LENTEN CYBER RETREAT - WEEK V (4/ 2)
Lent Week V - Anointing of the Sick
http://ccc.usccb.org/flipbooks/catechism/index.html#392
Overall Petition for the Cyber Retreat: That faithful sharing in the Sacramental Life of the Church may form us all to be a clear witness of the truth of the Gospel and of the power of the Spirit of Jesus to bring light and healing to our world.
Focus on the Sacrament: Anointing of the Sick
Image of St. Joseph: Guardian of the Holy Family
Joseph’s primary duty after the beginning of the Incarnation was to be the guardian of the Holy Family. He took Mary his wife into his home and made a place for her with him. The journey to Bethlehem, the Nativity and all the events surrounding it, the flight to Egypt and return to Nazareth, all involved Joseph’s efforts to keep Mary and the Child safe. Joseph was the one who bore the name of Abba, Father, to keep it in Jesus’ view throughout His childhood. Joseph taught Jesus in the ways of the Jewish Faith, along with Mary, taking Jesus to the Temple for the annual feasts. Joseph also shared with Jesus the carpentry trade that was his livelihood, so that even Jesus would be known as the carpenter of Nazareth.
The death of Joseph was a shared grief that anticipated the sorrow that would be part of Jesus’ Ministry, the sword that would pierce the Heart of Mary. As Guardian of the Holy Family, Joseph served as a true patriarch in the line of David, accomplishing God’s plan to establish a Kingdom that would never end.
Petition for Week – That each new generation may respond to the invitation to seek first the Kingdom of God and to practice the Faith through participation in the Sacramental Life of the Church.
Resources for Lent from the US Catholic Bishops:
http://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/liturgical-year/lent/
Pope Francis’ Lenten Message:
https://zenit.org/articles/popes-message-for-lent-2017/
Questions to consider:
How do the Sacraments form me as a witness to the Gospel?
What new insights do the Sacraments offer me as I seek to know God better?
Where do I experience healing in the Sacraments?
Who is waiting for my invitation to share the Sacramental Life of the Church?
What new commitment is the Lord asking of me through the Sacraments I live?
How do the witness of St. Joseph and model of the Holy Family encourage me to persevere?
What Mystery of the Rosary touches me in a particular way this week?
Resources for Lent from the US Catholic Bishops:
http://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/liturgical-year/lent/
Pope Francis’ Lenten Message:
https://zenit.org/articles/popes-message-for-lent-2017/
Lent Sunday V - April 2, 2017 (Year A Readings)
http://usccb.org/bible/readings/040217.cfm
The Third Scrutiny promises us New Life
The human heart is touched by the reality of death and the hope for new life. Even the Heart of Jesus, Who IS the Resurrection and the Life, was moved to tears at the experience of the death of Lazarus and in the face of the grief of Martha and Mary. When we scrutinize our hearts, we discover the limitations placed upon us by this world and its promises that go unfulfilled.
http://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/prayers-and-devotions/rosaries/index.cfm
4/ 3 Monday: The Joyful Mysteries
The Annunciation, Visitation and Birth of Jesus speak to us of Mary’s response to God’s grace. Mercy is received for the human race in its fullness and she shares it with the world.
4/ 4 Tuesday: The Sorrowful Mysteries
The Agony in the Garden, the Scourging at the Pillar and the Crowning with Thorns point to the willingness of Jesus to do His Father’s Will, whatever the cost, and of our rejection of Him through sin.
4/ 5 Wednesday: The Glorious Mysteries
The Resurrection, the Ascension and the Descent of the Holy Spirit show us the power of God to raise our human nature to a sharing in His Glory.
4/ 6 Thursday: The Luminous Mysteries (The Mysteries of Light)
The Baptism of the Lord, the Wedding Feast of Cana, the Proclamation of the Gospel and the Call to Conversion, the Transfiguration and the Institution of the Holy Eucharist at the Last Supper show us the way in which Jesus revealed the Sacramental Life He has given to the Church. Divine Life is shared in human experiences.
4/ 7 Friday: The Sorrowful Mysteries
The Carrying of the Cross and the Crucifixion bring to conclusion Jesus’ full embrace of our human experience. We are invited to imitate Him as we experience our own burdens and sufferings in the earthly journey. Abstinence from meat with the whole Church. Reflect on the holiness to which you are called. Participate in a Lenten Fish Fry and the Stations of the Cross or other devotions for Lent.
Abstinence from meat with the whole Church. Reflect on the holiness to which you are called. Participate in a Lenten Fish Fry and the Stations of the Cross or other devotions for Lent.
4/ 8 Saturday: The Joyful Mysteries
The Presentation of Jesus and the Finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple both show the importance of bringing our children into an awareness of their relationship with God.
4/ 9 Palm Sunday: The Glorious Mysteries
The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Coronation of Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth make known to us that we are already sharers in the Divine Life that will be ours in Eternity. Mary is our Mother in the order of Grace. She prompts us to open our hearts to her Son.
Pray for the Catechumens and Candidates for Full Communion in the Catholic Church as they enter into the Liturgies of Holy Week and prepare for the Easter Vigil.
Make plans to be part of all the events of Holy Week: The Chrism Mass, the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, the Celebration of the Lord’s Passion, the Easter Vigil, and the Masses of Easter Sunday.
If you have not already done so, approach the Sacrament of Reconciliation in a communal Penance Service or at a time for individual confessions in order to open your heart fully to the grace of Easter.