Whakakāngia te kāpura ki LENTEN REFLECTION PROGRAMME 2015 reflection booklet_web.pdf · Pope...

Evangelii Gaudium:

Joy of the Gospel

Whakakāngia te kāpura ki roto i te ngākau o te ao

tāngata

Addressing the causes of poverty

Advocating against injustice

Responding to disaster

LENTEN REFLECTION PROGRAMME 2015

Evangelii Gaudium:

Joy of the Gospel

Whakakāngia te kāpura ki roto i te ngākau o te

ao tāngata

PO Box 12193, Wellington 6144 Aotearoa New Zealand www.caritas.org.nz

English version: David Nonu, Eustie Kamath, Lisa Beech, Fr Albano Da Costa SVD, Catherine Gibbs, Murray Shearer, Taneora Ryall

Te Reo Māori version: Piripi Walker

Tongan version: Langi Paasi

Tokelauan version: Eneliko Tovio

Samoan version: Savelina Kasiano

Pasifika programmes coordinator: David NonuTe Reo Māori oversight: Te Rūnanga o te Hāhi Katorika ki AotearoaAdditional advice and input: Pā Mikaere RyanDesign: Miranda Lees

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.

ISSN 2253-3370 (Print)

ISSN 2253-3389 (Online)

ISBN 978-0-908631-80-3 (Print)

ISBN 978-0-908631-83-4 (Online)

Heartfire Worldlight a IN THE OF THE

Whakakāngia te kāpura ki roto i te ngākau o te ao tāngata

Pope Francis: Evangelii Gaudium, 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 re-examine 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.

Caritas LENTEN REFLECTION PROGRAMME 2015

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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: Evangelii Gaudium, 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 2015 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, 1981. 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.

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

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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 60-90 minutes. The time-frame could be as follows:

• Welcome, opening prayer and sharing 10-15 minutes • Scripture context, Gospel reading and response 15-25 minutes• Gospel reflection and discussion 30-40 minutes• Response and personal commitment 5-10 minutes• Closing prayer 5-10 minutes

Week 1 New Zealand Bishops’ LentEN Appeal

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In the wilderness, Christ was left vulnerable and open to the temptations of Satan. With angels looking after him he was able to reveal the good news.

The Philippines have in recent times been subjected to their own vulnerabilities, with typhoons causing havoc to people’s lives. Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand has been actively involved in humanitarian projects in the Philippines that look after the many communities here. Our work includes cyclone relief work and recovery, helping to rebuild houses and livelihoods in the aftermath of devastation.

One project supported by Lenten donations to Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand

Session 1 FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT

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‘The Angels looked after him’

Everyone needs to be touched by the comfort and attraction of God’s saving love, which is mysteriously at work in each person, above and beyond their faults and failings.

Pope Francis: Evangelii Gaudium #44, 2013

OPENING PRAYER

E te Atua o te aroha, God of love, you provide a place of love and comfort in times of vulnerability. Help us to turn our hearts to others who need our love to rebuild lives when they themselves are in the wilderness. Amen

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 24

Response: Your ways, O Lord, are love and truth to those who keep your covenant.

Lord, make me know your ways.Lord, teach me your paths.Make me walk in your truth, and teach me: for you are God my saviour. (Response)

Remember your mercy, Lord,and the love you have shown from of old. In your love remember me,because of your goodness, 0 Lord. (Response)

The Lord is good and upright.He shows the path to those who stray,he guides the humble in the right path; he teaches his way to the poor. (Response)

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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 Mark 1:12-15

The Spirit drove Jesus out into the wilderness and he remained there for forty days, and was tempted by Satan. He was with the wild beasts, and the angels looked after him.

After John had been arrested, Jesus went into Galilee. There he proclaimed the Good News from God. ‘The time has come’, he said ‘and the kingdom of God is close at hand. Repent, and believe the Good news.’

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.

REFLECTION ON THE GOSPEL

Today, we have read Mark’s unembellished account giving us the essence of the story of the start of Christ’s ministry. Jesus Christ demonstrates who he is by willingly following God’s spirit into a place of vulnerability and trust. Caritas is also compelled by God’s spirit to join

with survivors of devastating typhoons in the Philippines. We have entered into these places with trust in the power of God to walk alongside those who are suffering and experiencing great loss.

Our own salvation is linked to the salvation of the poor and vulnerable.

This Lent is a time to open up a space for God’s spirit, so that we can be more trusting in the plan God has for us. It is time to set aside being ‘in control’ and to identify with the powerlessness felt by others.

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GROUP DISCUSSION

What is God’s spirit prompting us to act on? What is the place of vulnerability that God’s spirit is leading us in to?

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

Loving God, e te Atua o te aroha, each of us finds ourselves at different times in the wilderness, tempted by Satan, feeling alone and vulnerable. It is in our desert experiences that we begin to know what we truly need. When we feel overpowered by everything crumbling down, help us to know you are always there. Help us remember and reach out to others in their times of vulnerability and trial. Āmene

Please write your response here:Ideas for action

• Identify an event in your parish, community, family.

• Get involved or start your own initiative that ensures it is inclusive for all people, especially the vulnerable.

• Encourage others to get involved.


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Peter, James and John experienced a different form of Jesus as he was transfigured in a new light.

In Solomon Islands education is key to helping youth realise their potential. The Rural Training Centres provide an opportunity for youth to learn new skills that will benefit their communities. It recognises their innate human dignity and reveals a new purpose to their lives. Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand has listened to the needs of the communities and has responded by supporting the establishment and continuation of Rural Training Centres.


Session 2 SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT

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‘In their presence he was transfigured’

An evangelising community is supportive, standing by people at every step of the way, no matter how difficult or lengthy this may prove to be.


OPENING PRAYER

E te Atua o te Ao Marama, God of light and understanding, in listening to your word, may we recognise the God given dignity within ourselves and others, as we support each other in our journey to reach our potential. Amen


Response: I will walk in the presence of the Lord in the land of the living.

I trusted, even when I said:`I am sorely afflicted.’O precious in the eyes of the Lord is the death of his faithful. (Response)

Your servant, Lord, your servant am I; you have loosened my bonds.A thanksgiving sacrifice I make: I will call on the Lord’s name. (Response)

My vows to the Lord I will fulfil before all his people,in the courts of the house of the Lord, in your midst, O Jerusalem. (Response)

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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 Mark 9:2-10

Jesus took with him Peter and James and John and led them up a high mountain where they could be alone by themselves. There in their presence he was transfigured: his clothes became dazzlingly white, whiter than any earthly bleacher could make them. Elijah appeared to them with Moses; and they were talking with Jesus. Then Peter spoke to Jesus. ‘Rabbi’, he said ‘it is wonderful for us to be here; so let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.’ He did not know what to say; they were so frightened. And a cloud came, covering them in shadow; and there came a voice from the cloud, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved. Listen to him.’ Then suddenly, when they looked round, they saw no one with them anymore but only Jesus.

As they came down the mountain he warned them to tell no one what they had seen, until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead. They observed the warning faithfully, though among themselves they discussed what ‘rising from the dead’ could mean.



Last week we were led into the desert. Now we are led to a mountain top experience. This is a time of assurance for Jesus Christ that God is with him. After this, Jesus comes down from the mountain and continues his journey towards Jerusalem.

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Caritas is a presence in places like Solomon Islands. We walk with young people as they seek assurance that their lives will be meaningful and worthwhile and of benefit to their communities. The Rural Training Centres (RTC) focus on training young people. The skills, knowledge, and competence they attain is practical and life giving to their communities.

GROUP DISCUSSION

How well do we give assurance to others, particularly young people, that their life choices are meaningful? How can I be instrumental in encouraging others to grow their potential and focus as they continue their life journey?

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?

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FINAL PRAYER

E te Atua o te Ao Mārama, God of light and understanding, our world is covered by clouds of uncertainty. In the midst of this uncertainty you reveal your beloved Son to us, just as he is. Give hope for the young people of Solomon Islands who are living with doubt and fear. May you give them hope for their future. May we also become instrumental in encouraging others to reach for their potential. Āmene

Ideas for action

• Who are the young people and others in our community and whānau in need of understanding, as they work at their studies to become the person they want to be.

• What is one thing I can do to tautoko (to support and stand beside) them.

• How can I can share with others working towards lasting fulfillment, drawing on my own experiences?

Please write your response here:


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Small yet strong: Voices from Oceania on the environment, the Caritas Pacific Environment Report, seeks to highlight the pressures on the Pacific of a changing environmental landscape. Protecting the environment and finding solutions to the environmental challenges of our day, means first facing up to the reality. We have asked our sources to describe for us what the environmental changes mean for them. From large-scale industrial mining, forestry and commercial plantations, to the loss of food crops, water supplies and places of beauty, their stories collectively awaken and challenge us.

Read full report on our website www.caritas.org.nz


Session 3 THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT

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‘Stop turning my Father’s house into a market’

The thirst for power and possessions knows no limits. In this system [absolute autonomy of the marketplace and financial speculation], which tends to devour everything which stands in the way of increased profits, whatever is fragile, like the environment, is defenceless before the interests of a deified market, which become the only rule.


OPENING PRAYER

Creator God, Kaihanga o te Ao, you created the earth as a sanctuary for all. Teach us to value the earth, not just as a source of profit for some, but as a resource to be cared for, shared and protected for the benefit of all. Amen


Response: Lord, you have the words of everlasting life.

The law of the Lord is perfect, it revives the soul.The rule of the Lord is to be trusted, it gives wisdom to the simple. (Response)

The precepts of the Lord are right, they gladden the heart.The command of the Lord is clear, it gives light to the eyes. (Response)

The fear of the Lord is holy, abiding for ever.The decrees of the Lord are truth and all of them just. (Response)

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They are more to be desired than gold, than the purest of goldand sweeter are they than honey, than honey from the comb. (Response)

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


A reading from the holy Gospel according to John 2:13-25

Just before the Jewish Passover Jesus went up to Jerusalem, and in the Temple he found people selling cattle and sheep and pigeons, and the money changers sitting at their counters there. Making a whip out of some cord, he drove them all out of the Temple, cattle and sheep as well, scattered the money changers’ coins, knocked their tables over and said to the pigeon-sellers, ‘Take all this out of here and stop turning my Father’s house into a market.’ Then his disciples remembered the words of scripture: Zeal for your house will devour me. The Jews intervened and said, ‘What sign can you show us to justify what you have done?’ Jesus answered, ‘Destroy this sanctuary, and in three days I will raise it up.’ The Jews replied, ‘It has taken forty-six years to build this sanctuary: are you going to raise it up in three days?’ But he was speaking of the sanctuary that was his body, and when Jesus rose from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they believed the scripture and the words he had said.

During his stay in Jerusalem for the Passover many believed in his name when they saw the signs that he gave, but Jesus knew them all and did not trust himself to them; he never needed evidence about any man; he could tell what a man had in him.

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The Gospel speaks of Christ defending and protecting the sanctity of the temple as a place for encounters between God and people. The Temple became a place of trade and exploitation and this desecration caused Christ to become angry.

We have turned our world into a place of trade and commerce.

Christ calls us still to protect all that is precious, to be Kaitiaki or Guardians of the earth. Scripture tells us that the earth is the Lord’s, and all that is in it. The taonga or treasures of the earth are no longer being used to sustain all people.

Some people who are suffering most from the degradation of the earth are the poorest, who have played the least part in contributing to the destruction of the planet. People in the Pacific are among the most vulnerable communities affected by environmental change. Low-lying countries like Tonga are exposed to loss of water because of changing weather patterns, sea level rises, and increasing severe weather events such as cyclones.

Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand and Caritas Tonga work to restore facilities that will help ensure a secure water supply for communities affected by these changes in the environment. Caritas also undertakes research and advocacy to better understand how people across the Pacific are affected by environmental changes.

Like Jesus overturning the tables in the Temple, we undertake this work on behalf of the poor.

GROUP DISCUSSION

How does the way we treat our earth anger God today? How can we be Kaitiaki, Guardians of God’s creation?

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RESPONSE

Our environment is closely aligned to our lifestyle choices and what we value. By making the market economy our preferred framework for living, we are turning our backs on other opportunities that could enrich our lives and those around us in sustainable ways. 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?

Ideas for action

• Go online and locate ‘The Story of Stuff’ project - www.storyofstuff.org

• Search words to identify methods in which I can ....

- Refuse, reuse, recycle, renovate, renew, restore, innovate

• Within your community, find ways to make connections in order to work together and share resources e.g. borrow vs own.

• Identify local suppliers and service providers to save you unnecessary travel.

FINAL PRAYER

Kaihanga o te Ao, Creator God, We thank you for sharing your creation with us. Teach us to protect your bountiful gifts and make them available for all to enjoy. Āmene



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In our connected humanity, we are invited to build relationships - whakawhanaunatanga - to understand what life is like for others who are different from us.

Caritas Challenge offers the opportunity for our youth to participate in a 24-hour challenge that brings them closer to the living conditions of people in vulnerable situations. From 27-28 March, 2015 schools and youth groups will stand in solidarity with those living in poverty or injustice. The Challenge is designed to take participants out of their comfort zone, but also provide experiences that are informative and engaging.


Session 4 FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT

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‘The light has come into the world’

Here and now...

The Lord’s disciples are called to live as a community which is the salt of the earth and the light of the world. We are called to bear witness to a constantly new way of living, together in fidelity to the Gospel.


OPENING PRAYER

E te Atua o te Ao Marama, God of light and understanding. Enlighten us all to see the needs around us. Light our path as we grow in empathy and understanding. Amen


Response: Let my tongue be silenced, if I ever forget you!

By the rivers of Babylonthere we sat and wept,remembering Zion;on the poplars that grew there we hung up our harps. (Response)

For it was there that they asked us,our captors, for songs, our oppressors, for joy. `Sing to us,’ they said, `one of Zion’s songs. (Response)

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O how could we singthe song of the Lordon alien soil?If I forget you, Jerusalem, let my right hand wither! (Response)

O let my tonguecleave to my mouthif I remember you not, if I prize not Jerusalem above all my joys! (Response)

GROUP SHARING

Leader: How has this week been? Did you have the opportunity to make one change towards reducing your carbon footprint or to live more simply? Has anything changed in the way you are responding to concerns and issues since the beginning of Lent?

GOSPEL READING


A reading from the holy Gospel according to John 3:14.21

Jesus said to Nicodemus: `The Son of Man must be lifted up as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him. Yes, God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not be lost but may have eternal life. For God sent his Son into the world not to condemn the world, but so that through him the world might be saved. No one who believes in him will be condemned; but whoever refuses to believe is condemned already, because he has refused to believe in the name of God’s only Son.

On these grounds is sentence pronounced: that though the light has come into the world men have shown they prefer darkness to the light because their deeds were evil. And indeed, everybody who does wrong hates the light and avoids it, for fear his actions should be exposed; but the man who lives by the

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truth comes out into the light, so that it may be plainly seen that what he does is done in God.’


GOSPEL REFLECTION

Living a righteous life, a life of integrity, we have nothing to hide nor fear. But we can easily feel unworthy, that we don’t measure up to God’s standards. It is worth remembering that God sent Jesus into the world ‘not to condemn the world, but that through him the world might be saved.’

As we follow in Jesus’ footsteps he will lead us to the light. Our lives will be a testimony to what God has done for us. Through the Caritas Challenge, young people are being encouraged to walk in the path of righteousness, to live their lives out in the light. To embrace the truth of the Gospel.

The challenge to our youth is not the activities of the Challenge itself, but in choosing to take up the challenge in the first place. To come out into the light.

GROUP DISCUSSION

These meetings between Nicodemus and Christ describe for us a gradual shift into God’s presence. How are we doing at this point during Lent? Are we growing into the light by becoming people of aroha (love), humility, and compassion?

How do we allow God the opportunity to encounter us?

RESPONSE



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FINAL PRAYER

God of light and understanding, e te Atua o te Ao Marama, titiro mai, turn your gaze upon us, as we endeavour to live in the light of your truth. We thank you for people who embrace the light of understanding, and grow in empathy and solidarity. May we always choose te ao marama, the world of light. Āmene

Ideas for action

• Find out who near you is participating in the Caritas Challenge. How can you help? How can you support and encourage them on their journey towards enlightenment?

• Create a sacred space that will enable you and/or others to spend some quiet time with God.

• 2015 is the United Nations Year of Light. Create a way to participate. Go online www.light2015.org/Home/About.html



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Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand continues to support Caritas Lebanon in its work with refugees from Syria.

It is important to understand that a population of 4 million people are feeding and housing 1.5 million refugees. To achieve something on this scale requires a mindset of service and sacrifice. As Christ gave his own life to save us, the people of Lebanon have chosen to share their food, shelter and land with their neighbours who have been displaced. A seed has been planted which can lead to peace in the Middle East.


Session 5 FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT

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‘Father save me from this hour’

In our world, especially in some countries, different forms of war and conflict are re-emerging, yet we Christians remain steadfast in our intention to respect others, to heal wounds, to build bridges, to strengthen relationships and to “bear one another’s burdens”


OPENING PRAYER

E Hēhu Karaiti, Jesus Christ, you have willingly sacrificed your own life and this has yielded a rich harvest, drawing all people to yourself. As we reflect on your word, may we encounter you once again and be inspired, for our lives of service to others. Amen


Response: Create a clean heart in me, O God.

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)

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,that I may teach transgressors your ways and sinners may return to you. (Response)

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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 12:20-30

Among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. These approached Philip, who came from Bethsaida in Galilee, and put this request to him, ‘Sir, we should like to see Jesus.’ Philip went to tell Andrew, and Andrew and Philip together went to tell Jesus. Jesus replied to them:

`Now the hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. I tell you, most solemnly, unless a wheat grain falls on the ground and dies, it remains only a single grain; but if it dies, it yields a rich harvest. Anyone who loves his life loses it; anyone who hates his life in this world will keep it for the eternal life. If a man serves me, he must follow me, wherever I am, my servant will be there too. If anyone serves me, my Father will honour him. Now my soul is troubled. What shall I say: Father, save me from this hour? But it was for this very reason that I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name!’

A voice came from heaven, ‘I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.’

People standing by, who heard this, said it was a clap of thunder; others said, ‘It was an angel speaking to him.’ Jesus answered, ‘It was not for my sake that this voice came, but for yours.

‘Now sentence is being passed on this world; now the prince of this world is to be overthrown. And when I am lifted up from the earth, I shall draw all men to myself.’

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By these words he indicated the kind of death he would die.


GOSPEL REFLECTION

We are approaching the climax of Lent, The Passion and death of Christ. In this Gospel, the horizon of encounter with Jesus is opening up, beyond his Jewish community, he is now approached by Greeks. The first reading from Jeremiah foreshadows the new Covenant that is written on people’s hearts.

Christ foresees his death, being aware that he has come to this hour himself and not pushed by anyone else. He reaches his own understanding and receives his Father’s reassurance and affirmation. He explains to his disciples that he is going to face the cross.

In the midst of the violence of war, we see people who are prepared to sow seeds of love and hope in their self-sacrificing acts of service. As our hearts go out to people in conflicts throughout the Middle East, we are inspired by examples of selfless giving and of people sowing seeds that will yield a rich harvest.

Among these is the hospitality shown by Caritas Lebanon to refugees of the Syrian war. A country with a population the same size as New Zealand (4 million), who have welcomed one and a half million refugees. Imagine how that would be for us.

GROUP DISCUSSION

Who do you/we know that are examples of selfless service inspiring others? How can we make migrants and refugees welcome into our communities? How can we expand the horizons of our encounters?

RESPONSE


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Ideas for action

• Identify personal habits that need to be changed in order to become more selfless and hopeful.

• Consider what a refugee from Syria would have had to have given up or sacrificed.

• What can you give up to help others in need? Find a way to make this happen.

Final Prayer

E Hēhu Karaiti, Jesus Christ, may we be inspired by the selfless acts of communities in Lebanon who have graciously welcomed Syrian refugees into their homes and their lives. Help us to make room in our hearts and lives for those you send to us, especially those who might be a burden to us. Āmene.


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Light a fire in the heart of the world

Whakakāngia te kāpura ki roto i te ngākau o te ao tāngata

Session 6 Palm Sunday

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The Passion of Jesus Christ

An evangelizing community gets involved by word and deed in people’s daily lives; it bridges distances, it is willing to abase itself if necessary and it embraces human life, touching the suffering flesh of Christ in others.


Opening Prayer

E te Ariki, Lord, ignite our passion to awaken hearts to a world where all live in the fullness of life. Amen


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)

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I will tell of your name to my brethrenand 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 Mark 15. 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 27:50-66The passion of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Mark 15:1-39

When the sixth hour came there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, `Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?’ which means. ‘My God, my God why have you deserted me?’ When some of those who stood by heard this they said, ‘Listen, he is calling on Elijah’. Someone ran and soaked a sponge in vinegar and, putting it on a reed, gave it him to drink saying, ‘Wait and see if Elijah will come to take him down.’ But Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his last.

And the veil of the Temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The centurion, who was standing in front of him, had seen how he had died, and he said, ‘In truth this man was a son of God.’


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Gospel reflection

In the midst of the darkness coming over the land at the death of Christ, we have a Roman, a man who witnessed Christ’s death and how he died. At that moment a fire is lit in his own heart, prompting him to say ‘in truth, this man was a Son of God.’

A gentile, a non believer was able to proclaim faith in Christ at the darkest hour, to acknowledge that Jesus was who he said he was. It was probably at this moment that the disciples and others who followed Jesus, were at their lowest ebb. From the mouth of a Gentile comes a prophecy, at a time that the symbol of the separation of God and humans – the veil of the temple – is ripped in two.

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At the moment of greatest darkness there are glimmers of the fire being kindled in the heart of the world. It is a light for the whole world, for all, even for the enemy. Even for the executioner of Christ there is salvation.

Group sharing

Where do you see God lighting a fire in the heart of the world? How can we be part of this?

RESPONSE

As a way of keeping alive the fire that has been lit in our hearts through this Lent Reflection Programme, let us pledge one action that will reduce the burden of someone in our whānau, parish or community.

Record your commitment to yourself in the box on the next page.

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Light a fire in the heart of the worldWhakakāngia te kāpura ki roto i te ngākau o te ao tāngata

In his letter Evangelii Gaudium, Pope Francis asks us to be witnesses at all times and in all places to the joy and hope of the Gospel. He invites us to join him in being personal witnesses to our faith, through our actions as well as our words, with everyone we meet – to light a fire in the heart of the world.

What is one thing I can do, by myself or with others, to ‘light a fire in the heart of the world’ as a result of my reflections during Lent?

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Final prayer

E te Atua, Lord God, as witnesses to the life and death of Christ, we, like the Centurion have been given the gift of faith in recognising Jesus Christ as the Son of God. Ignite in us the energy and determination to reflect your saving grace. Send us out to light a fire in the heart of the world. Āmene.

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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 2016.

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?

Feedback form

Caritas LENTEN REFLECTION PROGRAMME 2015

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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:

Please return to:

Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand, PO Box 12-193, Wellington 6144

Fax: 04-499-2519 [email protected]

Evangelii Gaudium:

Joy of the Gospel

Whakakāngia te kāpura ki roto i te ngākau o te ao

tāngata

Addressing the causes of poverty

Advocating against injustice

Responding to disaster

LENTEN REFLECTION PROGRAMME 2015

Evangelii Gaudium:

Joy of the Gospel

Whakakāngia te kāpura ki roto i te ngākau o te

ao tāngata

Whakakāngia te kāpura ki LENTEN REFLECTION PROGRAMME 2015 reflection booklet_web.pdf · Pope...

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Transcript of Whakakāngia te kāpura ki LENTEN REFLECTION PROGRAMME 2015 reflection booklet_web.pdf · Pope...