caritas lenten reflection programme 2017

ADDRESSING THE CAUSES OF POVERTY

ADVOCATING AGAINST INJUSTICE

RESPONDING TO DISASTER

Caritas Lenten Reflection Programme 2017

PSALM 27:8

NGA– WAIATA 27:8

ME RAPU AHAU I TO- U MATA E TE ATUA.

PO Box 12193, Wellington 6144 Aotearoa New Zealand www.caritas.org.nz

English version: Roger Ellis, Sr Clare O’Connor, Br Kieran Fenn, David Nonu, Lisa Beech, Joanna Viernes, Emily Benefield, Petra Wheatley.

Te Reo Māori version: Piripi Walker

Tongan version: Langi Paasi

Samoan version: Puletini Tuala

Pasifika programmes coordinator: David Nonu

Te Reo Māori oversight: Te Rūnanga o te Hāhi Katorika ki

Design: Miranda Lees

The Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand Lenten Reflection programme is available in English,

Te Reo Māori, Samoan and Tongan language versions.

ISSN 2253-3370 (Print)

ISSN 2253-3389 (Online)

ISBN 978-0-908348-18-3 (Print)

ISBN 978-0-908348-19-0 (Online)

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This Lent is about encountering the presence of Christ – including in the faces of others.

Christ can reveal himself through our interactions with other people. Sometimes through people we would least expect.

“Lent is a favourable season for opening the doors to all those in need and recognising in them the face of Christ. Each of us meets people

like this every day. Each life that we encounter is a gift deserving acceptance, respect and love. … Lent is the favourable season

for renewing our encounter with Christ, living in his word, in the sacraments and in our neighbour. I encourage all the faithful to express

this spiritual renewal also by sharing in the Lenten Campaigns … and thus to favour the culture of encounter in our one human family.”

Pope Francis Lenten Message 2017


PSALM 27:8

NGA– WAIATA 27:8


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Praying with the Lenten Gospels – Lectio DivinaCentral to the Caritas Lenten Reflection Programme is shared reflection on the Gospels for the six Sundays of Lent in the style of lectio divina, a Latin term which means ‘reading with God’. In this form of prayer, after the first reading of the Gospel, members of the group repeat a word or phrase which stood out for them. They may repeat several words or phrases each, as they feel so moved. The gospel is then read again, and there is an opportunity for sharing.

Praying with the Gospels - the Year A liturgical cycleEach Lent we return to the three-year cycle of Lenten gospels. For many these will be old friends; for others, new acquaintances. But we can all find something new as we reflect prayerfully on these scriptures again.

Throughout these gospel readings we find an invitation to an ongoing face to face encounter – with Christ and with other people. Seeing Christ in the faces of those we encounter helps us to see how God is at work in our lives each day.

“The joy of the Gospel fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus.” Pope Francis, Evangelli Gaudium.

A Guide to using the Caritas Lenten Reflection Programme

We live and share our faith with each other and with the wider community. Lent provides an opportunity each year to deepen our understanding of our faith by reflecting on the Gospels. During Lent we are called again to turn back to God, to re-examine the practice of our faith and to consider what we want to change in our lives.

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Praying with some of the projects supported by the Bishops’ Lent AppealThis reflection programme accompanies the Bishops’ Lent Appeal which occurs in parishes during Lent. Each of the giving envelopes distributed to parishes for the six weeks of Lent gives an example of work supported by the Catholic and wider community in New Zealand through the Bishops’ Lent Appeal. The specific projects featured are chosen following Caritas staff members’ own prayerful reflection on the Lenten Gospels using the lectio divina method. Participants may use this for personal background reading, or may wish to incorporate it into their discussions. The intention is to assist people to pray meaningfully and develop a deeper understanding of the works of mercy (in New Zealand and overseas) supported by our communities during Lent.

Gospel reflectionsFollowing shared reflection on the Gospel, the programme offers additional material to generate further discussion. Its focus is to help us live the Gospels – to share our faith and the love that God has given us with our neighbours. Participants have the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the Scriptural context of the Gospels, in the light of Catholic social teaching and its application in the work of Caritas and in their daily lives.

We note this is a reflection and discussion programme, where the focus is on faith development and sharing, rather than an academic study programme. Some participants have used the Lenten reflection programme as a starting point for further Scriptural and Theological study, for example, through courses offered by The Catholic Institute (www.tci.ac.nz ). Others have brought insights and material from Scriptural or Theological study to share with their group.

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Additional sources of material used in preparing the programme:

• The practical experience of Caritas workers and our partners from our own reflection and sharing on the messages of the 2017 Lenten Gospels.

• The insights of Scripture scholar Br Kieran Fenn and Spiritual Director Sr Clare O’Connor who accompanied Caritas workers and our partners from our own reflection and sharing on the messages of the 2017 Lenten Gospels.

PrayersThe programme offers suggestions for prayer, including Opening and Closing prayers. If your group has other prayers you wish to use or a preferred style of praying, please feel free to substitute these prayers. For example, you may wish to use formal prayers of the Church or forms of intercessory prayer. What is important is taking time to pray together.

Bible translationThe Gospel and Psalm readings are taken from the lectionary, based on ordo Lectionum Missae, Editio Typica Altera, Typos Polyglottis Vaticanis, 1981. This is the version of the Lectionary which is recommended for use in Catholic parishes throughout New Zealand. For groups using this programme in parishes, it helps many participants to solidify understanding that the words and phrases used in the lectio divina exercise during the discussion group are also heard in the proclamation of the Word at Mass each Sunday.

Please feel free to read the Gospels from the Bible in another translation – for example, groups who are new to the English language may prefer to use a translation that simplifies the language, such as the Good news version, and groups who are seeking more inclusive language may prefer to use a translation such as the NRSV version.

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Groups for shared Lenten reflectionCommunities who use this programme include Catholic parishes, ecumenical groups, families, ethnic communities, religious communities, rest home residents, and groups in prison. A number of parishes organise formal day-time or evening group meetings. The programme is used in other ways: for example, families who reflect and pray together for the six weeks of Lent or people who use it for individual prayer and reflection. Please feel free to adapt the programme to suit your needs or the needs of your group or community.

LeadersThe role of the leader or facilitator is to assist the group by providing focus and some structure to the session, as well as to encourage members to share and listen. This role can be taken by one person nominated for all the sessions or it can be rotated among group members.

All members of Lenten groups have their own life experiences and faith journeys, as well as different gifts and different insights. Each person has a significant contribution to make to the weekly reflections. A prayer focus – a lit candle, a Bible, flowers, other symbols – and appropriate music as a background to reflection can be very helpful.

Discussion sharing and prayer in actionThrough the “Discussion and Sharing”, and the “Prayer in action” sections we are invited to deepen our understanding of the Gospels, and to allow God to transform us. A significant aim of our Lenten practice of prayer, fasting and almsgiving, is to change our behaviour and to respond with love to our neighbours. Each session ends with an invitation and an opportunity to make a personal commitment to put our faith into action. Members of the group are asked to identify some tasks that we can work on individually or

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together over the weeks of lent, and to clarify an ongoing commitment we make following Lent and Easter.

Session outlineA session is generally expected to last 60-90 minutes. The time-frame could be as follows:

• Welcome, opening prayer and sharing 10-15 minutes

• Scripture context, Gospel reading and response 15-25 minutes

• Gospel reflection and discussion 30-40 minutes

• Prayer in action and personal commitment 5-10 minutes

• Closing prayer 5-10 minutes

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WEEK 1

Making good choices – even when it’s difficult

OPENING PRAYERE te Ariki, we pray for Your guidance during our Lenten journey. May these times of reflection and prayer help us to more clearly see your face – the face of mercy. Provide us with the strength to be Your voice and to make good choices. Help us to help others face the tests that challenge them. We make this prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Responsorial: Psalm 50:3-6, 12-14, 17 cf: v.3

Response: Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.

Have mercy on me, God, in your kindness.In your compassion blot out my offence. O wash me more and more from my guilt and cleanse me from my sin. R

My offences truly I know them;my sin is always before me.Against you, you alone, have I sinned;what is evil in your sight I have done. R

A pure heart create for me, O God, put a steadfast spirit within me.Do not cast me away from your presence,nor deprive me of your holy spirit. R

Give me again the joy of your help; with a spirit of fervour sustain me. O Lord, open my lipsand my mouth shall declare your praise. R

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WEEK 1

GROUP SHARINGFacilitator: What are your hopes and expectations for this discussion group? How do you hope to be different by the end of Lent?

GOSPEL READINGAsk a member of the group to read the following passage aloud, from the Bible or from this booklet.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew 4:1-11

Jesus was led by the Spirit out into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. He fasted for forty days and forty nights, after which he was very hungry, and the tempter came and said to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to turn into loaves.’ But he replied, ‘Scripture says:

We do not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’

The devil then took him to the holy city and made him stand on the parapet of the Temple. ‘If you are the Son of God’ he said ‘throw yourself down; for scripture says:

He will put you in his angels’ charge,

And they will support you on their hands in case you hurt your foot against a stone.’

Jesus said to him, ‘Scripture also says:

You must not put the Lord your God to the test.’

Next, taking him to a very high mountain, the devil showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendour. ‘I will give you all these’ he said, ‘if you fall at my feet and worship me.’ Then Jesus replied, ‘Be off, Satan! For scripture says:

You must worship the Lord your God, and serve him alone.’

Then the devil left him, and angels appeared and looked after him.

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After the reading, pause for silent reflection. Then invite people to share a word or phrase that stood out for them. Invite another group member to read the gospel passage aloud again.

REFLECTION ON THE GOSPELThe temptations faced by Christ were for material gain and comfort, renown and fame. In his weakened state, it took personal strength and connection with his Father and his Scriptural tradition to resist these temptations. One of the challenges facing people today is that it can be hard to resist supposed short-cuts to wealth or comfort. Just as Jesus was tempted to worship Satan to acquire wealth and power, we are tempted to take short cuts rather than doing things the right way. Satan doesn’t keep his promises, but we can trust that our heavenly Father will. We need to put God first in all things.

GROUP DISCUSSION AND SHARINGJesus is led by the Spirit into the desert, where he makes difficult choices about how he wants to live. How often do we consider our own lives and the choices we make? How could we become more focussed on being an agent of change to help bring about God’s reign in the world?

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Temptations today in Papua New GuineaLent opens with the temptation of Christ in the desert. He is tempted with offers of material gain and comfort, renown and fame.

Many communities today are faced with similar temptations for short term benefit over long term empowerment. In Papua New Guinea, the temptations come in many forms. One current temptation is in the form of oil exploration and deep seabed mining. While this might bring short term material wealth, at least for some, it will also bring devastating long-term effects on the communities and the environment in the form of social dislocation and environmental destruction.

WEEK 1

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PRAYER IN ACTION

• Share your reflections on this week’s gospel with a friend or family member

• Take yourself into a ‘desert’ space to listen to the voice of God in your life

Notice the temptations you see in our world today

CLOSING PRAYER:E te Atua, God, we ask for your guidance as we begin our Lenten journey. For when we are faced with temptation – we ask the Holy Spirit to give us courage, faith and wisdom to discern. In our journey this Lenten season, remove anything that is not of You, and fill it with Your grace. When our own human weakness fails us, bless us with the humility to embrace You. Not on our own strength, but on Yours alone. May we see the face of Christ in our encounter with others.

We make this prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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WEEK 2

An encounter with God’s love “The church will have to initiate everyone – priests, religious, laity – into this “art of accompaniment” which teaches us to remove our sandals before the sacred ground of the other.”

Pope Francis, Evangelli Gaudium. 169.

OPENING PRAYERE te Atua, in this week we witness your splendour. The outpouring of you showing us your love, compassion and mercy in us bringing hope and understanding. You have not forgotten us and neither will we forget You. In you we place our hope. We make this prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Responsorial Psalm 33:4-5, 18-20; 22, R v.22

Response: Lord, let your mercy be upon us, as we place our trust in you.

The word of the Lord is faithful and all his works to be trusted. The Lord loves justice and right and fills the earth with his love. R

The Lord looks on those who revere him, on those who hope in his love,to rescue their souls from death,to keep them alive in famine. R

Our soul is waiting for the Lord. The Lord is our help and our shield. May your love be upon us, O Lord, as we place all our hope in you. R

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GROUP SHARING Facilitator: How has this week been? What reflection do you have on last week’s theme of making good choices?

GOSPEL READING: THE TRANSFIGURATIONAsk a member of the group to read the following passage aloud, from a Bible or from this booklet.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew 17:1-9

“Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain where they could be alone. There in their presence he was transfigured; his face shone like the sun and his clothes became as white as the light. Suddenly Moses and Elijah appeared to them; they were talking with him. Then Peter spoke to Jesus. ‘Lord,’ he said ‘it is wonderful for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.’ He was still speaking when suddenly a bright cloud covered them with shadow, and from the cloud there came a voice which said ‘This is my Son, the Beloved; he enjoys my favour. Listen to him’ When they heard this, the disciples fell on their faces, overcome with fear. But Jesus came up and touched them. ‘Stand up,’ he said ‘do not be afraid.’ And when they raised their eyes they saw no one but only Jesus.

As they came down from the mountain Jesus gave them this order. ‘Tell no one about the vision until the Son of Man has risen from the dead.’

After the reading pause for silent reflection. Then invite people to share a word or phrase that stood out for them. Invite another group member to read the gospel passage aloud again.

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REFLECTION ON THE GOSPELThe disciples are overcome and afraid in the shadow of the cloud. God’s revelation and power was totally awe-inspiring and overpowering for them. Many people face overwhelming situations in the face of natural forces of creation, such as a violent storm. Jesus touches the disciples and helps them to stand up. Encountering Jesus and his physical presence helps them overcome their fear. Personal encounter is important in helping people stand up through the storms of life. God’s love and light are revealed when people support each other. We connect with Christ and with each other as a community, so every person knows they are not alone. We are the face of the Father’s mercy when we reach out to touch and encourage one another in our fear.

GROUP DISCUSSION AND SHARINGAfter the transfiguration, Jesus invites the disciples to stand up and not be afraid. How does Jesus invite us to stand up and let go of our fears? Where have I encountered the face of God recently?

WEEK 2

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Light after the shadow of the stormIn the account of Christ’s Transfiguration, there are striking images of light and shadow. In the disciples’ face to face encounter with Christ revealed in glory in the company of his tūpuna, his ancestors, Moses and Elijah, the disciples become overcome and afraid in the shadow of the cloud. Jesus touches them and helps them to stand up. Jesus is with them before, during and after their time of fear.

In the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Winston in Fiji in February 2016, groups from the Archdiocese of Suva’s Commission for Justice and Development travelled long distances to reach remote communities, forgotten by others. One parish priest was the only person to reach the remote, isolated community of Nabutini Settlement (Ba province, Viti Levu) to deliver emergency supplies. They were his people – he had an enduring relationship with the communities he cared for. He knew and supported them before and after the storm, not an external agency that only interacted with them temporarily. The face to face encounter with people in need is one of the ways in which God’s love is revealed. It is the light after the shadow of the storm.

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PRAYER IN ACTIONHow can we live the Gospel by engaging in some action?

• Hear God say that you are beloved

• Stand up for someone who doesn’t have a voice, for example in a rest home or a child…

• Bring light to an important issue in our society

Optional extra: Show appreciation of someone who inspires you on your journey

CLOSING PRAYERE te Ariki, Lord, in the times when our lives are overcome by cloud and shadow, we pray that your light and love touches us. When we are afraid and ashamed, remind us Lord that You are always there, calling us as your Beloved. When our own faith in you and in our brothers and sisters fails, remind us that You will always remain faithful, for God does not forget His people. May we strive to be Jesus’ eyes, hands, and feet in our world today.

We pray this prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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WEEK 3

Encountering God in unlikely people or places“Being a disciple means being constantly ready to bring the love of Jesus to others, and this can happen unexpectedly and in any place; on the street, in a city square, during work, on a journey.”

Pope Francis, Evangelli Gaudium 127.

OPENING PRAYERO Lord my God, I believe in you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit... Insofar as I can, insofar as you have given me the power, I have sought you. I became weary and I laboured. O Lord my God, my sole hope, help me to believe and never to cease seeking you. Grant that I may always and ardently seek out your countenance. Give me the strength to seek you, for you help me to find you and you have more and more given me the hope of finding you. Here I am before you with my firmness and my infirmity. Preserve the first and heal the second. Here I am before you with my strength and my ignorance. Where you have opened the door to me, welcome me at the entrance; where you have closed the door to me, open to my cry; enable me to remember you, to understand you, and to love you.

Amen.

(Prayer of St. Augustine of Hippo)

Responsorial Psalm Ps 95:1-2. 6-9 R v.8

Response: If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

Come, ring out our joy to the Lord; hail the rock who saves us.Let us come before him, giving thanks, with songs let us hail the Lord. R

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WEEK 3

Come in; let us bow and bend low;let us kneel before the God who made us for he is our God and wethe people who belong to his pasture, the flock that is led by his hand. R

O that today you would listen to his voice!‘Harden not your hearts as at Meribah,as on that day at Massah in the desertwhen your fathers put me to the test;when they tried me, though they saw my work. R

GROUP SHARINGFacilitator: How have you experienced God’s love this week or stood unafraid?

GOSPEL READINGAsk a member of the group to read the following passage aloud, from a Bible or from this booklet.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John 4:5-15. 19-26. 39-42

Jesus came to the Samaritan town called Sychar, near the land that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. Jacob’s well is there and Jesus, tired by the journey, sat straight down by the well. It was about the sixth hour. When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, `Give me a drink.’ His disciples had gone into the town to buy food. The Samaritan woman said to him, ‘What? You are a Jew and you ask me, a Samaritan, for a drink?’ — Jews, in fact, do not associate with Samaritans. Jesus replied:

‘If you only knew what God is offering and who it is that is saying to you:

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Give me a drink,you would have been the one to ask,and he would have given you living water.’

‘You have no bucket, sir,’ she answered ‘and the well is deep: how could you get this living water? Are you a greater man than our father Jacob who gave us this well and drank from it himself with his sons and his cattle?’ Jesus replied:

‘Whoever drinks this water will get thirsty again;but anyone who drinks the water that I shall givewill never be thirsty again: the water that I shall give will turn into a spring inside him, welling up to eternal life.’

‘Sir,’ said the woman, ‘give me some of that water, so that I may never get thirsty and never have to come here again to draw water. I see you are a prophet, sir. Our fathers worshipped on this mountain, while you say that Jerusalem is the place where one ought to worship.’ Jesus said:

Believe me, woman, the hour is coming when you will worship the Fatherneither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You worship what you do not know;we worship what we do know;for salvation comes from the Jews.But the hour will come — in fact it is here already —when true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth: that is the kind of worshipperthe Father wants.God is spirit,and those who worshipmust worship in spirit and truth.’

The woman said to him, ‘I know that Messiah — that is, Christ — is coming; and when he comes he will tell us everything,’ ‘I who am speaking to you,’ said Jesus ‘I am he.’

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WEEK 3

Many Samaritans of that town had believed in him on the strength of the woman’s testimony, so, when the Samaritans came up to him, they begged him to stay with them. He stayed for two days, and when he spoke to them many more came to believe; and they said to the woman, ‘Now we no longer believe because of what you told us; we have heard him ourselves and we know that he really is the saviour of the world.’


GOSPEL REFLECTIONThe encounter at the well transcends barriers – between male and female, Jew and Samaritan, cultural and religious difference. The discussion starts with a request to meet a material need and becomes one about more profound and spiritual needs. In her encounter with Jesus, the Samaritan woman becomes aware of a world beyond her experience. It opens up new perspectives and opportunities for her.

She becomes aware that there is more on offer than what can be physically seen and felt. Jesus is taking her to a different understanding of God’s creation, beyond the water for our physical needs to the equally essential springs of living water. She becomes aware through this encounter that God’s abundance is more than she can see – “if you only you knew what God is offering.” We are also invited to see beyond the obvious to what God is offering us.

GROUP DISCUSSION AND SHARINGThe Samaritan woman was surprised that Jesus, a Jew, spoke to her. When have you been surprised by an encounter?

Jesus was tired by the journey. When do you struggle to keep fighting for justice?

Who is an unlikely character who brings God’s good news to you?

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Bringing living water to KiribatiThe meeting of Jesus with the Samaritan woman starts with a request for water, but becomes an encounter which transcends barriers. The woman is alone at the well in the middle of the day, which suggests that she is isolated or marginalised in her community. The discussion goes beyond the material need of thirst, to a spiritual discussion of the water that gives everlasting life.

In the same way, the material needs of Kiribati seem to grab people’s attention – rising sea levels, lack of water, pollution, lack of nutrition. But these needs can mask more deep-seated challenges, and can also mask the strength of the community’s response. Like the Samaritan woman who became an agent of change for her community, the Kiribati Caritas Youth Group have become champions of change.

Members of the youth group travel to outer islands and talk to local people about the challenges they face, as well as their deep cultural and spiritual links to the land and their own responses. There is a sharing of knowledge and experiences in these face to face encounters, which leads to a connection and discussion beyond material needs.

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PRAYER IN ACTION

• How can we take this discussion and translate it into actions in our everyday lives?

• Try to connect with someone you wouldn’t normally talk to

• Find ways to appreciate God’s living water

• Read an account of how groups of people have reconciled, eg: South Africa.

“The Samaritan woman became a missionary immediately after speaking with Jesus and many Samaritans come to believe in him “because of the woman’s testimony” (Jn 4:39). So too, Saint Paul, after his encounter with Jesus Christ, “immediately proclaimed Jesus” (Acts 9:20; cf. 22:6-21). So what are we waiting for?”

Pope Francis, paragraph 120, Evangelli Gaudium.

CLOSING PRAYER:E te Ariki, Lord, we pray that we as your disciples, accept Jesus’ invitation to drink the living water. Fill our hearts with your abundant love. May our cups be so full that they overflow and your graces are poured out onto others. May our spirits be nourished so that we may never be thirsty again. We pray this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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WEEK 4

Opening our eyes to see as God sees“Let us open our eyes and see the misery of the world, the wounds of our brothers and sisters who are denied their dignity, and let us recognize that we are compelled to heed their cry for help! May we reach out to them and support them so they can feel the warmth of our presence, our friendship, and our fraternity! May their cry become our own, and together may we break down the barriers of indifference that too often reign supreme and mask our hypocrisy and egoism!”

Pope Francis, Misercordiae Vultus 15.

OPENING PRAYERE te Atua o te aroha, God of love. Open our eyes to the injustices in the world. Help us understand these problems that we may work towards resolution for those who are suffering. Guide our faith to encounter others who need it. Help us to see people and places as you see them. We pray this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 23. R v.1

Response: The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

The Lord is my shepherd;there is nothing I shall want.Fresh and green are the pastures where he gives me repose.Near restful waters he leads me,to revive my drooping spirit. R

He guides me along the right path;he is true to his name.If I should walk in the valley of darkness no evil would I fear.

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WEEK 4

You are there with your crook and your staff; with these you give me comfort. R

You have prepared a banquet for me in the sight of my foes.My head you have anointed with oil; my cup is overflowing. R

Surely goodness and kindness shall follow meall the days of my life.In the Lord’s own house shall I dwellfor ever and ever. R

GROUP SHARINGFacilitator: In what ways have you encountered the living water of Christ in the last week? How have we connected with people we wouldn’t ordinarily meet?

GOSPEL READINGAsk a member of the group to read the following passage aloud, from a Bible or from this booklet.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John 9:1. 6-9. 13-17. 34-38

As Jesus went along, he saw a man who had been blind from birth. He spat on the ground, made a paste with the spittle, put this over the eyes of the blind man and said to him, `Go and wash in the Pool of Siloam’ (a name that means ‘sent’). So the blind man went off and washed himself, and came away with his sight restored.

His neighbors and people who earlier had seen him begging said, ‘Isn’t this the man who used to sit and beg?’ Some said, ‘Yes, it is the same one.’ Others said, ‘No, he only looks like him.’ The man himself said, ‘I am the man.’

They brought the man who had been blind to the Pharisees. It had been a sabbath day when Jesus made the paste and opened the man’s eyes,

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so when the Pharisees asked him how he had come to see he said, ‘He put a paste on my eyes, and I washed, and I can see.’ Then some of the Pharisees said, ‘This man cannot be from God; he does not keep the sabbath.’ Others said, ‘How could a sinner produce signs like this?’ And there was disagreement among them. So they spoke to the blind man again, ‘What have you to say about him yourself, now that he has opened your eyes?’ ‘He is a prophet’ replied the man.

‘Are you trying to teach us,’ they replied ‘and you a sinner through and through, since you were born!’ And they drove him away.

Jesus heard they had driven him away, and when he found him he said to him, `Do you believe in the Son of Man?’ ‘Sir,’ the man replied `tell me who he is so that I may believe in him.’ Jesus said, ‘You are looking at him; he is speaking to you.’ The man said, ‘Lord, I believe’, and worshipped him.”

After the reading, pause for silent reflection. Then invite people to share a word or phrase that stood out for them. Invite another group member to read the gospel passage aloud again.

GOSPEL REFLECTIONThe blind man was judged by his community and blamed for his disability. He becomes empowered after his encounter with Jesus, not just through being given his sight back but also by being given a voice to speak up. The Pharisees, while looking down on ‘sinners’ are blind to the identity of Jesus and unable to see the blind man for the person he truly is. They are unaware of their own blindness and cannot see past their own prejudices to recognise Jesus in front of them.

GROUP DISCUSSION AND SHARINGJesus sees the blind man and heals him. Others question why he would do this. They assume the blind man’s condition is either his own fault or that of his parents. Who in our society is blamed for their own condition? How do we respond to those in need and on the margins?

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WEEK 4

Supporting beneficiaries: Viewing people as God sees themThe blind man was marginalised from his society, and blamed for his disability. Jesus transformed the situation by healing his blindness.

People in his community treated him as if he was invisible and were misinformed about the causes of his disability. The Benefit Impact is an initiative that seeks to ensure that beneficiaries receive the benefits they are entitled to, so that they can live lives of dignity. Some people believe beneficiaries have caused their own misfortune and are therefore not worthy of help. Beneficiaries were welcomed into St Joseph’s church, in Lower Hutt, where they had face to face conversations with people who supported them through the process and listened to their needs. One third of people who came to the Benefit Impact required financial assistance with disability-related needs.

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PRAYER IN ACTIONHow can we take this discussion and translate it into actions in our everyday lives?

• Ask God to help me recognise the needs and worth of others

• Build up someone’s confidence this week

• Look for opportunities this week to support a marginalised group

CLOSING PRAYERE te Atua, God, we pray for healing from blindness in our own lives. May the Holy Spirit bless us with humility and understanding when our own pride and ignorance makes us blind. When we look into the eyes of our brothers and sisters, may we see a reflection of Jesus Christ. Help us to see as you see. May the light of your face bring light to the world and may we reflect your light to those around us. We pray this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

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WEEK 5

The raising of Lazarus – with God it’s never too late“All is not lost. Human beings, while capable of the worst, are also capable of rising above themselves, choosing again what is good, and making a new start.”

Pope Francis, Laudato Si 205.

OPENING PRAYERE te Ariki, Lord. We are witnesses to Your love and mercy as we experience the joy of life, encountering others trusting in Your Providence and the plan you have for us. When we look at the world around us, from a human perspective, we can be easily overcome with despair or doubt. Help us to remember that centuries are just the briefest of moments for you and that the tides of history are easily moved by your mighty hand. You are able to bring good - from even the most of dire situations. Help us to keep trusting in your love, your mercy and your goodness through all days and bring us into your merciful presence. We pray this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 130. R v.7

Response: With the Lord there is mercy and fullness of redemption.

Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord, Lord, hear my voice!O let your ears be attentiveto the voice of my pleading. R

If you, O Lord, should mark our guilt,Lord, who would survive?But with you is found forgiveness: for this we revere you. R

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My soul is waiting for the Lord,I count on his word.My soul is longing for the Lordmore than watchman for daybreak. (Let the watchman count on daybreak and Israel on the Lord.) R

Because with the Lord there is mercy and fullness of redemption,Israel indeed he will redeemfrom all its iniquity. R

GROUP SHARINGFacilitator: How has this week been? How are you responding differently to people around you since Lent started?

GOSPEL READING Ask a group member to read the following passage aloud, from a Bible or from this booklet.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John 11:3-7. 17. 20-27. 33-45

The sisters Martha and Mary sent this message to Jesus, ‘Lord, the man you love is ill.’ On receiving the message, Jesus said, ‘This sickness will not end in death but in God’s glory, and through it the Son of God will be glorified.’

Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus, yet when he learned that Lazarus was ill he stayed where he was for two more days before saying to the disciples, ‘Let us go to Judaea.’

On arriving, Jesus found that Lazarus had been in the tomb for four days already. When Martha heard that Jesus had come she went to meet him. Mary remained sitting in the house. Martha said to Jesus, ‘If you had

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been here, my brother would not have died, but I know that even now, whatever you ask of God, he will grant you ‘Your brother’ said Jesus to her ‘will rise again.’ Martha said ‘I know he will rise again at the resurrection on the last day.’ Jesus said:

‘I am the resurrection and the life.If anyone believes in me, even though he dies he will live,and whoever lives and believes in mewill never die.Do you believe this?’

‘Yes Lord,’ she said ‘I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God the one who was to come into this world.’ Jesus said in great distress with a sigh that came straight from the heart, ‘Where have you put him?’ They said, ‘See how much he loved him!’ But there were some who remarked, ‘He opened the eyes of the blind man, could he not have prevented this man’s death?’ Still sighing, Jesus reached the tomb; it was a cave with a stone to close the opening. Jesus said, `Take the stone away.’ Martha said to him, ‘Lord, by now he will smell; this is the fourth day.’ Jesus replied, ‘Have I not told you that if you believe you will see the glory of God?’ So they took away the stone. Then Jesus lifted up his eyes and said:

‘Father, I thank you for hearing my prayer.I knew indeed that you always hear me,but I speakfor the sake of all these who stand round me,so that they may believe it was you who sent me.’

When he had said this, he cried in a loud voice, ‘Lazarus, here. Come out!’ The dead man came out, his feet and hands bound with bands of stuff and a cloth round his face. Jesus said to them, ‘Unbind him, let him go free.’

Many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary and had seen what he did believed in him.

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GOSPEL REFLECTIONGod is able to redeem any situation. Even though Jesus arrived after Lazarus had died, he had the ability to respond - when the situation looked hopeless from a human perspective.

When problems have gone on for so long, with no apparent solution in sight, the temptation to despair is great. Suffering doesn’t mean that God is absent; nor does it mean the final word has been said. As fallen human creatures, our perspective is limited to what we know or to what God has revealed to us by his Spirit. With God it’s never too late. He always finds a way – sometimes ways we can’t imagine.

God is active and often works through his people. In this way faith brings forth action.

GROUP DISCUSSION AND SHARINGJesus didn’t save Lazarus straight away, but waited two days. It looked like the situation was hopeless. When have you felt hopeless, as if nothing could be done?

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With God it’s never too late – there is always hopeIn a similar way to Lazarus, when people look at the current conflicts in the Middle East, such as in Syria and Iraq, some people will be tempted to describe the situations as hopeless. They have gone on for so long with no apparent solution in sight.

However, His Church is working in a variety of places to bring hope and healing, thereby helping redeem “impossible situations”. Since the beginning of the conflict in Syria, Caritas has supported Syrian refugees with emergency aid, initially in Lebanon and more recently in Jordan and inside Syria. Caritas is one of the few organisations still working inside the country and is continuing to provide healthcare and emergency supplies to vulnerable elderly people in Aleppo, in particular.

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PRAYER IN ACTIONHow can we take this discussion and translate it into actions in our everyday lives?

• Hand over a seemingly hopeless situation to God, and ask for wisdom

• Talk to and listen to someone who is feeling hopeless

• Support a new immigrant family in your area

CLOSING PRAYERE te Ariki, Lord, for the times where we are faced with trials and we may not understand Your plan for us, we pray for patience and trust that you are constantly working in our lives. May our faith not only be strengthened, but also deepened. Empower us to be the body of Christ. May our lives be a living prayer to You. We pray this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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WEEK 6

Encountering the face of Christ through the Passion“There are Christians whose lives seem like Lent without Easter. I realize of course that joy is not expressed the same way at all times in life, especially at moments of great difficulty. Joy adapts and changes, but it always endures, even as a flicker of light born of our personal certainty that, when everything is said and done, we are infinitely loved.”

Pope Francis paragraph 6, “Evangelli Gaudium”.

OPENING PRAYERE te Atua, God, every day our faith is challenged by our encounters with others. We are called to speak the truth and profess our faith in words and actions. Help us find the courage needed to do this. We make our prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 22:8-9. 17-20. 23-24, R v2

Response: My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?

All who see me deride me.They curl their lips, they toss their heads. ‘He trusted in the Lord, let him save him; let him release him if this is his friend.’ R

Many dogs have surrounded me,a band of the wicked beset me.They tear holes in my hands and my feet.I can count every one of my bones. R

They divide my clothing among them.They cast lots for my robe.O Lord, do not leave me alone,my strength, make haste to help me! R

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I will tell of your name to my brethrenand praise you where they are assembled. `You who fear the Lord give him praise;all sons of Jacob, give him glory.Revere him, Israel’s sons.’ R

GROUP SHARINGFacilitator: How has this week been? Have you been able to support someone in need or to show the mercy of Christ in some way?

GOSPEL READINGA reading from the holy gospel according to Matthew 26:69-75

The passion of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew.

“Meanwhile Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard, and a servant girl came up to him and said to the people there, “This man was with Jesus the Nazarene.’ And again, with an oath, he denied it, ‘I do not know the man.’ ‘You are one of them for sure! Why, your accent gives you away.’ Then he started calling down curses on himself and swearing. ‘I do not know the man.’ At that moment the cock crew, and Peter remembered what Jesus had said, ‘Before the cock crows you will have disowned me three times.’ And he went outside and wept bitterly”

GOSPEL REFLECTIONPeter was trying to keep a low profile after the arrest of Jesus. He found himself being accused of being a follower of Jesus. Peter was overtaken by fear and denied knowing Jesus. Peter lost hope temporarily.

Then came the moment of realisation. Peter wept when he heard the cock crow and he remembered his commitment to Jesus. He acknowledged his mistake. After the resurrection Jesus restored the relationship with Peter as he knew that Jesus still accepted and loved him.

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GROUP DISCUSSION AND SHARINGIn today’s reading Peter denies knowing Jesus three times. Are there ways in which you deny Jesus in your life? What happens when we embrace Jesus’ call?

Face to face encounter with ChristMany of our face to face encounters are warm and affirming. This Gospel account reminds us that they can be cold and confronting. In the face of hostile accusations, Peter put his own security ahead of his loyalty to Jesus. When we treat people badly we deny the image of God in which people are made. When we recognise Christ in the person we affirm Christ and accept Christ in the encounter with the person.

The way in which we do things is just as important as what we do. The way we relate to those we help is integral to upholding the dignity and empowering those to whom God has called us to work with.

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PRAYER IN ACTIONHow can we take this discussion and translate it into action beyond Lent?

• Continue to read the Gospels regularly

• If there are some changes you have made during Lent, choose one to continue after Easter

CLOSING PRAYERE te Atua, God, in the times where we have denied you, show us Your mercy and forgiveness. May we find the courage to say yes to your daily call and by your grace, guide us in our struggles. As we wait in hope for the Resurrection, continuously convert our hearts and shape us into your image and likeness. May we see the face of Christ and reflect your love to those we encounter each day. Help us to remember your death for our sakes and the redemptive doors of mercy opened for us by you. Bring us into your Presence. We pray this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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Caritas appreciates hearing back from participants about how the Lenten programme was used, what you liked about it, and what you would like to see changed or improved. Your feedback helps us to see how widely the programme has been used, and to improve it for 2017.

Name:

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What was positive about the programme?

What can be improved?

How did participating in the programme affect your group, or your personal behaviour during Lent?

Feedback form

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Specific sections of the programme:

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Guide to using this programme

Lectio divina style of reflection and sharing

Prayers

Discussion questions

Gospel reflection

Examples of Caritas projects and programmes

My response and suggestions for action

Further Comments and Feedback:

Please return your comments to: Email: [email protected]: 04 499 2519Post: Caritas Aotearoa NZ, P O Box 12-193, Wellington 6144

PO Box 12193, Wellington 6144 Aotearoa New Zealand www.caritas.org.nz

English version: Roger Ellis, Sr Clare O’Connor, Br Kieran Fenn, David Nonu, Lisa Beech, Joanna Viernes, Emily Benefield, Petra Wheatley.

Te Reo Māori version: Piripi Walker

Tongan version: Langi Paasi

Samoan version: Puletini Tuala

Pasifika programmes coordinator: David Nonu

Te Reo Māori oversight: Te Rūnanga o te Hāhi Katorika ki

Design: Miranda Lees

The Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand Lenten Reflection programme is available in English,

Te Reo Māori, Samoan and Tongan language versions.

ISSN 2253-3370 (Print)

ISSN 2253-3389 (Online)

ISBN 978-0-908348-18-3 (Print)

ISBN 978-0-908348-19-0 (Online)

ADDRESSING THE CAUSES OF POVERTY

ADVOCATING AGAINST INJUSTICE

RESPONDING TO DISASTER


PSALM 27:8

NGA– WAIATA 27:8


caritas lenten reflection programme 2017

Documents