Lent: Forgiveness & Reconciliation Family Faith at Home ideas for reflection and prayer during coronavirus Covid-19 “stay at home” order Mar/Apr 2020.
Dear Families, We are all looking at the world differently since this virus has upset our lives. We are thinking more about our own mortality and are reminded of Jesus’ teaching that we should always be reconciled to God and others and be prepared to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, for as Jesus says in Matthew 25:13 “Be on alert then, for you do not know the day nor the hour”. We pray you and your loved ones are well and find healing in the following prayers and reflections that focus on asking forgiveness from God and our loved ones for what we knowingly have done wrong. Pick and chose what you would like from the following to enhance your Lenten faith journey with your family during these trying times. The majority of these do not require the internet. We may send something similar for Holy Week soon. I will cross post on our Faith Formation site. Thank you for liking our Facebook page, SS Joachim and Anne, as we and Father George post messages to the community there, as well as on the Parish site ssjoachimanne.org. Table of Contents: 1. Question of the Week’ from Sunday March 29th Gospel 2. Short prayer for week 5 of Lent 3. Litany Prayer for Lent with parts for leader and response 4. ‘Lenten Moments’ – daily scripture reflections that focus on forgiveness and reconciliation 5. Spiritual Reflection for the Family on Forgiveness and Repentance 6. Fasting and Feasting Prayer 7. Links for ‘The Daily Examen’ and ‘Blessed’ video clips for kids 8. Forgiveness and Reconciliation Prayer for families 9. Diocese of Buffalo thought questions for confirmation candidates on reconciliation 10. Baking Recipes for Lent and Easter – Soft Pretzels, Hot Cross Buns, and Easter Bread 1. Question of the Week: MAR 29 • 5th Sunday of Lent Life Everlasting Jesus said to Martha, "I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?" (John 11:25–26) · Ezekiel 37:12-14 - Prophecy of restoration · Romans 8:8-11 - The flesh and the Spirit · John 11:1-45 - The raising of Lazarus ▶ Adults: Christ calls us from death to new life. To what new life are you being called during this Lent? ▶ Kids: How does Jesus help you do what is good and avoid what is not? 2. Lent Week Five—Lord of Healing Blessed are you, Lord of Healing. You remove the pain of separation and want, And heal us of all our hurts. Help us to be for others, In our family and world, The healing and hopeful presence That Jesus is for us. Amen. All: Lord, hear us and keep us in your love. 3. Litany Prayer for Lent Growing in Gratefulness and Generosity Leader Loving God, bless our family. Help us to be a family of gratitude. Leader and Family For education May we be grateful, Lord. For health and safety May we be grateful, Lord. For food and drink May we be grateful, Lord. For clothing and shelter May we be grateful, Lord. For work and security May we be grateful, Lord. Leader Help us to be a family of generosity. Leader and Family With learning and with fun May we be generous, Lord. With helping others to be healthy and safe May we be generous, Lord. With food and drink May we be generous, Lord. With clothing and shelter May we be generous, Lord. With work and security May we be generous, Lord. Leader We pray for a blessed Lent and a holy preparation for Easter. We pray this in the name of your son Jesus, Amen.
4. Lenten Moments 1 Focusing Scripture: Matthew 5:20-26 “So if you are about to place your gift on the altar and remember that someone is angry with you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. Make peace with that person, then come back and offer your gift to God.” Theme: Making things right with people in your life. Lent is a time of spiritual housecleaning. A part of this cleaning is setting things right with the people in our lives. Family Moment Describe what it is like in your family when you are all getting along well with each other. Who do you need to make peace with in your family? Living the Message Today, make peace with the person or persons in your family who you haven’t been getting along with well lately. Prayer Moment Lord, make me a channel of your peace. Where there is division and hatred, may I sow love, where there is injury, help me to forgive, where I cause pain, help me to be truly sorry. I look to you, merciful Jesus, for strength and compassion as I set things right with the people in my life. Amen. Lenten Moments 2 Focusing Scripture: Matthew 5:43-48 “But I tell you to love your enemies and pray for anyone who mistreats you.” Theme: Love my enemies? Who are my enemies? The list, long or short, demands my attention. Love is what Jesus requires of me—love for those on that list. Love and prayer for those who mistreat me. Family Moment Why does Jesus want us to love our enemies? What is difficult about what he asks us to do—that is, love our enemies and pray for those who mistreat us? Living the Message Make a commitment to reach out to the one person who you haven’t been getting along with well lately. Say a prayer for someone who has hurt you. Prayer Moment Holy God, help us to re-build the bridges of peace and love between each other, even our enemies. May our home be a model of reconciliation, of compassion, of mercy. We ask this through Jesus, our model. Amen. Lenten Moments 3 Focusing Scripture: Luke 15:1-3, 11-32 “But we should be glad and celebrate! Your brother was dead, but he is now alive. He was lost and has now been found Theme: Celebrating reconciliation. Notice the reaction of the father when the prodigal son returns. He orders party supplies immediately! Once the preparations have started, he waits with open arms to welcome his son to the celebration. How Jesus celebrates when we return to him! Family Moment Share stories of reconciliation and forgiveness. Focus on the celebration. How has your family celebrated reconciliation lately? Living the Message Forgiveness is something to celebrate! Participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation together. Mark the occasion with a special meal or time of family togetherness. Prayer Moment Jesus, for your gift of forgiveness, I am always grateful. May this gift be a big part of my life. I celebrate in your arms. Amen. Lenten Moments 4 Focusing Scripture: Matthew 18:21-35 “How many times should I forgive someone who has done something wrong to me? Is seven times enough?” Theme: Forgiving—over, and over, and over again. Another toughie. One-time forgiveness just isn’t going to do it. What this means is that if someone hurts me, not just once but over and over and over again, my only response (or at least the right response) is forgiveness—again and again and again and again. Whoa. Family Moment Talk about the things that we do over and over and over again that hurt each other. Talk about what it takes for us to forgive each other over and over and over again. What keeps us from forgiving this much? Living the Message Write 70 x 7 on a piece of paper. Post it on the refrigerator. Let it remind us to keep forgiving, over and over and over again. Prayer Moment Pray the Our Father together. Pay particular attention to the words about forgiveness. 5. Spiritual Reflection for the Family Forgiveness and Repentance
Materials Needed Bible Preparation for the Family Leader Families have opportunities to practice forgiveness every single day. This reflection focuses your family on forgiveness and repentance, on putting broken relationships back together. First, talk about what forgiveness and repentance means to family members. Then share stories from recent family experiences of needing forgiveness, and of needing to forgive. The Gospel provides many stories and teachings of Jesus on forgiveness. Choose one on which the family can reflect. End the reflection by sharing ways family members can help each other practice forgiveness. 1. Introduction to the Theme Ask family members what the word forgiveness means. Share synonyms such as “mercifulness,” “absolving,” etc. Share this definition: forgiveness is the act of letting go of anger or hurt caused by someone. Ask family members what the word repentance means. Share synonyms such as “being remorseful, or contrite.” Share this definition: repentance is the act of being truly sorry for one’s conduct. 2. Time for Storytelling Family members can best understand the action of forgiveness and repentance by sharing stories of seeing these virtues in action. Use the following questions as a guide. For younger children: v What happens when you do something that is wrong, or when you do something that hurts someone else? (Help younger children tell a story about a time when they had to say “I am sorry.”) For older children and adults: v What have been some of the more difficult experiences you have had with forgiveness—either being in need of forgiveness or needing to forgive someone else? Tell about some of the people you know whose actions have modeled what it means to be a forgiving person. What are these people like? What do they do? 3. Stories from Our Faith Tradition Choose one of the following Scripture passages and read it aloud to the family: Matthew 18:21-35 Luke 6:37-78 Luke 15:11-31 Ask family members to summarize using several words or phrases that they feel is the central message of the Scripture which you read. Ask how our relationship with each other and with God is different when we forgive and ask for forgiveness. 4. What Our Family Can Do Family leader for this reflection shares points such as the following: Forgiveness and repentance are central messages in the Gospels. When someone breaks a bone and the doctor sets it and puts it in a cast, that bone will be even stronger after it heals that it was before the break--if the doctor sets it correctly. The same thing is true with our broken relationships. If “set” to heal properly, in the healing these relationships can end up even stronger than before. Such a miracle happens through the power of the Spirit of forgiveness in our lives, and through the true willingness on our part to reconcile with each other through Jesus. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is the visible sign of that healing happening in our lives. Spend time in quiet prayer. Ask each family member to ask Jesus to be present in your family with a spirit of forgiveness and reconciliation. Reflect on your family’s experience of Lent: v How has his example of reaching out in forgiveness to others taught us to do the same? v How has the new life offered by Jesus in the resurrection enabled us to forgive? 6. Fasting and Feasting Prayer
Side 1: Fast from judging others... Side 2: Feast on finding Christ in them. Side 1: Fast from harsh or mean words... Side 2: Feast on words that encourage and support others. Side 1: Fast from anger... Side 2: Feast on patience. Side 1: Fast from worry... Side 2: Feast on God’s love and care. Side 1: Fast from complaining... Side 2: Feast on appreciation. Side 1: Fast from bitterness, resentment or jealousy Side 2: Feast on forgiveness and acceptance. Side 1: Fast from self-centeredness... Side 2: Feast on compassion for others. Side 1: Fast from discouragement... Side 2: Feast on hope. 7a. The Daily Examen is a technique of prayerful reflection on the events of the day in order to detect God’s presence and discern his direction for us. The Examen is an ancient practice in the Church that can help us see God’s hand at work in our whole experience. Found online at Ignatian Spirituality. https://www.ignatianspirituality.com/ignatian-prayer/the-examen/ 7b. “Blessed” for children from Dynamic Catholic: Every child deserves an unforgettable First Communion and First Reconciliation experience. And that’s what you’ll give them with Blessed. Each of these short episodes brings the faith to life in a way no other sacramental prep program has ever done before and inspires children to be lifelong Catholics. Online video clips found at https://dynamiccatholic.com/blessed/program-view/ If your child is preparing for First Holy Communion or Reconciliation, at home study is available to keep your children on track for this year. Please contact us for further information.
7c. Stations of the Cross for youth from Catholic Relief Services with short video and reflections from poor youth from around the world.
8. Forgiveness and Reconciliation Prayer Gather around a table Light a candle to remind the family of Christ’s presence. If children are old enough, they can take turns lighting the candle while a parent says an opening prayer, like, “Forgiving God, we ask you to help us forgive when we have hurt each other and to be willing to make amends.” Reading: Matthew 18:21-22 Then Peter came and said to him, “Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times. Our Father Hold hands and say the Lord’s Prayer together. Repeat the line: Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Sign of Peace Family members offer each other a sign of peace. Closing Song: Amazing Grace* (words by John Newton, 1725-1807)
Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, That saved a wretch (soul) like me. I once was lost but now am found, Was blind, but now I see. T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear. And Grace, my fears relieved. How precious did that Grace appear, The hour I first believed. Through many dangers, toils and snares, I have already come; 'Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far, and Grace will lead me home. The Lord has promised good to me. His word my hope secures. He will my shield and portion be, As long as life endures. When we've been here ten thousand years, Bright shining as the sun. We've no less days to sing God's praise, Than when we've first begun. *John Newton was a notorious slave trader who in the midst of a storm at sea, had a change of heart and cried out to God for mercy, thus giving rise to this song. (From Center for Ministry Development, 2010)
9. Diocese of Buffalo Adolescent Curriculum Connections:
Critical Thinking Questions on Reconciliation for confirmation candidates.
As we prepare for Holy Week - the suffering, death, and resurrection of our Savior, Jesus who died for our sins in order to open the gates of heaven for us, let us contemplate the sacrament of reconciliation. The following questions are for contemplation only. We ask you merely continue your journey of faith toward God - to ask ‘why’ we Catholics believe something when the questions are challenging. After praying for forgiveness and reconciliation with your family, asking forgiveness from God privately, and from family, contemplate the sacrament of reconciliation, one of the sacraments of healing.
o What do you think are the main reasons many people don’t value the Sacrament of Reconciliation?
o Think about one time you felt the healing presence of Jesus.
o Reflect on Jesus’ words during His crucifixion, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.”
o How is sin a spiritual sickness?
o Do you think people today treat sin too lightly?
o The Sacrament of Reconciliation involves talking with a priest about our struggles and failures. What are your feelings about this Sacrament?
o What might be the advantage of using the Sacrament of Reconciliation on a regular basis throughout your life?
10. Baking for Lent and Holy Week
Baking Pretzels
Pretzels, shaped like arms crossed in prayer, are a Lenten food. Pray as a family over the unbaked pretzels:
Lord, we ask you to bless our family and these Lenten pretzels. Keep us faithful throughout this sacred season, in our prayer and sacrifice. Amen.
Recipe for Pretzels
Dissolve a scant tablespoon of yeast into 1 ½ cups of warm water. Add 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon sugar. Blend in 4 cups of flour. Knead dough until smooth. Roll small handfuls of dough into ropes and twist into a pretzel shape. Place on lightly greased cookie sheet. Brush with 1 beaten egg. Bake at 425 degrees for 12–15 minutes. Makes 12 to 14 pretzels.
Baking Hot Cross Buns ½ refrigerator roll dough ¾ cup raisins 1/3 cup chopped citron ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg 1 egg white, slightly beaten quick frosting Turn dough onto well-floured surface. Squeeze raisins, citron and nutmeg into dough. Cut dough into 24 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball; place about 2 inches apart on greased cookie sheet. Snip a cross on top of each ball with scissors. Cover; let rise until double, about 1 hour. Heat oven to 375 degrees. Brush tops of buns with egg white. Bake until golden brown, about 20 minutes. When cool, frost crosses on tops of buns with quick frosting. Quick Frosting: Mix ¾ cup powdered sugar, 2 tsp. water or milk and ¼ tsp. vanilla until frosting is smooth and of spreading consistency.
Baking Easter Bread This is from an old Carmelite recipe. As you can see, it makes enough bread to share with the extended family and neighbors! Recipe Bowls and Pans: 8 loaves, pan size 9”x 5”x 3” Grease bread bowl and pans. Ingredients: 1 qt. milk, scalded 3 ½ tablespoons salt in mixer, add milk when butter is melted. Combine: 3 tablespoons sugar ½ cup warm water ½ cup sugar 3 envelopes yeast ¾ lb. butter melted in milk Add: 2 ½ cup cold water 12 beaten eggs 8 quarts flour
Instructions for Baking Easter Bread In large mixing bowl put butter and scalded milk to melt butter. Then add the sugar and salt. To this mixture add cold water, then beaten eggs and mix well. Next, add yeast mixture and almost all of the flour. Mix well and add remaining flour. When mixed, let rise 1 ½ hours, punch well the air out of dough and let rise ½ hour more. Form into loaves in pans, mark with a cross and let rise another hour. Turn on ovens, wait another ½ hour or until loaves are doubled in size. Bake at 350 degrees for 55 minutes or until golden brown. Butter crust when take out of oven. Have the best ones blessed! To make a cross design in the loaves, after loaf is formed, before it rises, put the prongs of a table fork in about an inch down the length of the loaf and then across, keep poking until you have a cross.
Refrigerator Roll Dough Recipe 2/3 cup sugar 2/3 cup shortening 2 eggs 1 ½ teaspoons salt 6 to 7 cups all-purpose flour 1 package active dry yeast 1 ½ cups warm water (105 to 110 degrees) 1 cup unseasoned lukewarm mashed potatoes Dissolve yeast in warm water in large bowl. Stir in potatoes, sugar, shortening, eggs, salt and 3 cups of the flour. Beat until smooth. Mix in enough remaining flour to make dough easy to handle. Turn dough onto lightly floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about five minutes. Place in greased bowl; turn greased side up. Cover bowl tightly; refrigerate at least 8 hours but no longer than 5 days. Punch down dough; divide into 4 equal parts.
Source: Celebrate Family : Lent from Center for Ministry Development www.cmdnet.org