LENT

This week, I offer you, a different way, of praying, almsgiving and fasting during Lent, the way of ecology. During this time we have an opportunity to reflect on how we can strengthen our relationship with God through focusing on our relationship with creation.

Pray 

An ecological examen in the Ignatian tradition. 

The examen has several steps. Begin by placing yourself in a quiet place and a posture of openness to the Holy Spirit. 

Gratitude: I ask for the grace to look closely to see how my life choices impact creation and the poor and vulnerable. How can I turn away from a throwaway culture and instead stand in solidarity with creation and the poor? 

Awareness: I ask for the grace of conversion towards ecological justice and reconciliation. Where have I fallen short in caring for creation and my brothers and sisters? 

Understanding: I ask for the grace to reconcile my relationship with God, creation, and humanity, and to stand in solidarity through my actions. How can I repair my relationship with creation and make choices consistent with my desire for reconciliation with creation? Conversion: I offer a closing prayer for the earth and the vulnerable in our society.

Fast 

Take a break from electronic entertainment - TV, computer use, mobile phone use. Pay attention to the people in front of you and the natural scenes around you instead. Try to grow comfortable with quiet and stillness.

Act 

Read about efforts to ban the sale of single-use plastics by certain state and local governments. This week, refrain from using single-use plastic, such as plastic bags, silverware, bottles, etc. 

A FAITH RESPONSE TO COVID-19

SUNDAY REFLECTIONS

Sunday 22 March	4th week of Lent	Spiritual Blindness Jesus was not just concerned about physical blindness. Spiritual blindness happens when we refuse to recognise God in our lives. Sometimes the hardest thing to see clearly is our own faults.
Sunday 29  March	5th  week of Lent	Jesus asks “Do you believe that I give eternal life?" Our Catholic faith has always had a strong conviction about heaven. It’s one of the reasons why we have so many saints: people who help us to live with a daily awareness of the reality of heaven.