Lenten reflections

First Sunday of Lent
Matt. 4:1-11

Jesus is led into the desert by the Spirit to be tempted for 40 days — tempted to become someone he is not and to stray from his true mission as the Son of God. Hungry at the end of the 40 days, angels came and ministered to him. This week, pray to the Holy Spirit and ask: What may be keeping me from living my mission as a disciple of Jesus? Who are the “angels” (messengers) in my life who feed and strengthen me to live as a disciple?

Second Sunday of Lent
Matt. 17:1-9

Peter, James and John receive a glimpse of Jesus’ future glory and hear God proclaim that Jesus is “my beloved Son.” This week, reflect: On the day of my Baptism, God indeed called me beloved. Do I/Can I hear God calling me beloved now? How do I react — with awe and fear? In some other way? How does knowing I am beloved by God shape my living as a disciple?

Third Sunday of Lent
John 4:5-42 

Jesus encounters the Woman of Samaria at Jacob’s well. This encounter profoundly changes her life. She runs to her neighbors and urges them to “come and see” Jesus. This week, reflect: Where and how do I encounter Jesus? How do these encounters change me? How do I invite others to “come and see” Jesus?

Fourth Sunday of Lent
John 9:1-41

Jesus cures the man born blind by making clay with his salvia, applying it to the man’s eyes, and telling him to go wash in the Pool of Siloam. After being cured, Jesus asks the man: “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” “Who is he?” the man asks. Jesus tells him: “The one who is speaking with you.” Immediately the man replies: “I do believe Lord!” This week, reflect: How do I need to be healed so as to see Jesus more clearly, and to trust him more deeply? Speak to Jesus about this and allow him to lead you to healing.

Fifth Sunday of Lent
John 11:1-45

Jesus raises his friend Lazarus from the dead by calling into his tomb with a loud voice, “Lazarus come out!” Then Jesus tells those gathered, “Untie him and let him go.” As the days of Lent draw to a close, this week, reflect: During this Lent, how has Jesus called me forth from my tombs — from all the ways that do not bring me life? What remains to be untied and let go?

Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion — At the Procession with Palms
Matt. 21:1-11

Today, Jesus enters Jerusalem riding upon an ass and a colt to the accolades of a very large crowd which spread cloaks and olive branches on the road. Matthew’s Gospel says that “the whole city was shaken and asked, “Who is this?” The crowds replied, “This is Jesus the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.” As we enter this Holy Week, reflect: Can I imagine my city, neighborhood, or family being shaken by the presence of Jesus? How will I tell them who Jesus is — for me and for them?
*  *  *
David Amico is the director of the Office of Lay Ministry & Parish Faith Formation for the Diocese of Albany.