Many know of the tradition of abstaining from meat on Fridays during Lent, but we are also called to practice self-discipline and fast in other ways throughout the season. In addition, the giving of alms is one way to share God’s gifts—not only through the distribution of money, but through the sharing of our time and talents. As St. John Chrysostom reminds us: “Not to enable the poor to share in our goods is to steal from them and deprive them of life. The goods we possess are not ours, but theirs.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 2446).
his week we face into Lent. Today’s readings set us a Lenten challenge.
What self-indulgence do we need to do or to give up so as to live with more integrity? What planks do we need to take out of our own eyes before we take the speck out of somebody else’s? What can we do to tackle the angry words that come out of hearts? Where do we need to remove a poisonous complaining spirit from our lives and make space for life-giving virtue?
Lent is about the hard work of tilling the soil in our hearts so that they will bear rich fruit in God’s own good time. Lent is a time for us to let the Lord make us more like powerfully salt to the earth and a guiding light to the world.
Take today’s Gospel as a companion through Lent 2022. In the next seven weeks, allow Christ’s grace to purify you. And then at Easter we will see stirrings, not just of nature but of Christ’s Church as it offers a new wave of virtue and integrity in the face of present realities and future fears.
Saint Paul talks about our perishable nature putting on a crazy disciple of Jesus. Some will laugh at us – but there is nothing to be ashamed of in being a crazy disciple of Jesus. (Bishop Donall 27-02-22)
Lent is a 40 day season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving that begins on Ash Wednesday and ends at sundown on Holy Thursday. It’s a period of preparation to celebrate the Lord’s Resurrection at Easter. During Lent, we seek the Lord in prayer by reading Sacred Scripture; we serve by giving alms; and we practice self-control through fasting. We are called not only to abstain from luxuries during Lent, but to a true inner conversion of heart as we seek to follow Christ’s will more faithfully. We recall the waters of baptism in which we were also baptized into Christ’s death, died to sin and evil, and began new life in Christ.
Some Resources to help help on our Lenten Journey
The Stations of the Cross led by Fr Sean in conjunction with Shalom World. Check out this excellent resource and add it to your lenten / daily prayer life. Stations Of the Cross
Augustine Institute :This Lent, heed the call of the prophet Joel: “Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and merciful” (Joel 2:13). Join us online Saturday, March 5th for a free 3-hour. Bible Conference exploring the graces of this penitential season in Scripture and Tradition. Register Here
Journey Through Lent. Register for the FREE Lenten streaming series, led by Scott Hahn, featuring faith-inspiring talks on Confession, prayer, the Eucharist, and knowing the Gospel. Watch for free beginning Ash Wednesday, March 2nd Register here.
NO GREATER LOVE – Five-week ‘zoom’ programme, each session lasting one hour, with a time for prayer, sharing and reflection. This programme is
considered a great way to prepare our hearts and minds for the holiest of
seasons in the Church calendar. In a series of short films shot on location in the Holy land, No Greater Love is a biblical pilgrimage, taking us through the key events of Christ’s passion and revealing His amazing love for us. Best-selling author, Edward Sri, will guide us through the final hours of Christ’s life. You will walk step by step with Jesus through the Scriptures from the Garden of Gethsemane to Mount Calvary. Hosted by the Living Church Office in Down & Connor diocese, there are six ‘starting’ options to choose from: Tuesday 8 March at 7:30pm, Wednesday 9 March at 7:30pm, Thursday 10 March at 11.00am or 7.00pm, Monday 14 March at 11.00am or 7.00pm. Please consider participating! To book your place please click on the link:
DROMANTINE RETREAT CENTRE invites you to the following upcoming events:
Lenten Day of Reflection, Sunday 6 March, 9.30am – 5.30pm. Provides time and space to reflect and pray on Lenten themes in preparation for the celebration of Holy Week and Easter. Led by Fr Damian Bresnahan SMA. Cost, including full lunch, £35 / €40.
The Wonder of Creation – the Miracle of Life, Friday 11 March, 5pm – Sunday 13 March, 2pm. In contemplating the wonder of our Common Home and current threats to its integrity, we will explore an ecological vision in responding to the cry of the poor at this time of unprecedented planetary change. Led by Sr Nellie McLaughlin RSM. Cost, including full board, £220 / €260. For further information or to enrol,
Telephone 028 3082 1964 or email admin@dromantineconference.com