A Lenten Journey for Family and Home
First week of Lent
‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.’
(Matthew 25:40)
” “Feed the Hungry” challenges us to protect daily nutrition for all – for today and for all future generations. Too many people in our world, in our own towns and cities, go to bed hungry every night. In 2015, the global community adopted 17 global goals for Sustainable Development by 2030. Goal 2 called for a Zero Hunger World.
And our souls hunger as well; for recognition, for respect, for love. This past summer, having lost my husband of nearly 60 years, I moved into the heart of the old city of St. John’s. There, surrounded by wonderful churches, colourful ‘jelly bean row’ houses (and truly daunting hills), I walked for miles with my small dog and constant companion, Posy. Amidst the beauty and history of the city I came to recognize the faces of many people living on the streets…mostly men. I would stop and chat for a minute or so – they’d pat Posy – I’d offer them money for a coffee and they were always grateful. I think that they and I were mostly grateful for the connection. Our souls were being fed.”
(Patty Fowler, Archdiocese of St. John’s, NL in Corporal Works of Mercy, Atlantic Liturgical Commission, 2021)
“Learn to Love Leftovers”
Our youth on Feeding the Hungry:
Each Sunday of Lent, plus Palm Sunday and Wednesday of Holy Week, we will share a reflection and video to learn of and practise the seven Corporal Works of Mercy:
Feed the Hungry
Give Water to the Thirsty
Clothe the Needy
Shelter the Homeless
Visit the Sick
Visit the Imprisoned
Bury the Dead
The information is based on a new resource prepared by the Atlantic Liturgical Commission, and includes submission from diocesan staff and clergy throughout the Atlantic Provinces.
(Click on the image to download)
We invite you to download the resource and celebrate the prayer services at home. The music, readings, reflections and prayers are provided for you and you may wish simply to use, for example, the YouTube link for the hymn, but if you are able to sing yourselves then that is encouraged. We invite you to use these rituals in ways that work best for you and your situations. That we gather to pray and act is the most important thing.
Watch for our next posting on the First Sunday of Lent: Give Water to the Thirsty
