LENTEN CYBER RETREAT - WEEK III (3/19)
Lent Week III - Eucharist
http://ccc.usccb.org/flipbooks/catechism/index.html#352
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.
Overall Theme: Living the Sacramental Life in order to open to God’s Healing Mercy
Focus on the Sacrament: Eucharist
Image of St. Joseph: The Dreamer
Like the Patriarch for whom Joseph is named, Joseph is a dreamer who has an intimacy with God that keeps him on track in the midst of difficulties. He is sensitive to the promptings of the Spirit and free to follow in obedience the directives God gives him. Like the patriarch, he has a journey to Egypt with his family. The dreams that come to him serve to protect Mary and Jesus in the time of waiting and preparation for the completion of their Mission.
Petition for Week III – That all who follow Jesus may recognize His Presence when we gather in His Name.
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 III - March 19, 2017 (Year A Readings)
http://usccb.org/bible/readings/031917.cfm
The First Scrutiny teaches us to Thirst for Holiness
The Church begins three weeks of intense prayer for those who are to enter into the Catholic Church through the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. Each week’s Scrutiny draws its theme from the Gospel of Year A. Today we hear of Jesus’ encounter with the Woman of Samaria. As John unfolds the story, the Samaritan Woman is the first to hear Who Jesus Is. Her thirst for water and Jesus’ request for her to give Him a drink opens up a moment of Salvation. The Elect are invited to become aware of their deepest longings. The whole Community prays for them and each of us is called to renew our own thirst for Living Water.
http://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/prayers-and-devotions/rosaries/index.cfm
3/20 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.
Solemnity of St. Joseph, Husband of Mary (Transferred from Sunday)
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/032017.cfm
3/21 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.
3/22 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.
3/23 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.
3/24 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.
3/25 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.
Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord.
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/032517.cfm
3/26 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.
Worship with the community. Pray for the Catechumens as they experience the Second Scrutiny.