All posts filed under: Lent

Good Friday, a reflection

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Christology / devil / Easter / Gospels / Holy Week / Jesus / Lectionary / Lent / New Testament / satan / sin / Theology / Year A

I have this wonderful painting hanging in my office, “Cimabue after Disney” by the Rev. Dr. Dennis McNally, SJ. Jesus is muscled, teary-eyed, and dead. Blood trickles down his hands and feet. He’s also naked, and exposed just enough that that’s the one thing people notice when they see it for the first time. Subtly, at the bottom of the painting is a less-known feature. A mouse, with a dark halo, lapping up some of […]

Lent 1a Prayers of the People

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Lent / Prayers of the People

These prayers are inspired by the great Psalm of contrition, Psalm 51. These prayers are designed to be used each week in Lent, except for the closing prayer which will reflect each week’s Gospel lesson. These prayers will work best if a brief pause is observed before the couplet. All churches have express permission to use, modify, or adapt these prayers in a way that best serves the individual community. Celebrant Have mercy on us, O […]

holy arrogance – a reflection on Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32

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Gospels / Jesus / Lectionary / Lent / New Testament / sin / Year C

The following is a reflection on Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, the Gospel lesson for Lent 4C, according to the Revised Common Lectionary. There is an arrogance that comes with believing and proclaiming that God – the God who created the heavens and the earth—loves us. It’s arrogant. I mean, it’s true. In the fullest and most wonderful sense, it’s true. But, it’s arrogance. A holy arrogance.

temptation and the will of God – a reflection on Luke 4:1-13

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Gospels / Lectionary / Lent / New Testament / Year C

The following is a reflection on Luke 4:1-13, the Gospel lesson appointed for the first Sunday in Lent, Year C, according to the Revised Common Lectionary. Temptation. Let me go out on a limb here and say that most of us aren’t tempted to do truly diabolical things, because most of us aren’t diabolical people. I’ve never been tempted to kill anyone. Or to steal a car. Or abduct a child. Or hurt someone just […]