#lenten reflection

[bibilium]

Discover the spiritual journey from Palms to Passion with our inspiring Holy Week sermon. Let us guide you through this sacred time of reflection and renewal.

[takeeverythoughtcaptive]

Tattoos For Eternity

“Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me.” – Isaiah 49:16 (ESV) Tattoos and body piercings, once reserved for the anti-establishment crowd, are now fully integrated into the mainstream. You’re as likely to see a millennial soccer mom sporting a tattoo, gauges, or septum ring as you are a biker or teenager. These forms of body art were created through pain and convey a sense of permanence. In the case of tattoos, they often commemorate something of special significance or affection to the wearer. The Old Testament book of Isaiah is known for its messianic prophesies. While the prophet's words were intended for a contemporary audience, they also had applications for future generations. In the 49th chapter of Isaiah, the Israelites lament that God has abandoned them. The 14th verse reads, “But Zion said, “The Lord has forsaken me; my Lord has forgotten me.” In the verses following, God, speaking through Isaiah, reiterates his love for his people, comparing it to that of a nursing mother for her child. God concludes his declaration of love by stating that Israel was engraved on the palms of his hands. It's easy for modern readers to think of engraving as a synonym for tattooing. The tattooing process involves piercing the skin to inject ink. From a messianic perspective, this engraving was far more painful and impactful. It finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ being nailed through his hands to a cross. Christ paid for our sins by dying on the cross as an expression of his love for us. Romans 5:8 states, “but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Jesus retained the marks of his crucifixion in his resurrected body. After his resurrection, he showed his disciples the nail prints in his hands to prove his identity. Jesus's glorified body had incredible power. He was able to walk through locked doors and transport to distant places. He was perfected in all ways, yet he kept the scars of his nail-pierced hands as tattoos for eternity as tangible signs of his love for us. We have all felt abandoned by God at one time or another. But God the Father abandoned his son, Jesus, so we would not have to be abandoned. The next time we feel devoid of God’s love, look at your palms and reflect on Jesus’s nail-scarred palms, pierced for you and me.

[mothermarysprotection]

Gospel Reading For Today | Gospel Reflection | Catholic Mass Readings - ...

[chicoinematt7]

A Lenten Reflection from the Uncatechized Catholic

By: Desirae Sifuentes Living in the Arizona desert, Lent has always held familiarity for me. The death themes of brown, sand, dust, dry… it’s a part of the Lenten season that never leaves. Jesus walked the desert for forty days, and I have many a time had the briefest taste of His experience when the temperatures go north of 112 and I’ve walked to my mailbox without water. The hot summer sun…

[cmcsmen]

Unplugging from the Digital World; Finding Renewal During Lent

By Frank J Casella

Photo: ' Speak Lord. Thy Servant is Listening' - Copyright 2010 Frank J Casella.

Digital Distractions

Lent is a time to turn our minds and hearts back to God. Many men tell me there are too many distractions. Much of our distractions they say come from balancing our digital life with real life. For one, our smart phones are designed to keep our attention.

In the season of Lent, it is important to reflect on how much time we spend on our devices and make a conscious effort to disconnect and / or refocus its use on our spiritual journey. 

With the constant availability and access to technology, it's easy to get caught up in the digital world and lose focus on what truly matters. It may be challenging at first, but by limiting our screen time and intentionally setting aside moments for prayer and contemplation, we can create a more meaningful and fulfilling Lenten experience. Let us use this time to break free from the grip of digital distractions and re-center our minds and hearts on our faith.

After a long seven years, I finally parted ways with my trusty flip phone. But instead of upgrading to the latest and greatest smartphone, I decided to go against the tide and "dumb down" my new basic device (which is still very powerful). Why, you ask? Well, let's just say it's all for the sake of creating better videos and content for CMCS (which I can't do with a flip phone). Through this process, I've discovered some nifty tricks for maximizing phone usage while minimizing distractions.

Trust me, it's possible. For starters, I disabled the pesky browser and binned the email app. Who needs constant notifications and distractions anyway? And why bother with constant data and Wi-Fi when you can download music, maps, and more for offline use? Plus, for all my Android users out there, you can even ditch Google Play altogether. It's easy to get caught up in the bells and whistles of modern technology, but let's not forget the original purpose of having a phone in our pockets - accessibility. And with these handy tips and tricks, I can stay connected while staying focused on what truly matters.

Resisting the constant allure of our phones can feel like a daunting challenge, though making a conscious decision to reduce phone usage is worth the effort in the long run, finding a healthy balance. By setting boundaries and sticking to them, you can reclaim your time and focus on fulfilling pursuits.

The fastest way to success in life, is to replace bad habits with good habits.

By removing the plethora of distracting apps from our home screens, we can turn our phones into a personal news source. Every app icon becomes a potential headline, enticing us to click and consume more content. But by removing these tempting and addictive icons, we can take control of our phone and prioritize the tasks that truly matter. We can reduce our screen time and focus on the important things in life, rather than being constantly bombarded by the latest news and social media updates.

... In today's digital age, it's easy to get caught up in mindlessly scrolling through endless social media feeds or playing addictive mobile games. However, Cal Newport, a computer science professor and author, reminds us that these seemingly harmless activities are actually making someone else richer every time we tap on our screens. Instead, he suggests a more intentional approach to using our phones. Let's take his wise words and purge any app that only serves to benefit the companies behind them. Let's only use our phones for utility, such as staying connected with loved ones or completing necessary tasks. By doing so, we can break free from the constant need for stimulation and reclaim control over our precious time and attention. 

As a busy individual, I know the importance of maximizing my time and staying focused on tasks at hand. That's why I have adopted the habit of bookmarking the blogs, videos, and news sources that I regularly follow. By doing so, I am able to easily access these sources without wasting time scrolling through endless feeds and distracted by notifications. Additionally, I have discovered the usefulness of privacy-focused content readers like on WordPress.com, as well as using browsers like Vivaldi and Brave. These tools not only help me stay organized and productive, but they also provide a sense of privacy and security while browsing the Internet. With these resources, I am able to efficiently consume content and stay informed without being bombarded by distracting ads and pop-ups. Overall, utilizing bookmarking and privacy-focused tools has greatly improved my productivity and minimized distractions in my online activities.

Picture a world where your phone isn't your lifeline, but instead, a mere tool to enhance your experiences. A world where the endless scrolling and constant notifications take a backseat to living in the moment. This is the idea that captivates countless individuals, as proven by the widespread practice of relinquishing social media during Lent. It's a testament to the yearning for a harmonious relationship with our devices, where we are in control rather than being controlled.

II

The Vatican Office for Communication released a document entitled " Toward Full Presence," which holds the key to a more fulfilling and purposeful life: 

These guidelines are not just mere suggestions, but powerful tools that can transform one's digital experience into a force for good....

The first guideline is a call to action: break free from the grips of social media and reconnect with the real world. Take moments to pray, meditate, and engage in meaningful face-to-face interactions with loved ones. 

The second guideline is a question that will make you ponder: how does your social media usage affect your relationship with God, your neighbors, and the world around you? 

And finally, the third guideline is a call to be a digital missionary, spreading the Gospel and its values through the vast reaches of social media.

In his thought-provoking encyclical Fratelli Tutti, Pope Francis speaks of the dangers of relying solely on digital relationships. He warns that although these connections may give the illusion of sociability, true community cannot be built without the deliberate nurturing of friendships, consistent interaction, and the patient growth of shared values. When it comes to spreading our Catholic faith in the digital world, we must tread carefully. If we neglect the virtues of charity, prudence, and truth, our efforts may actually cause harm instead of bringing about the desired good.

The bishops in Canada recently have suggested taking a break from screens (once a week) and engaging in a technology Sabbath. This idea highlights the need for balance in our use of technology and reminds us to disconnect and focus on other aspects of our lives.

It also serves as a reminder to not get caught up in the bubble of our own views and to engage with different perspectives. In this way, we can cultivate a healthier relationship with technology and utilize it in a more intentional and mindful manner.

[queerprayers]

So, we all know Lent is forty days, but which forty days? Ash Wednesday to Holy Saturday isn't forty, if you sit down and count. For those who didn't know, this is because Sundays aren't officially days of Lent! There are six Sundays in Lent, counting Palm Sunday, and they regularly interrupt the forty days.

Lenten Sundays were such a confusing thing for me growing up. Worship was somber and simpler, and the prayers/scripture/hymns are all themed around Lent--but we didn't fast! We were in the season of Lent, and our focus was on repentance and forgiveness, but we had come to an oasis in the wilderness. We mourned but we also feasted.

As my mother would explain, "Every Sunday is a little Easter--that's why we worship on Sundays! No matter what season we're in, we find Easter every Sunday. We don't fast on the Lord's day, Johanna, not ever."

I know for some people, Sundays are no different from the other days, and it's accepted that "the forty days of Lent" is an approximation. Although I don't like approximations of liturgically important numbers, I understand this--taking a day off during a solemn season seems like cheating, almost.

My community seemed undisciplined to me as a kid, not able to strictly go without anything for more than a week, making up reasons to feast. My mom wanted dessert, that's all. Now I know that, as Christians, we don't have to make up reasons to feast. I know what my mother meant, now. She couldn't bring herself to fast on the Lord's day, not out of weakness, but out of strength, out of respect. Every Sunday is a little Easter.

I respect those whose little Easters during Lent are spent fasting, literally and metaphorically. I honor those who fall into a rhythm that won't let up until the Easter. I admire the self-discipline that can only be reached by consecutive days of practice. I know that honoring the resurrection includes honoring the death that brought God there--that's why we have Lent.

But for me, self-punishment comes too easily. Lent as a teenager was dark and confusing. I was too practiced at considering death. I named discipline what was torture. The rhythm I yearn for looks different, now.

I've come to understand Lenten Sundays as a slight unveiling, a translucency, a "foretaste of the feast to come," as my liturgy would put it. I am in the desert, fasting (literally or metaphorically), and, for a moment, I am satisfied. Like Elijah, an angel touches my shoulder and gives me what I need, and I can go on longer than I could have imagined with just that small amount of sustenance. Often it makes me hungrier than ever, this foretaste.

Now, the things I add to my practice during Lent I keep, and the bad habits I'm healing from I keep avoiding, but the small pleasures I have gone without are present again on Sundays. Not as a giving in, but a letting in, as an allowing of hope, of celebration in the midst of mourning. No wilderness is forever, and I have to remind myself of that, practically and tangibly. As a Christian, I can't not feast on Sundays.

For those practicing Lent for the first time, or those who have just never thought about it before, make sure you know what Sundays will be for you (or figure it out as you go along, that's okay too)! Happiness in the fast? mourning in the feast? Another day in the holy wilderness? a brief glimpse of hope? a tiny alternation of practice? a bountiful oasis before you return to your journey? Your practice is yours, and your relationship with seasons and Sundays is yours. We all get to Easter differently, from each other and from who we were before. May the road rise to meet you.

Note: Eastern Churches actually do have forty consecutive days, from Clean Monday to Lazarus Saturday. This makes sense. No notes. I never leave y'all out on purpose, I just don't feel I have enough knowledge/experience to meaningfully discuss your liturgical year. Have a blessed Lent, siblings.

<3 Johanna

[stjohncapistrano67]

[humorwithatwist]

The Practices of Lent

“Our savior knew pain and grief and despair, and so do we. Easter is coming, yes. But for now, we sit in the ashes of our broken dreams and broken hearts, knowing that God sits here with us.” –Kate Bowler, Have a Beautiful, Terrible Day Last week at our church’s Ash Wednesday service, we began our observance of Lent, the season of intentional preparation for the remembrance of Jesus’ death and…

[bettygemma]

'Still Life with a Skull and a Writing Quill', Pieter Claesz, via the Metropolitan Museum of Art

[apolloinjustice]

google search "how to be catholic in a god dishonoring way" and the first thing you see is my face

[world-v-you-blog]

Lenten Reflections, 15 – Imitating Christ in Carrying the Cross

Welcome to Lenten Reflection 15 on habeascorpus1.blog. This series takes as its point of departure the second-best-selling book of all time in the Christian world after the Bible – The Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis (1380-1471). As explained in Part 1 of this series, the content of these reflections is a combination of citations from The Imitation and some additional thoughts based on…

[bibilium]

Let us now discover the rich heritage of Lent practices, from ancient rituals to modern adaptations. You can navigate the labyrinth of Lent with ease with our comprehensive guide.

[coraz0ndegranada]

all the fruits that you claim as yours are truly His.

“ We are only tenets or stewards of his grace and, at our very best, we return to him only what his grace has produced within us”

it ain’t us bro, we are only human.

[mothermarysprotection]

Gospel Reading For Today | Gospel Reflection | Catholic Mass Readings - ...

[thepastisalreadywritten]

The most powerful moment of the coronation of King Charles III was not the gold glittering off carriages or epaulettes — not the pomp and show and signifiers of power.

It was precisely their opposite: when Charles shed his gold robes and stood in a thin white shirt, his frail humanity implied.

Then a screen was erected around him and, shielded, he had a private consultation with the Archbishop of Canterbury, who dabbed anointing oil with his hands on Charles’s bare breast.

"This was the most solemn and personal of moments,” Buckingham Palace said.

Charles was bare before God, in privacy, God being one of the last beings with no need to sign a non-disclosure agreement.

The Princess of Wales looked on as the screen shielded her father-in-law.

By contrast, she was at that point the most magnificent she had ever been, swathed in layer upon layer of regality, the dress, the robes, the hanging chains, headpiece and ribbons all serving to move the viewing gaze — subjects in every sense — from our awareness of Catherine Middleton with her everyday human DNA and towards the shared fiction of her transcendent queenliness.

Less than a year later, this moment is remembered with new and terrible power.

It is spring again, but it’s a time of hard Lenten moral reflection for us as a nation, in relationship to our royals, as well as an ever more voraciously unprivate modern celebrity culture.

Both the King and the princess have cancer, the latter’s disclosed by Catherine in an unprecedented video address on Friday, March 22.

Catherine’s speech was something of a plea bargain in which she traded not only her customary silence but her most personal of health ordeals in order to put an end to toxic rumours swirling online that had become in tone like an unruly mob rattling at the palace gates.

Or rattling at the figurative locks on her medical notes, with three workers at the London Clinic, where she and the King were treated, suspended and under investigation for allegedly trying to access her records (hers, it is important to note, the King’s were unmolested).

📷: Getty Images

What was so powerful about the anointing of the King was the sacredness of that space in which he could be fully human away from observation and judgment.

There should be another one-on-one consultation that is sacred, where anyone, from King to princess to pauper, can expect to be shriven in total privacy, and that is the sanctity of the medical room.

It used to be that priests were our only bound confidants, we could trust them to be privy to all our spiritual ills.

Now doctors are our secular priests: bound by law and ethics to enshrine confidentiality at the heart of the patient relationship.

As a result, our medical privacy in an age of oversharing and online surveillance feels both stranger and more necessary.

If we knew our every GP-inspected rash was to be posted on TikTok for the nation, many of us would quite literally die of embarrassment.

The King’s appointment behind the three-sided screen can now be viewed through the lens of royal illness.

The lavishly embroidered panels and expensive white shirt now replaced by the flimsy three-sided ward screen on wheels and thin hospital gown that can humble us all.

But it also enacts a principle at the very heart of becoming the monarch.

The medical-like screen is erected in the coronation to tell us there are some places the public cannot go; to tell us that there are sacredly personal moments in which a person, any person, however swathed in our projections of power, needs to be nakedly human.

Otherwise, they will go mad. We need to make sure the screens are erected around Catherine now.

Much is said, quite a lot of it by Prince Harry himself, of the dangers of the wives of the princes repeating the tragic history of their mother, Princess Diana, hunted by photographers.

He remains phobic to any hint of tabloid persecution or paparazzi chase. But this is a sideshow, even an anachronism in 2024.

He and others have not recognised how the “chase” has changed. Who needs paparazzi when there are a billion citizen hacks ready to take pictures with their phones, in case a convalescing woman nips to a Windsor farm shop with her husband?

Instead, the appetite now is not to see but to know.

The royals used to have a contract with the public: we pay for them, and in return, they give us their presence.

Nearly all of their official job is to do with surface: to show up, to put in appearances at a set number of functions, whether at the opening of parliament or the opening of a leisure centre.

But now parts of the online mob seem to be staging a coup. We want more than the surface, we want to puncture the skin barrier of the royal family and occupy from the inside.

The “fans” have become an invasive virus. The royal analogy is often that they are trapped in a gilded zoo. This new model, instead, casts the royals more as lab rats.

When Catherine disappeared from view in January after announcing a “planned abdominal operation,” the response from internet truthers was one of irate entitlement.

They are now the 1980s tabloids: ravening for intimacies and making stuff up when thwarted.

This wasn’t the boomer generation, who are both more respectful of the royals and more private about their own health.

It was the fortysomething mothers frustrated when they can’t track the phone location of everyone in their life; or the twentysomethings on Snap Map.

Both desperate for their personalised new Netflix season of “The Royals” to drop.

Catherine presents with such stoicism and dignity, it is easy to forget where this new invasiveness started: when she was pregnant with Prince George in December 2012 and hospitalised for extreme morning sickness.

While she was sleeping on the ward, a radio station in Australia rang the hospital switchboard pretending to be the Queen.

They broadcast the nurse’s comments about Catherine’s “retching.”

One could only find this prank funny if Catherine had already — a young, wretchedly ill, pregnant woman — been dehumanised.

George is now ten and his mother hospitalised again, and in that decade, the physical security of ill royals may have tightened but their claim to bodily autonomy seems to have weakened.

Some say Kensington Palace “brought it on themselves” by their wish for discretion; this claim is duplicitous.

The late Queen Elizabeth II became increasingly debilitated in her final years with not much detail ever given; just as her father, King George VI, died without disclosing his lung cancer.

I’m glad that the British do not subject their heads of state to the same publicised medical reports as the president of the United States; one shouldn’t have to present a stool swab to sit on the throne.

No, instead the apparent justification of all those clicking and posting conspiracy theories “worried for Catherine’s welfare” was this sinful truth.

As a beautiful, 42-year-old mother of three, her drama was more box office than the ailments of those older, a pound of her flesh was worth more.

Pity, Susan Sontag said in her 1978 book Illness as Metaphor, is close to contempt.

Back then cancer was still taboo. Those around the patient, Sontag says, “express pity but also convey contempt.”

Ask any cancer patient and they will say they don’t want pity: it is too isolating, it sets them apart, an unwanted privilege.

This is why the video plea of Catherine was one of affinity, rather than pity or privilege.

Last year, she sat in robes in Westminster Abbey at the coronation of her father-in-law, next to her future king son and future king husband.

In her video address last week, she sat on a classically English garden bench, pale, alone and in jeans, as bare of pomp as any royal can be.

No mention of kings or titles, just Diana’s ring on her hand.

Rather she gave an appeal, parent to parent, human to human, about her “huge shock” and her care for her “young family.”

And, finally, her kinship with anyone who lives in a vulnerable human body susceptible to a democratic illness like cancer, “you are not alone.”

Or, to paraphrase Richard Curtis:

“I’m just a girl, standing in front of a public, asking for some time to endure gruelling chemotherapy."

NOTE: Additional photos have been included in this article.

[cmcsmen]

Bishop Perry's Lenten Reflection, and Men's Forum Rally.