LENT 2024 Week One

"Our journey through the desert can be a season of grace - not an abstract journey, but a concrete path that involves seeing the world as it is and hearing the cries of our oppressed brothers and sisters."

Pope Francis Lent Message 2024.

The message for the season of Lent this year has the theme:

“Through the desert God leads us to freedom”

Key points in in this message are:

Pause for Prayer

Help our neighbour

Be ready to take risks

Counter a globalization of indifference

A time of communitarian decisions

Read the complete message HERE

Read a short commentary from Vatican News HERE

View a brief Youtube clip on Lent 2024 HERE

18 February 1st Sunday of LENT 

Readings  

Gen 9:8-15: I will recall the covenant between myself and you...the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh.

Psalm 24:4-9 R. Your ways O Lord are love and truth, to those who keep your covenant.

1 Pet 3:18-22: The water of the flood is a type of baptism which saves you now.

Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory!

No one lives on bread alone,

but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.

Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory!

Mark 1:12-15: He was tempted by Satan, and the angels looked after him. 

Music suggestions

Return to God by Marty Haugen. 

Blest be the Lord by Daniel L. Schutte.

Lord, who throughout these forty days by C F Hernamam From Day's Psalter (1563).

Prayer

E te Ariki, Lord Jesus, as we start our Lenten journey this year, help us to open our hearts and minds to hear Your voice in new ways. Water the seeds of faith to prepare us to help bring Your kingdom here on earth. Even in challenging times, help us to proclaim the Good News and stand as your witness at all times and in all things, and in all places.

Āmene

(from Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand Prayer card 2024.)