First Sunday of Lent, Year C
9 – 10 March 2019
COMPASSION
In this year’s Lenten discussion groups program there are suggestions about welcome and Introductions for the leaders of each group to welcome members into a joint ‘sacred space’ for discussion and prayer. Borrowing some of these suggestion – I wish to share with you as fellow parishioners, teachers, mums and dads – for – when we have persons come into our sacred space, our homes, classes and lives.
Welcome!
Extend a warm welcome – In lent adopt the theme of compassion and in doing so recognise compassion as a given and received expression of God’s love for each of us. The challenge personally is to be this expression to others.
Prayer
Read this Sunday’s Gospel (Luke 4:1-13) in your Sacred Space, welcome a time of silence and, trusting in the Spirit, see this as a good opportunity to connect with fellow parishioners, students, family members, your husband your wife, your son(s) your daughter(s) your extended family members, your students and fellow parishioners.
Put all your trust in the Spirit!
Have a special Candle in place – and when moved by the Spirit – light the Candle
- as the Flame of Faith burns brightly – pray
Leader We gather in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
In this time of Lent, we recall God’s gracious mercy and compassion, as
shown to us in the words and deeds of Jesus Christ.
Our Lenten journey calls us to be bearers of God’s mercy and compassion to
others. (Pause and reflect )
You know the way for me, you know the time. Into your hands
I trustingly place mine. Your plan is perfect, born of perfect love.
You know the way; your way is love.
Leader God of all space and time your Holy Spirit leads us through the wilderness so
that we, like John the Baptist and Jesus might more clearly hear your voice.
May your Holy Spirit guide and direct us, to open our minds and
hearts, to be prophets of your Word, and to grow into deeper relationship with
Jesus your Son. All Amen.
Lent is a transition time, a time to look honestly at our journey of faith as we walk with Jesus to the cross – Ask yourself – Does your heart belong to God, or are you easily led by other distractions? In what ways is Jesus the bread of your Life?
During these weeks of Lent I offer you an Invitation to walk the way of the Cross – bring your family. Please join with fellow parishioners each Friday evening – 6.00pm in the Cathedral as we reflect on Jesus’ love and humbled in the knowledge that he loves us.
Love and prayers
Dean Peter