The "Friends of Christ" Lenten Program has five sessions, based on the Gospels for Year A in Lent, beginning with the readings for the Second Sunday of Lent. In addition, Cardinal George Pell has provided a reflection for the First Week of Lent, which can be used in an introductory session. Click on "download this file" to have a listen.
Session 1 of the 2011 Lenten program has the theme "The Transfiguration". Listen to this Gospel reading from Mt 17:1-9. After the reading, pause in silence for a few moments to reflect on the Gospel passage.
Session 1 of the 2011 Lenten program has the theme "The Transfiguration". Listen to this audio reflection, and ask the following discussion questions: 1. In this Gospel passage, we see Jesus leading the chosen Apostles to the top of a mountain so they can be alone with Him. Why is it important to be alone with Jesus when we are praying? 2. During this event, the Apostles were told to listen to Jesus. Is it possible to listen to Jesus in our prayer? How? 3. What does this account of the transfiguration show us about how we can achieve holiness? 4. During Lent, Catholics are called to undertake prayer, fasting and alms giving. From the reflection you have just listened to, provide an example of how we can improve in our prayer life during Lent.
Session 1 of the 2011 Lenten program has the theme "The Transfiguration". In a chapel, church or a quiet place that helps you pray, listen to this guided meditation. Finish off the session with this practical goal: "Begin each day with prayer, offering up all the activities of the day to God".
Session 2 of the 2011 Lenten program has the theme "Jesus and the Samaritan Woman". Listen to this Gospel reading from Jn 11:1-7, 17-28, 32-45. After the reading, pause in silence for a few moments to reflect on the Gospel passage.
Session 2 of the 2011 Lenten program has the theme "Jesus and the Samaritan Woman". Listen to this audio reflection, and ask the following discussion questions: 1. What strikes you most about Jesus' conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well? 2. Can you recall anyone who has made a deep impression on you and who has influenced your life for the better? 3. What are some good ways of striking up a conversation about deeper issues with a friend or relative? 4. What can we do to live in the presence of God at all times, like St. Mary MacKillop?
Session 2 of the 2011 Lenten program has the theme "Jesus and the Samaritan Woman". In a chapel, church or a quiet place that helps you pray, listen to this guided meditation. Finish off the session with this practical goal: "Make an effort to attend Mass at least one more day each week".
Session 3 of the 2011 Lenten program has the theme "The Healing of the Man Born Blind". Listen to this Gospel reading from Jn 9:1-9, 13-17, 34-39. After the reading, pause in silence for a few moments to reflect on the Gospel passage.
Session 3 of the 2011 Lenten program has the theme "The Healing of the Man Born Blind". Listen to this audio reflection, and ask the following discussion questions: 1. What strikes you most about the Gospel passage of the healing of the blind man? 2. The blind man would have been expelled from the synagogue for professing his faith in Christ. This can happen today when people find the faith and change their lifestyle, and are then rejected my their friends and even families. What do you think this means for them? 3. When you meet someone without the faith, what can you do to help them know more about Jesus?
Session 3 of the 2011 Lenten program has the theme "The Healing of the Man Born Blind". In a chapel, church or a quiet place that helps you pray, listen to this guided meditation. Finish off the session with this practical goal: "Pray every day for someone who is far from God so they will return".
Session 4 of the 2011 Lenten program has the theme "The Raising of Lazarus". Listen to this Gospel reading from Jn 11:1-7, 17-28, 32-45. After the reading, pause in silence for a few moments to reflect on the Gospel passage.
Session 4 of the 2011 Lenten program has the theme "The Raising of Lazarus". Listen to this audio reflection, and ask the following discussion questions: 1. Jesus told the Apostles, and he tells us: "I have called you my friends (Jn 15:15). What can we do to grow in friendship with him, especially now in Lent? 2. Can you think of a particularly significant way in which a friend has helped you at some time, that you would like relate? 3. Why is it so important to go to Confession?
Session 4 of the 2011 Lenten program has the theme "The Raising of Lazarus". In a chapel, church or a quiet place that helps you pray, listen to this guided meditation. Finish off the session with this practical goal: "Make an effort to smail more"
Session 5 of the 2011 Lenten program has the theme "Finding Christ on the Cross". Listen to this Gospel reading from Mt 27:31-37, 45-54. After the reading, pause in silence for a few moments to reflect on the Gospel passage.
Session 5 of the 2011 Lenten program has the theme "Finding Christ on the Cross". Listen to this audio reflection, and ask the following discussion questions: 1. What strikes you most about the crucifixion and death of Our Lord? 2. Have you ever experienced God's love for you in an especially powerful way that you would like to share? 3. Mary MacKillop says that "With the Cross I am happy, but without it would be lost". Why do you think she was so happy when bearing the Cross? 4. Mary MacKillop had a great love for the Cross and she willingly accepted the many sufferings life brought with it. How can we come to have the same attitude?
Session 5 of the 2011 Lenten program has the theme "Finding Christ on the Cross". In a chapel, church or a quiet place that helps you pray, listen to this guided meditation. Finish off the session with this practical goal: "Pray each day for priests as we celebrate the institution of the priesthood on Holy Thursday.