Guide to using this programme Lectio divina style of reflection and sharing Prayers Discussion questions Gospel reflection Examples of Caritas projects and programmes My response and suggestions for action Further Comments and Feedback: > Addressing the causes of poverty > Advocating against injustice > Responding to disaster Please return to: Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand, PO Box , Wellington 6144 Fax:

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44 He became poor so that by His poverty you might become rich. 2 Cor 8:9 Theme for Pope Francis Lenten Message 2014 The Catholic Agency for Justice, Peace & Development Addressing the causes of poverty Advocating against injustice Responding to disaster