“The Word to Go” Scripture Reflections

« Liturgy | Last edited on February 20, 2012 at 2:07 PM

REFLECTING ON THE SEASON

Each year, Lent offers us the opportunity to renew our relationship with God. We move out of the dreariness of winter during this quiet time before Easter and the beauty of spring. This season allows us to focus attention on our inner journeys. Although many see Lent as a sad time or difficult period in the liturgical year, it need not be a burden. We journey toward Easter’s “Alleluia,” aware of the covenant or solemn agreement the Lord made with all peoples — his promise of steadfast love, salvation, and eternal life. Our part of the covenant is to follow as best we can in Christ’s footsteps, remembering to seek forgiveness when we falter.

During Lent we journey with our brothers and sisters in faith and the elect — those who will be baptized at the Easter Vigil — as we reflect, remember, repent, reconcile, and renew. Throughout Lent we prepare ourselves through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving to renew our baptismal promises and celebrate Christ’s Resurrection on Easter.

LIVING THE SEASON

  • § During Lent, we traditionally engage in prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Many people pray and fast during Lent, but forget to focus on almsgiving as well. “Alms” is an ancient term referring to money and other forms of aid given to the needy. Although we hardly ever use the word today, there’s still plenty of need surrounding us. There is no better time than lent to get started on giving time, energy, and money in service of others.
  • § Keep a journal this year during Lent. Make or purchase a blank book and jot down thoughts, prayers, or drawings that represent your journey during this holy time. You might want to note favorite scripture verses or special intentions. Set a prayerful tone for the time that you spend writing in your journal by lighting a candle and saying a prayer before beginning to write. Ask God to guide you through this journey and through each day of your life.
  • § To help mark the days of Lent, make a game board, map, or calendar with your family. Each square represents one day from Ash Wednesday through Holy Thursday. Each day gives children the opportunity to color in one of the squares with a sign or symbol of Lent. You might simply color all of the squares in violet, the liturgical color for Lent, or you might use symbols like a cross, a crown of thorns, praying hands, a candle, a stone, or a teardrop. Help your family understand that Lent is a journey that brings us closer to Christ so that we might joyfully celebrate his Resurrection on Easter.

Click on the links below reflections on and suggestions on how to live out each Sunday of Lent.

02_26_2012 The First Sunday of Lent
03_04_2012 The Second Sunday of Lent
03_11_2012_A The Third Sunday of Lent
03_18_2012_A The Fourth Sunday of Lent
03_25_2012_A The Fifth Sunday of Lent
04_01_2012 Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord

The Word to Go © 2011 Archdiocese of Chicago: Liturgy Training Publications. By Graziano Marcheschi with Rosanne Masters Thomas. English scripture texts from the New American Bible with revised New Testament and Psalms © 1991, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc. Permission to publish granted by the Very Reverend John F. Canary, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Chicago, on May 18, 2011.