Palm Sunday ~ April 1st 2012

This is the last instalment of Something Different for Lent. We hope this DIY retreat has helped you to find some space during your day for yourself and perhaps it has helped you to pray & reflect. Today, Palm Sunday, we wave and bless Palm Branches. They are a symbol of rejoicing and welcoming. In Pre-Christian times, Palms were a symbol of triumph. Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem this Palm Sunday reminds us of the humility of Jesus’ earthly life, from beginning to end.

Suggestions for the week
Sacred Space:
You may have created a sacred space in your home for prayer during this Lenten retreat. Consider that space now:
• Can you continue to use it as part of daily prayer, especially during Holy Week but also after Easter?
• Has it changed over the course of this Lenten journey?
• Is there a symbol, a reflection, a word/phrase that has stood out for you over the past 6 weeks? What is it? Why is it significant for you?
• Perhaps you can place a palm branch in that space to symbolise the beginning of our journey into Holy Week.
Breathing Exercises: Focus on your breathing for a few minutes. Take three deep slow breaths, then focus on your normal breathing. Do this for as long as you can. This is the breath of life. Thank God for this gift. Repeat the following:
“Be. Be Still. Be still and know.
Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10)

Gospel Reflection: Mark 14:1 – 15:7
This Sunday’s Gospel is often known as ‘the long Gospel’. Don’t let that put you off otherwise you miss the journey that this week offers you. Try to read the Gospel, or part of it, this week.
• We hold up our palms singing “Hosanna, Hosanna” as we prepare to follow Jesus into Holy Week. How can this be a personal ‘moment of opportunity’ for us too?
• What does it actually mean to be a follower of Jesus? What does this challenge us to do?

Holy Week:
Monday ~ Reflect on the story of the Passion (Mark 14:1-15:7). There are so many characters in this story: disciples, friends, and betrayers. We can recognise bits of ourselves in each of them. Place yourself in the story. Be honest with yourself and think about what you would have done as one of Jesus’ followers.
Tuesday ~ Wear or carry a small cross in your pocket today as a reminder of God’s great love for you.

Wednesday ~ Make a small sacrifice for someone today.

Holy Thursday ~ What did you hope to achieve and experience this Lenten season? What steps can you take today to bring yourself closer to that goal? Tonight is the start of the Triduum (the period of three days that recalls Jesus’ death & resurrection). Mass of our Lord’s Supper takes places @ 7pm followed by adoration until 10pm for those who wish to stay.

Good Friday ~ When you make the sign of the cross today, remember it is a special sign of the victory of Christ’s love for you. The Passion of our Lord @ 3pm. Stations of the cross in the Phoenix Park @ 12noon, starts at Wellington monument.

Holy Saturday ~ Tonight, light a candle as a symbol of Christ’s light in your life. If possible light this candle during your prayer time in the Easter season. The Easter Vigil, the biggest celebration of the Church’s year, takes places @ 7pm.

Easter Sunday ~ New life! Is there a change you want to make in your life? Write a brief note to yourself as a reminder of this day of transformation. And, enjoy the chocolate!!

Thought for the week:
“On the Sunday before the feast known now as Palm Sunday, the Roman Governor, Pilate, rode into Jerusalem seated on his magnificent horse, along with a large garrison of cavalry and foot soldiers. People would have come out to witness the pageantry of it: thousands of soldiers with weapons, the beating of drums… On Palm Sunday, Jesus also entered Jerusalem, from the other side of the city, seated on a donkey. This was not a coincidence; this procession was planned in advance and carefully thought out. The reign of Jesus was to be a reign of peace that would banish chariots…Jesus intended his procession – which today would be called a ‘counter-demonstration’ – to contrast the two reigns, the Reign of God and the reign of Caesar, two very different visions of life on earth. ” Peter McVerry, SJ

Fifth Sunday of Lent ~ 25th March 2012

John 12:20-33 “If it dies, it yields a rich harvest.”

Suggestions for the week:
Sacred space: This week perhaps you could place some seeds in your prayer space at home.
Breathing exercise: Take some time each day this week to be still. Take three deep slow breaths. Focus on your normal breathing. This is the breath of life. Repeat “Lord, you are closer to me than my own breathing” (St. Teresa). Continue this exercise for as long as you can.

Gospel Reflection: Read John 12:20-33 two-three times.

Sit with the text, and pick a word or phrase that stands out to you. Repeat that word or phrase in your mind. Why is that word or phrase relevant to you at this moment?

Some reflections on this text which may help you:
1. Jesus knows that a crisis point has arrived. He opts to stay faithful to the mission given him by God. Can you recall decisions over which you agonised? What was that like for you? What was it like when you made a decision that you were anxious about, but believed it was the right one for you?
2. The parable of the grain of wheat reminds us of a truth that any parent can testify to: that it is in dying to ourselves that we give life to others. We will never be of benefit to others if we remain wrapped up in ourselves. In what ways has your dying to yourself brought life to another? How has the generous giving of another brought life to you?
3. Sometimes we feel like praying Father, save me from this hour. Then a realisation may come for you as a parent, a teacher, a spouse, a friend: No, it is for this reason that I have come to this hour. Recall times when you have accepted pain or hassle and been a source of life to others for doing do. (Adapted from Fr. Kieran O’Mahony www.tarsus.ie)

Archbishop Oscar Romero was assassinated on March 24th 1980 as he

celebrated Mass in El Salvador. He was killed for speaking out against oppression and injustice and standing for the poor. His words on the Eucharist still challenge us today:
“There are so many hungry people in this world, and their hunger is more than physical. Children are starving for love and affection. The elderly are groaning out of loneliness. People in our families and circle of friends are craving our time and attention. The wealthy hunger for meaning... We are called to feed others with love, care, compassion, concern, hospitality and justice. This is precisely what we commit ourselves to at each Eucharist… When we say ‘Amen’ we accept the challenge. We say ‘Yes!’ That ‘Amen’ is one of the most important words we say at Mass. We should think twice before we say it. It should make us shudder.”

Tasks for this week: Read some more information on this year’s Trocaire campaign. Find out about Daniel and his village.
Thursday night 29th March, we will show the film “ROMERO” in the pastoral centre @ 7.30pm. Come along and watch the life and work of Oscar Romero.

Prayer for this week:
Lord, we remember all those who know that their hour has come: couples about to commit themselves for life to each other, people, secure in their jobs who know you are calling them to move on into some new field; parents who must now let go of their children; friends who have decided to break off a relationship which is harmful to them; families facing a drop in their standard of living. Help them to feel Jesus making the journey with them. Remind them of his pain and how he had to tell himself that unless the grain of wheat falls on the ground and dies it remains only a single grain, but if it died it yields a rich harvest. (Michel de Verteuil)

4th Sunday of Lent ~ 18th March 2012

>“Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light”.
(John 3:19)

John’s Gospel uses a lot of imagery around light and darkness. We can get so caught up in the darkness around us, in our families, our communities, our country. This week we focus on the light.

Prayer suggestions for the week:
Try to spend at least 5-10 minutes in prayer each day this week. How is your sacred space doing? This week add some symbol that represents the lights of this world – people who offer service of every kind, those who put love into action.

1. Breathing exercises: As you have been doing for the past two weeks, focusing on your breathing: take three deep slow breaths, then focus on your normal breathing. Do this for as long as you can. This is the breath of life. Thank God for this gift. Repeat the following:
“Be.
Be Still.
Be still and know.
Be still and know that I am God”
(Psalm 46:10)

2. Gospel reflection John 9:1-41
• This Sunday’s Gospel is not easy reading as it is a challenging invitation from Jesus. If we accept the invitation we must be aware of the consequences:
• One is that you believe that Jesus is God’s Son and that God loves you and the rest of humanity so much that He gave Jesus as a gift to the world. The other consequence is that you acknowledge that God’s love for you is never-ending.
• The imagery in this text of light and darkness, belief and unbelief, emphasises how serious God is about offering us this gift of Jesus.
Adapted from Ciaran O’Callaghan The Year of the Suffering Servant, (Redemptorist 2011, p. 61).

• Jesus preached a message of salvation not condemnation. What a difference that attitude would make if we could embrace it. Condemning others and ourselves comes too easily to us. The real task is to see the good and work to bring that out in those around us.

Do you see light or darkness?
• Is your judgement of others formed by prejudice?
• Are you aware of your own light?
• Do you appreciate your own gifts? What are they?
• Are you generous in seeing the good points in others?

Before you go to sleep:
This week, before you go to sleep at night, think back over your day. What were the moments of light? What were the moments of darkness or negativity? Name those moments and give them to God.

When you are out and about this week:

Where is the face of Christ to be seen today?

Do you see the face of Christ in those with whom you work?
Open my eyes Lord, help me to see your face in this world.

Do you see the face of Christ in the poor and the homeless?
Open my eyes Lord, help me to see your face in this world.

Do you see the face of Christ in the refugee?
Open my eyes Lord, help me to see your face in this world.

Do you see the face of Christ in the teacher and the social worker?
Open my eyes Lord, help me to see your face in this world.

Do you see the face of Christ in the drug addict?
Open my eyes Lord, help me to see your face in this world.

Thought for the Week:
“What I do, you cannot do; but what you do I cannot do. The needs are great, and none of us, including me, ever do great things. But we can all do small things with great love, and together we can do something wonderful.”
Blessed Teresa of Calcutta

Something Different For Lent 3

Third Sunday of Lent ~ 11th March 2012

“Making a whip out of some cord, he drove them all out of the Temple…knocked their tables over and said…“stop turning my Father’s house into a market” (John 2:16)

This week we are asking people in the parish to think about solidarity. How can we be in solidarity with the poor, with the oppressed in society, with those who have not? This is week three of your retreat. Can you add a symbol to your sacred space this week to remind yourself of solidarity with the poor? Give yourself time each day this week to reflect, 5, 10, 15 minutes – whatever you can manage.

Prayer suggestions for this week:
1. Breathing exercises: As you have been doing for the past two weeks, focusing on your breathing: take three deep slow breaths, then focus on your normal breathing. Do this for as long as you can. This is the breath of life. Thank God for this gift. Repeat the following:
“Be.
Be Still.
Be still and know.
Be still and know that I am God”
(Psalm 46:10)

2. Gospel reflection: John 2:13-22 “Jesus Cleanses the Temple”.

Read this text 2-3 times. Pick a word/phrase that stands out for you. Repeat that word or phrase to yourself. Why is it significant for you?

Some thoughts on the text:
• Jesus is angry in today’s Gospel: He “scattered the money changers’ coins and knocked over their tables.” What makes you angry? Why?
• We may be surprised at Jesus’ reaction in this Gospel. Surely anger is not a good thing. But neither is indifference when we see things that

are not right.
• What should we be angry about? What injustices do we see around us? In our communities? In our country? In our world?
• What can we do about these injustices? How can we be in solidarity with those who are oppressed, who are poor, who have no voice?
• Situate this story in the context of Lent.

Suggestions for the Week: Trocaire ~ Focus on Uganda

Poverty has many stories and many faces. Christ asks us to be models of solidarity and love. We must act for justice and peace in whatever way we can. But sometimes it appears to be so difficult. How can we live in solidarity with others? Here are some suggestions for this week, for the rest of Lent and beyond!

• Pray for those suffering from poverty, hunger, oppression…
• Support Trocaire through donations if you can.
• Read the information from Trocaire this week: it’s not all about giving money, we need to be AWARE of the situations which affect people. For example: who is the child on the Trocaire box? What is his story?
• Act: there are many ways to support campaigns which affect people in so-called developing countries. See below for details on Trocaire’s action.

Live Lent: welcome Daniel and the people of Northern Uganda into your home this week. How? Well you can start here:

Daniel is the boy on the Trocaire box. He is 9 years old and lives with his

mother Betty, his father Joel and his brothers and sisters in the small rural village of Bar Kwach in Northern Uganda. Daniel was born into civil war. In 2004 soldiers attacked his village, forcing the family to flee. 300 people from his village died in the attack. The family moved to a camp where extreme poverty, poor sanitation and depression were rife. In 2006, when it was safe to do so, Daniel and his family moved back to their home and this is where their biggest struggle began – to begin life again.

Trocaire are working with local partners to better the lives of people in Daniel’s community. This work is the embodiment of Christ on earth today and the true meaning of communion. As the Eucharistic Congress approaches we are asked to be in “communion with Christ and with one another”. This means action for the poorest of our own communities and the world.

Action: Part of Trocaire’s campaign this year is to send an email/letter to your local TD asking them to prioritise small scale farmers in Uganda. You can join the online campaign here:

Thoughts for the Week:
“But it is not God’s will for some to have everything and others to have nothing. That cannot be of God. God’s will is that all his children be happy” (Oscar Romero)

“Anyone who ignores the poor ignores Christ” (St. Francis of Assisi)

Something Different for Lent 2

Second Sunday of Lent ~ 4th March 2012
“Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone.” (Mark 9:2)

Welcome to week 2 of our Lenten Retreat. How are you doing? Did you manage to create a sacred space for yourself last week? If not, don’t worry, you can still do it with some candles, symbols, the colour purple for Lent!

This week’s task is to find space and time each day to be quiet and reflective. It is only when you stand back from the daily business that you can see things more clearly. Jesus is calling us to do that this week ~ to join him on the mountain. Decide what is best for you – ten minutes in the morning or evening? While out walking? Jesus takes the disciples up a mountain this week ~ if you have time to do that one day this week, great!

Prayer Suggestions for this week:
1. Breathing exercise: Be still. Take three deep slow breaths. Then, focus on your normal breathing. Do this for as long as you like. This is the breath of life. Thank God for this gift of breath and life. Repeat the following: “Lord, you are closer to me than my own breathing” (St. Teresa).

2. Gospel reflection ~ Read Mark 9:2-10 ‘The Transfiguration’ two-three times. Consider the following:
• The transfiguration experience was one that clarified Jesus’ relationship with his Father. What have been the experiences, the moments of insight that have clarified your relationship with God?
• The clear vision of Jesus with Moses and Elijah was followed by a frightening experience of being in a cloud and it was in the midst of the cloud that the disciples were instructed: “This is my Son, whom I love! Listen to him”. Have you had the experience of learning the truth about life and about your relationship with God from moments of confusion as well as from times of special joy?
• After their special experience the disciples came down the mountain again. Peter wanted to stay there, make tents there. But this is not the way it works. We cannot live each day at this level of special spiritual experiences. There is work to be done on the ground. However, these experiences can strengthen us in difficult times. What memories/experiences encourage you in time of trouble?

Suggestions for the week:
When you wake up in the morning:
Stay in the silence of that moment without radio, mobile phone or T.V. Become aware of your breathing. Be still. Take three deep, slow breaths, and then focus on your normal breathing. Tune in to the sounds in your house; listen to the ‘dawn chorus’ of the birds.
"I thank you, God, for the gift of life and creation. What can I do this Lent to show that I am a steward of God’s creation? Do I recycle? Could I walk/cycle instead of drive sometimes?"

When travelling on your own in the car, on the road, or on your bicycle: Open yourself to your environment and other pilgrims on the way; Look out for spring flowers; notice the colour and shape of buildings; observe the people around you.
I thank you, God, for your presence in every person, moment and place.

When going to sleep at night:
• Begin your preparations for bed earlier than usual and think of all the people you met today;
• Give thanks for all the blessings of the day;
• Let go of all hurts that have accumulated through the day ~ name them and give them to God.
"I thank you, God, for the gift of your companionship this day."

Thought for the Week:
The Sun Never Says (Hafiz)
“Even after all this time the sun never says to the earth,
‘You owe me’. Look what happens with a love like that,
It lights the whole sky."