Our first reflection for the year reminds us of our Shrovetide Catholic traditions – feasting and fasting –  forming a rhythm of life in the church year.

For February’s reflection click HERE

An easy to print Marist Laity guide to the reflection can be found HERE

For an easy to print Marian Mothers Guide click HERE

To Listen to the Audio, click HERE

 

Begin with Prayer, then read Jeremiah 29:11-14

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the Lord , “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.”

 

  • Read the Scripture again to yourself.

  • Share a word, phrase, or sense that touches you.

  • Listen to the Reflection or Read the Script.

 

 

 

 

Questions for Marist Laity, to help guide your sharing

 

i)   What struck you most from the reflection? Was there anything new to you?
ii)  How can Lenten practices help us be transformed by God?
iii)  What does it mean as Lay Marists to seek God with all our heart in the way of Mary?
iv)  Share a time when you experienced being loved and listened to by God? (Or the opposite) — what do you most need from God this Lent?
v)   Share how you prepare for Easter and how you will seek to grow closer to God through the traditions of “shriving” (confession), feasting and fasting this Lent.

 

 

Questions for Marian Mothers, as starters for your sharing

 

  • What struck you from the reflection? Was anything ‘new’ to you?
  • If you sometimes struggle to give God priority how can Lent help us get on track?  What is it like to hear God say “I will listen to you”, and what does it mean to seek God with all your heart?
  • Some Easter egg symbolism is shared in the script.  How do you prepare for and celebrate the meaning of Easter in your family?
  • What are some ways you will incorporate the traditions of ‘’shriving” (confession), feasting and fasting this Lent?

 



 


 


Pray with each other, then conclude with this prayer – 


God, it’s so easy to get caught up in the busyness of life and forget to spend time simply being with You.


Please help me grow closer in relationship with You.


As I seek you, grant me a fresh awakening of faith and trust in Your love and mercy. May each of the 40 days of Lent bring spiritual renewal and fresh hope.


Give me the grace to seek and obey you with all my heart as Mary did. Please reveal Yourself to me and help me radiate your love to all I meet.


Mary, mother of God, you responded in fullness to the Holy Spirit, pray for me to be open and obedient to God in all things. Amen.