Why this Reflection Guide?

The Peace & Justice Commission has developed this reflection guide to help our parish community pause and reflect prayerfully on the meaning of the Lenten season in the midst of our busy lives. We feel that the lens of voluntary simplicity is a perfect match with the spirit of the season. Those of you who participated in Disciples in Mission in past years will find that this follows a similar format - reflection on the upcoming Sunday's readings, discussion questions and suggested actions. This is not a formal program, however, and will depend on the initiative of parishioners to form groups or use these resources with their families or even on their own for individual reflection.

From the Introduction:

The main inspiration behind this reflection guide is simply this - rather than giving up one particular luxury or habit this Lenten season, why not focus on living more simply each of the 40 days and perhaps even beyond. What daily practice(s) can you bring to your life during these 40 days to move closer to a simpler life as a follower of Jesus Christ?

This reflection guide encourages us to take time to think and reflect, in small faith sharing groups, with our family, or on our own. In prayerfully reading the Scripture passages, we are called to listen and to discern God's desires for our lives and the world. The reflection for Ash Wednesday is designed to be used for personal reflection on that day. The reflections for each Sunday's readings are meant to be used sometime during the week, preferably the same day of each week. Each week this Lent, you are invited to:

• Prayerfully read the Scripture passages for the coming Sunday.
• Reflect on the passages and reflection points.
• Use the discussion questions to share how the passages relate to your own daily life.
• Try to take your reflections further, applying them to your every day life and actions.

We hope that this guide will allow you to prayerfully reflect on the Scriptures and help you journey towards a life that is outwardly simple and inwardly rich this Lenten season.

In Peace,

St Philip Neri Peace & Justice Commission

Download "Journey Towards a Simpler Life" (PDF document, 94kb)

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