“The Lenten season is can be both compelling and burdensome. In this talk, Simon Kyne seeks to reconnect us with the invitation of Lent, expressed by Pope Benedict XVI using the following words: “”Dear brothers and sisters, in this season of Lent, as we prepare to celebrate the event of the Cross and Resurrection – in which the love of God redeemed the world and shone its light upon history – I express my wish that all of you may spend this precious time rekindling your faith in Jesus Christ, so as to enter with him into the dynamic of love for the Father and for every brother and sister that we encounter in our lives.”” Let’s listen together as we recall the core mission of Jesus, in that He came to show us the Father. “
Episode 7: He Came to Show us the Father (The Invitation of Lent)
Simon Kyne
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Discussion Questions
1. Reflect on the following scripture: " "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me." – Matt 16:24. What stands out to you as you reflect on this scripture?
2. The Catechism describes Jesus temptations in the desert in the following way: The Gospels speak of a time of solitude for Jesus in the desert immediately after his baptism by John. Driven by the Spirit into the desert, Jesus remains there for forty days without eating; he lives among wild beasts, and angels minister to him.241 At the end of this time Satan tempts him three times, seeking to compromise his filial attitude toward God, Jesus rebuffs these attacks, which recapitulate the temptations of Adam in Paradise and of Israel in the desert, and the devil leaves him "until an opportune time" (Catechism of the Catholic Church 538) How has the enemy sought to compromise YOUR filial attitude towards the Father?
3. Reflection from Henri Nouwen's "Return of the Prodigal": Now I wonder whether I have sufficiently realized that during all this time God has been trying to find me, to know me, and to love me. The question is not “How am I to find God?” but “How am I to let myself be found by him?” The question is not “How am I to know God?” but “How am I to let myself be known by God?” And, finally, the question is not “How am I to love God?” but “How am I to let myself be loved by God?” God is looking into the distance for me, trying to find me, and longing to bring me home.”
4. Lent invites us to render before Jesus an account of our sorrows and sin. Reflect on the following scripture: "Then He turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.” – LUKE 7: 44-47
