Our Lenten Retreat was held last Friday, 21 March @ the St. John The Baptist Hall. Our guest speaker was Fr. Roderick O'Brien.
Reflection 1 - Introduction to the Devout Life:
Fr. O'Brien reflects on the concept of justification through faith, emphasizing that peace with God is a gift through Jesus Christ. He draws attention to the grace that Christians stand in through Christ’s sacrifice. This reflection may invite listeners to consider the peace and grace they have received through faith, especially during Lent, as a time for deeper spiritual renewal.
Reflection 2 - Jubilee Year Pilgrims of Hope:
In this reflection, the focus is on the first sign of hope—peace in the world. Fr. O'Brien speaks about the troubling state of humanity, where violence and war continue to plague many regions. He calls on the faithful to reflect on the desire for peace, urging them to not forget the horrors of past conflicts but to work actively for peace in the present and future. This serves as a call for prayer, advocacy, and action for peace, especially as Lent is a time of reflection on suffering and reconciliation.
Reflection 3 - Pilgrims of Hope in Speaking:
Here, Fr. O'Brien reflects on how we should speak of God—reverently, humbly, and gently. He emphasizes that when talking about God, our words should reflect devotion and charity, not pride or pretence. The idea is to speak with a spirit of humility, honouring God through our words and actions. This reminder can inspire Lent as a season not just for silent prayer but for mindful, humble communication with others, sharing the hope and grace of God through our speech.
Each talk was followed by personal and group reflections which were shared to the community after each talk.
These reflections touch on key themes of grace, peace, humility, and speaking with purpose—all of which can serve as important focuses for personal growth and spiritual renewal during the Lenten season.
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