February 17, 1 st Sunday of Lent Deuteronomy 26:4-10 In the first reading from Deuteronomy, Moses recounts the Exodus and urges the Israelites to offer the first fruits of their labor in gratitude for God s covenant with them. This Lent, how will you live out your baptismal covenant with God? What is your story of liberation? How do you celebrate it? Romans 10:8-13 As Catholic Christians we believe we are saved through Jesus death on the cross and his resurrection. How do you manifest this belief in your daily life? Fr. Bill talks about the circumcision of the heart. How do you see this as a sign of God s covenant with us as a people of faith? Luke 4:1-13 In his reflection, Fr. Bill says that Jesus had to discern how he would live out his identity as God s son. In the gospel, we are told that the devil tempted Jesus with scripture to use power for himself. Instead Christ chose to use his power for the good of others. When have you been tempted to use power or control to gain something for yourself rather than for the good of another? How do you approach Lent this year? With anticipation? As a retreat? With questions?
February 24, 2 nd Sunday of Lent Genesis 15:5-12, 17-18 In the reading from Genesis, we have a picture of the covenant between God and Abram. How do you interpret this idea of covenant in our day? What relationships in your life would you view as covenants? When have you encountered God and how has it changed you? Philippians 3: 17-4:1 Paul reminds us, Our citizenship is in heaven. How can you turn your mind and body to God in prayer rather than earthly things? Fr. Bill tells us that our challenge is to bring Christian values into our everyday life. How can you make your citizenship reflect your Christian values? Luke 9:28b-36 There are so many visuals in this Gospel; Jesus face changed in appearance, dazzling white clothes, and the exodus Jesus was about to accomplish that Moses and Elijah spoke of. Even Peter did not know what he was saying. Where do you find moments of hope and transformation this Lent? How do you listen to God s call and become spiritually awakened?
March 3, 3 rd Sunday of Lent Exodus 2:1-8a, 13-15 In the first reading from Exodus, we are told of Moses encounter with God at the burning bush. Fr. Bill describes this encounter as an experience in which we are convinced of God s existence and care for us. Where do you experience the kind of intimacy with God that Moses had? Have you ever had an experience of encountering God at a burning bush? How do you respond to God s mission to lead others to a land flowing with milk and honey? 1 Corinthians 10:1-6, 10-12 In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul uses the example of the Exodus to remind them of the proper way to celebrate the Eucharist. What have you learned from your personal past, scripture or history that can serve as positive examples to be more faithful followers of Christ? How secure do you feel about being saved? Luke 13:1-9 In the Gospel, Jesus uses the parable about the fig tree to teach about repentance. Where do you repeat the mistakes of the past? What are you doing this Lent to repent and change, to cultivate and fertilize so that fruit might be bountiful in your life? How difficult is it for you to hear a word of judgment? Has it ever helped you to change?
March 10, 4 th Sunday of Lent Joshua 5:9a, 10-12 In the first reading from Joshua, the Israelites have finally passed from slavery to freedom, despite their unfaithfulness. How has God s faithfulness touched your life? Did it help you to change something about yourself? 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 In the second reading from Corinthians, Paul calls us ambassadors for Christ and tells us we have been entrusted the message of reconciliation. How have you been an ambassador for Christ, sharing the good news of reconciliation with others? What experience of being forgiven stands out for you? Luke 15:1-3, 11-32 With whom of the characters in the parable of the Prodigal Son do you most identify- the father, younger son or older brother? What is your response to Fr. Bill s question, Are you comfortable with a God who acts with the foolishness of the father in this parable? When has God showered forgiveness on someone you judged to be unworthy of such extravagant mercy? How did you come to acceptance? The younger son trusted in his father s compassion. When has someone trusted in your compassion to forgive?
March 17, 5 th Sunday of Lent Isaiah 43:16-21 When have your felt that God was creating something new in your? Were you open about the future God was planning for you, trusting to let go of the past? Fr. Bill, in his reflection said that Lent is a time to return home to God and the community of faith. When have you felt estranged from God and the community of the church? What was it like to come home? Philippians 3:8-14 Like Paul, who continued in his pursuit of life in Christ, can you forgive yourself for the mistakes of the past and continue to hope for eternal life in Christ? What has helped you along the way? What is your attitude and experience of the sacrament of reconciliation? John 8:1-11 Imagine how embarrassed and humiliated this woman in the Gospel must have felt. How did Jesus create something new in her? How do you forgive someone who has truly sinned? When have you been trapped in self righteousness, making harsh judgments that not only condemned another but imprisoned you?
March 24, Palm Sunday of the Lord s Passion Isaiah 50:4-7 The prophet Isaiah describes his suffering for being faithful to God but also maintains his trust that he will not be disgraced or put to shame. Have you ever been accused of doing something you did not do? Who supported you? What happened? In what situation have you found it difficult to question an injustice or stand up for an unpopular cause among people you know? Philippians 2:6-11 Jesus, though in the form of God, chose to be a servant and slave for us all. How has Jesus humanity taught you to be humble and accept obedience to God s desires for you? Luke 22:14-23:56 With whom do you most identify in the Passion story: Peter, the disciple who cut off the ear of the soldier, Simon the Cyrenian who helped Jesus carry his cross, the women who mourned, the good thief, or Joseph of Arimathea? Whose contemporary passion story have you witnessed: for example, someone with a life threatening illness, a broken marriage or unexpected death? How has this Lent prepared me to enter into Holy Week?