A New Way Forward - Caritas
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Caritas Lenten Reflection Programme 2021
the
Lent
appeal
2021
A New Way
Forward Laudato Si’, Pope Francis
He Ara Whakamua, He Ara Hou
Laudato Si’, Pāpā Werahiko
CONTENTS
Introduction .......................................................................................................... 1
A Guide to using the Caritas Lenten Reflection Programme ............... 2
Week 1: First Sunday of Lent ........................................................................... 6
Week 2: Second Sunday of Lent ..................................................................... 11
Week 3: Third Sunday of Lent ......................................................................... 16
Week 4: Fourth Sunday of Lent ...................................................................... 21
Week 5: Fifth Sunday of Lent ........................................................................... 26
Week 6: Palm Sunday - Passion of the Christ ............................................. 31
Lent Action Plan .................................................................................................. 36
Feedback Form ..................................................................................................... 39
Notes on the Booklet Cover Design ............................................................. 41
PO Box 12193, Wellington 6144
Aotearoa New Zealand
www.caritas.org.nz
Lead writer: Rebecca Sees
Contributors: Roger Ellis, Joanna Viernes, Mareta Tana, Fr Neil
Vaney, Sr Clare O’Connor
Te Reo Māori translation: Piripi Walker
Tongan translation: Malia Tu’amoheloa
Samoan translation: Puletini Tuala
Te Reo Māori review: Danny Karatea-Goddard
Samoan review: Mikaele Teofilo
Design: Rebecca Sees
The Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand Lenten Reflection Programme is available in
English, Te Reo Māori, Samoan and Tongan language versions.
ISSN: 2253-3370 (Print)
ISSN: 2253-3389 (Online)
ISBN: 978-0-908348-72-5 (Print)
ISBN: 978-0-908348-73-2 (Online)
Caritas Lenten Reflection Programme 2021
A New Way
Forward
Laudato Si’, Pope Francis
He Ara Whakamua,
He Ara Hou
Laudato Si’, Pāpā Werahiko
“In the heart of this world, the Lord of life, who loves us so much, is always
present. He does not abandon us, he does not leave us alone, for he has
united himself definitively to our earth, and his love constantly impels us to
find new ways forward.”
Pope Francis, Laudato Si’ (paragraph 245), 2015
Throughout our lives, we face obstacles and challenges that change our
world and lead us to adapt in often unexpected ways. Most notably over
the past year, we have all been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic
which has swept the globe, touching the lives of every person and
compelling us to shift our ways of living and interacting with each other.
Through all the challenges that we face, God calls us to find a new way
forward. He coaches and encourages us to overcome the hurdles in
our path. He walks with us on the way, always by our side. He does not
abandon us or leave us alone. Where we find the strength to shoulder
the burdens we are asked to carry, where we find the courage to push
through the walls of fear and uncertainty, there we find God’s grace,
feeding our spirits with all that we need. Now is the time for us to focus on
to what is truly important: to care for each other and all creation and to
grow our trust in God.
1
A Guide to using the Caritas Lenten
Reflection Programme
The Lenten season provides an opportunity each year to deepen our
understanding of our faith by reflecting on the Gospels. During Lent
we are called both to turn away from those things that encumber our
faith journey with God and to turn towards God. Lent is a wonderful
opportunity to open ourselves to changes that God wants to make in us
so that we can truly flourish.
LECTIO DIVINA
Central to the Caritas Lenten Reflection Programme is shared reflection on
the Gospels for the six Sundays of Lent in the style of Lectio Divina, a Latin
term which means ‘reading with God’.
In this form of prayer, after the first reading of the Gospel, members of the
group repeat a word or phrase which stood out to them. They may repeat
several words or phrases each, as they feel so moved. The gospel is then
read again, and there is an opportunity for sharing.
PRAYING WITH THE GOSPELS:
THE YEAR B LITURGICAL CYCLE
Each Lenten season we return to the three-year cycle of Lenten Gospels.
For many, these will be old friends; for others, new acquaintances. But we
can all find something new as we reflect prayerfully on these scriptures
again.
We are called to examine the ways in which Jesus teaches us to act, think,
and live with love for God and for one another – with repentance, mercy,
and forgiveness. The season of Lent provides us with an opportunity to
consider Jesus’ teachings and make a new start in our own lives.
2
SOME OF THE PROJECTS SUPPORTED BY THE BISHOPS’
LENTEN APPEAL
This reflection programme accompanies the Bishops’ Lenten Appeal
which occurs in parishes during Lent. The giving envelopes distributed to
parishes for the six weeks of Lent give examples of the work supported by
the Catholic and wider community in New Zealand through the Bishops’
Lent Appeal.
The specific projects featured are chosen following Caritas staff members’
own prayerful reflection on the Lenten Gospels. Participants may use
this for personal background reading or may wish to incorporate it into
their discussions. The aim is to assist people to pray meaningfully and to
develop a deeper understanding of the Works of Mercy supported by our
communities during Lent.
GOSPEL REFLECTIONS
Participants have the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the
Scriptural context of the Gospels, in the light of Catholic Social Teaching
and its application in the work of Caritas and in their daily lives.
We note this is a reflection and discussion programme, where the
focus is on faith development and sharing, rather than an academic
study programme. Some participants have used the Lenten reflection
programme as a starting point for further Scriptural and Theological
study, for example, through courses offered by the Catholic Institute
(www.tci.ac.nz). Others have brought insights and material from Scriptural
or Theological study to share with their group.
Additional sources of material used in preparing the programme include:
• Various homilies, audiences and devotions given by Pope Francis
• Pope Francis: Laudato Si’, 2015 (available on the Vatican website,
www.vatican.va)
• The practical experience of Caritas workers and our partners from
our own reflection and sharing on the messages of the 2020 Lenten
Gospels
3
• The insights of Catholic Enquiry Director Fr Neil Vaney SM and
Spiritual Director Sr Clare O’Connor (RC)
PRAYERS
The programme offers suggestions for prayer, including Opening and
Closing prayers. If your group has other prayers you wish to use or a
preferred style of praying, please feel free to substitute these prayers. For
example, you may wish to use formal prayers of the Church or forms of
intercessory prayer. What is important is taking time to pray together.
BIBLE TRANSLATION
The Gospel and Psalm readings are taken from the New Revised Standard
Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible translation. The NRSVCE
translation is characterised by a more exact translation of original
Hebrew and Greek texts, with additional consideration given toward the
use of more inclusive language. It is intended to be more direct, plain,
meaningful and easily understood, especially when read aloud.
However, do please feel free to read the Gospels from the Bible in
another translation – for example, for people who are new to the English
language, the Good News version could be useful.
GROUPS FOR SHARED LENTEN REFLECTION
Communities who use this programme include Catholic parishes,
ecumenical groups, families, ethnic communities, religious communities,
rest home residents, and groups in prison. A number of parishes organise
formal daytime or evening group meetings. The programme is used in
other ways: for example, families who reflect and pray together for the six
weeks of Lent or people who use it for individual prayer and reflection.
Please feel free to adapt the programme to suit your needs or the needs
of your group or community.
4LEADERS GUIDE
For guidance on leading Lectio Divina reflection please see the note on
Lectio Divina above.
The role of the leader or facilitator is to assist the group by providing
focus, some structure to the session, keeping track of time, as well as to
encourage members to share and listen. This role can be taken by one
person nominated for all the sessions or it can be rotated among group
members.
All members of Lenten groups have their own life experiences and faith
journeys, as well as different gifts and different insights. Each person has a
significant contribution to make to the weekly reflections. A prayer focus
– a lit candle, a Bible, flowers, other symbols – and appropriate music as a
background can all be very helpful.
DISCUSSION SHARING AND FAITH IN ACTION
Through the discussion, sharing and the Faith in Action sections we are
invited to deepen our understanding of the Gospels, and to allow God to
transform us. A significant aim of our Lenten practice of prayer, fasting
and almsgiving is, by God’s grace, to change our patterns of behaviour
and to respond with love to our neighbours. Each session ends with an
invitation and an opportunity to make a commitment to put our faith into
action.
SESSION OUTLINE
A session is generally expected to last approximately 60-90 minutes. Each
group can determine its own timeframe, but a suggested timeframe
could be as follows:
• Welcome, opening prayer and responsorial Psalm (10-15 minutes)
• Group sharing, Gospel reading using Lectio Divina (15- 25 minutes)
• Gospel reflection and group discussion questions (30-40 minutes)
• Case study and Faith in Action questions (5-10 minutes)
• Closing prayer (5 minutes).
5WEEK ONE
First Sunday of Lent
“This is the first thing the Church teaches us:
Jesus always prepares us for trials, and in the
trials he is with us; he never forsakes us.”
Pope Francis, Homily at San Gelasio I Papa,
25 February 2018
OPENING PRAYER
E te Ariki, Lord Jesus, you were prepared for your ministry by baptism and
by temptation in the wilderness. As we start our Lenten journey, so too do
we prepare ourselves for your death and resurrection. Be with us through
our trials and give us the courage to find the path that leads us to you. We
ask this in your holy name. Āmene.
Responsorial: Psalm 25:4-5, 6-7, 8-9
Response: To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths.
Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation;
for you I wait all day long. (Response)
Be mindful of your mercy, O Lord, and of your steadfast love,
for they have been from of old.
Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions;
according to your steadfast love remember me, for your goodness’ sake, O
Lord! (Response)
Good and upright is the Lord;
therefore he instructs sinners in the way.
He leads the humble in what is right,
and teaches the humble his way. (Response)
6WEEK 1
GROUP SHARING
What are some things we can do during Lent to actively step into a closer
relationship with God?
How can we help each other throughout this Lenten journey?
GOSPEL READING
Invite a member of the group to read the following passage aloud, from the
Bible or from this booklet.
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark 1:9-15
In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by
John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw
the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And
a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved with you I am
well pleased.”
And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. He was in
the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild
beasts; and the angels waited on him.
Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good
news of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God
has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.”
After the reading, pause for silent reflection. Then invite people to share
a word or phrase that stood out for them. After a couple of minutes quiet
reflection invite another group member to read the Gospel passage aloud
again.
GOSPEL REFLECTION
The way in which we prepare ourselves to meet God mirrors Jesus’
preparation for his ministry that we read about in this Gospel passage.
Just as our journey of faith begins with our baptism, in which we are given
new life, so is Jesus baptised, and knows himself as beloved of the Father.
7He does this in solidarity with us, saying to John the Baptist, “it is proper
for us in this way to fulfil all righteousness” (Matthew 3:15). He shows us
that we must start our journey of faith by choosing God.
Jesus also shows us that this process of preparation is not always an
easy or comfortable one. The Spirit “drove” Jesus into the wilderness; he
was compelled to go, whether he wanted to or not, and he had to face
temptation and wild beasts. We can understand these difficulties. We have
all faced temptation, and we recognise the fear and uncertainty of being
in a situation outside of our control. Jesus’ time in the wilderness reflects
the ups and downs of life that we all experience, and we see the courage
and faith that we need to keep growing and finding new ways forward.
At the heart of this preparation is God’s call to repent and change.
We must embrace a spirit of discernment to listen to God’s voice and
constantly turn toward him. Even in the wilderness, facing obstacles
that could lead him astray, Jesus kept his faith and the angels waited on
him. When we are surrounded by troubles that could lead us to doubt,
we must hold fast to the belief that God is always with us and is always
calling us toward himself.
GROUP DISCUSSION
How do you think Jesus felt as he went through the events in this Gospel:
baptism, facing temptations and beasts in the wilderness, beginning his
ministry after John was arrested?
Why is it important for us during Lent to prepare to celebrate and
remember the death and resurrection of Jesus?
What are some ways in which we can help each other throughout Lent as
we prepare our hearts for Easter?
CARITAS CASE STUDY
For the last several years, Caritas has partnered with locally operated Rural
Training Centres (RTCs) in the Solomon Islands for the Strengthening
Technical and Agricultural Rural Training (START) programme. Through
8WEEK 1
this programme, RTC instructors and administrators gain the upskilling
and support they need to respond to growing demand for training in
fields such as information technology, business development, resource
management, waste management, forestry and fishery.
Photo: Students at an RTC in the Solomon Islands practice their building
skills.
The support and preparation of those people managing and teaching at
the RTCs also benefits the students, who receive improved preparation for
opportunities after their studies. Since the START programme began, RTCs
have seen a 15% increase in graduate employment and the doubling
of students continuing to further education. The reputation of RTCs
has been improved through these developments, which increases the
opportunities available for rural youth. We are hopeful that the next phase
of the START programme will continue to provide more communities
in the Solomon Islands with the skills and tools they need to grow and
achieve their potential.
9FAITH IN ACTION
• Invite a family member, friend, or member of your parish or Lent
reflection group to be your prayer partner during Lent. Practice
praying together and for each other regularly as you prepare for
the start of the Easter season.
• Make a commitment to perform one small action each day during
Lent to prepare your heart for Easter, such as praying a new prayer,
doing a good deed for another person, or setting aside some
money to donate to those in need.
• Choose an item from the “Journey” column of the Lent Action Plan,
developed for schools and found at the back of this booklet, to do
together with your family or Lent reflection group. Check in with
each other throughout the week to share your progress.
CLOSING PRAYER
E te Ariki, Lord Jesus, through your baptism you showed us how to align
ourselves with God. Your time in the wilderness showed us how to hold
fast to our faith. When we are challenged to go out, to face temptation
and uncertainty, help us to remember that you are with us. Through the
hardships that we face, help us to keep our eyes trained on your face, our
ears tuned to your voice. Āmene.
10WEEK TWO
Second Sunday of Lent
“The ever more vibrant rediscovery of Jesus
is not the aim in itself, but spurs us to ‘come
down the mountain,’ energized by the power
of the divine Spirit, so as to decide on new
paths of conversion and to constantly witness
to charity, as the law of daily life. Transformed
by Christ’s presence and by the ardour of
his Word, we will be a concrete sign of the
invigorating love of God for all our brothers
and sisters.”
Pope Francis, Angelus in St Peter’s Square, 6
August 2017
OPENING PRAYER
E te Atua o ngā Maunga, God of the Mountains, you call us to your sacred
spaces to meet you face to face. Open our hearts to your call and lead us
on your pathways. Let us be transformed by your light, that we may one
day see the glory of your kingdom. Āmene.
Responsorial: Psalm 116:10, 15, 16-17, 18-19
Response: I will walk in the presence of the Lord in the land of the
living.
I kept my faith, even when I said, “I am greatly afflicted;”
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful ones.
(Response)
O Lord, I am your servant; I am your servant, the child of your serving girl.
You have loosed my bonds. I will offer to you a thanksgiving sacrifice and
call on the name of the Lord. (Response)
I will pay my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people, in the
courts of the house of the Lord, in your midst, O Jerusalem. (Response)
11GROUP SHARING Take a moment to reflect on the last week: what are we doing to celebrate and remember the death and resurrection of Jesus? How do we recognise God’s call to us in our daily lives? GOSPEL READING Invite a member of the group to read the following passage aloud, from the Bible or from this booklet. A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark 9:2-9 Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain apart, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no one on earth could bleach them. And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, who were talking with Jesus. Then Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” He did not know what to say, for they were terrified. Then a cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud there came a voice, “This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!” Suddenly when they looked around, they saw no one with them anymore, but only Jesus. As they were coming down the mountain, he ordered them to tell no one about what they had seen, until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead. After the reading, pause for silent reflection. Then invite people to share a word or phrase that stood out for them. After a couple of minutes quiet reflection invite another group member to read the Gospel passage aloud again. GOSPEL REFLECTION Six days before the events in this Gospel reading took place, Jesus told his disciples of the suffering and death that he would have to endure. To his disciples, this sounded like the utmost scandal and humiliation. How 12
WEEK 2
could the Messiah resign himself to this fate? Peter rebuked him, and
Jesus told him, “Get behind me, Satan!” Jesus knew that his disciples
didn’t understand what he was telling them. He knew that they weren’t
prepared for the trials they would all have to face. The transfiguration on
the mountaintop was a wake-up call for Peter, James and John, giving
them a glimpse of the brilliant light that was on the other side of the
darkness ahead.
The transfiguration of Jesus revealed a passage from the age of law
into the age of grace. Jesus was shown to be the fulfilment of the law,
represented by Moses, and the prophets, represented by Elijah. That
fulfilment and the legacy of grace was reflected in the conversation
between Moses, Elijah and Jesus; in this moment, we are all pointed
definitively toward Jesus as the new way to God. He commands the
disciples very clearly: “This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!” That
same call to listen to Jesus applies in our lives.
The grace which God shares creates a space in us for transformation.
When we see how Jesus is transfigured, we can begin to understand what
it means to be in the presence of God in his kingdom. We know that Jesus
is trying to lead us there. But we must remember the conversation that
took place six days previously; such a transformation requires sacrifice. To
engage with Jesus, we must be ready to suffer with him as well, to carry
our cross so that we can rise with him.
GROUP DISCUSSION
In the Gospel reading, God speaks to the apostles and tells them “This is
my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!” Do we always find it easy to listen to
Jesus? Why or why not?
Think of an experience you’ve had that sparked a change in your life. How
did you respond at first? What helped you to make the change?
Where do we see God’s grace in action in our lives today?
13CARITAS CASE STUDY
The Kiribati Health Champions, a group of women and youth supported
by Teitoiningaina (the Catholic Women’s Association), are working to
transform the health of their communities. Adopting a healthier lifestyle
requires a big change, especially when fresh produce is difficult to
come by due to the poor planting conditions on the atolls. The Health
Champions each studied to receive a Certificate of Proficiency in Pacific
Nutrition, learning about the importance of drinking water, exercising
regularly, and eating vegetables – including up to 11 types of traditional
leaves found in Kiribati.
After completing their certification programme, the Health Champions
were eager to share their knowledge with their communities. Almost
5,000 people have received training from the Kiribati Health Champions,
and an estimated 15,000 people have received messaging on health
Photo: Kiribati Health Champions from Betio get ready to lead a training
session on nutrition for visitors from the outer islands.
14WEEK 2
and nutrition from presentations made during public events. The Health
Champions are now working to reach even more remote communities
in the outer islands of Kiribati and have mobilised with the Public Health
Service to deliver resources and information to prevent the spread of
COVID-19.
FAITH IN ACTION
• Practice listening to Jesus through silent, meditative prayer. You may
choose to repeat a piece of scripture in your head or listen to reflective
music.
• Identify one area in your life where you feel God is calling you to make
a change. Make a list of little actions you can do each day to move
toward that goal.
• Choose an item from the “Companionship” column of the Lent Action
Plan, developed for schools and found at the back of this booklet, to
do together with your family or Lent reflection group. Check in with
each other throughout the week to share your progress.
CLOSING PRAYER
E te Matua Kaha Rawa, Almighty Father, you sent your only son Jesus
to show us the new way to you; you told us to listen to him. In the
transfiguration we saw a glimpse of your brilliant light, but we know that
we must be ready to pass through the darkness to reach it. We ask you to
give us the grace that we need to accept the cross and to do what we are
called to do as followers of Jesus. Āmene.
15WEEK THREE
Third Sunday of Lent
“Every true conversion is oriented toward a
new future, a new life, a beautiful life, a life free
from sin, a generous life. Let us not be afraid to
ask Jesus for forgiveness because he opens the
door to this new life for us.”
Pope Francis, Angelus in St Peter’s Square, 7
April 2019
OPENING PRAYER
E te Ariki, Lord Jesus, you are the shepherd, gathering us and guiding us.
We are your sheep, and we do not always understand where you lead.
Grant us the grace to trust in you and to open our hearts to a new way.
Āmene.
Responsorial: Psalm 19:8, 9, 10, 11
Response: Lord, you have the words of everlasting life.
The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the Lord is clear, enlightening the eyes. (Response)
The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever;
The ordinances of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. (Response)
More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold;
Sweeter also than honey, and drippings of the honeycomb. (Response)
Moreover by them is your servant warned;
In keeping them there is great reward. (Response)
16WEEK 3
GROUP SHARING
Take a moment to reflect on the last week: in what ways have we
practiced listening to Jesus?
Think of a time in your life when you had to step out of your comfort
zone. How did it feel? How did you respond?
GOSPEL READING
Invite a member of the group to read the following passage aloud, from the
Bible or from this booklet.
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John 2:13-22
The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the
temple he found people selling cattle, sheep, and doves, and the money
changers seated at their tables. Making a whip of cords, he drove all of
them out of the temple, both the sheep and the cattle. He also poured
out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. He told
those who were selling the doves, “Take these things out of here! Stop
making my Father’s house a marketplace!” His disciples remembered that
it was written, “Zeal for your house will consume me.” The Jews then said
to him, “What sign can you show us for doing this?” Jesus answered them,
“Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” The Jews then
said, “This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and will
you raise it up in three days?” But he was speaking of the temple of his
body. After he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that
he had said this; and they believed the scripture and the word that Jesus
had spoken.
After the reading, pause for silent reflection. Then invite people to share
a word or phrase that stood out for them. After a couple of minutes quiet
reflection invite another group member to read the Gospel passage aloud
again.
17GOSPEL REFLECTION Passover is a celebration of belonging, remembering how the Israelites were “passed over” during the tenth plague in Egypt by marking their doors with the blood of a lamb. The animals that Jesus saw in the temple would have been sold to be sacrificed as part of the celebration; those who could afford it would buy the cattle and sheep, while the poorest would buy a dove, if they could afford to participate at all. When we call Jesus the Paschal lamb, we are remembering that Jesus became the new sacrifice, transforming peoples’ relationship with God by offering a new way forward to him. Jesus’ actions and words in the temple are deliberate and incisive, not the raw or wild emotion that we may normally associate with anger. We see his deliberation as he takes the time to make a whip out of cords. As Jesus overturns the money changing tables, he also overturns familiar but misguided visions on where God is to be found. He provokes those in the temple to consider a new way: that it is the people and their relationship with each other and with their Creator, not the structure of the temple or the tradition of the celebration, that are most important to God. This kind of jarring incident is meant to challenge any complacency within us and lead us to a new perspective. What did we learn from the experience? How should we change? The people in the temple ask for a sign from Jesus. In the Old Testament, it was common for God to speak to people through an obvious sign and with clear instruction. The people are so set in their expectations of how God interacts with them that they don’t understand what Jesus is saying. The process of remembering, as the disciples did – both remembering the event and remembering scripture – helps us to see Jesus as the new way that God has chosen to come into our lives to lead us to deepen our relationship with him. GROUP DISCUSSION “Zeal” means devotion or abundant enthusiasm for something. In this Gospel reading, the disciples remember the scripture, “Zeal for your house 18
WEEK 3
will consume me.” When has our zeal for something driven our actions?
Was our zeal for the glory of God or for our own agenda?
Think of a time when you learned something new that changed your
perspective. How did it feel to consider a new point of view?
What are some reasons why we might resist change?
CARITAS CASE STUDY
Caritas participates in advocacy work in New Zealand and internationally
to amplify the voices of those in need. Through various campaigns, prayer,
meeting organisation and letter-writing, Caritas works to bring the needs
of the poor and vulnerable to the attention of national, regional and
global communities with the hope to change minds and hearts and drive
positive action.
Photo: Caritas staff advocate for the care of creation in Wellington.
Throughout the year, Caritas leads advocacy programmes on
environmental justice, refugees and migrants, and poverty. The annual
State of the Environment for Oceania report highlights key environmental
19issues and concerns in the region and is developed with our partners
overseas who are directly impacted by climate change, deep sea mining,
and extreme weather events. Each year we celebrate the Day of Prayer for
Refugees and Migrants and develop resources to encourage the welcome,
promotion, protection and integration of refugees and migrants in our
communities. We write submissions to Parliament to advocate for the
poor and vulnerable in Aotearoa New Zealand, and our education team
produces resources for students of all ages to learn about and recognise
social justice issues.
FAITH IN ACTION
• Start a conversation with someone at school, work, or in your
community from a different culture, age group, or background. Be
open to learning something new from their unique perspective.
• Research an issue in your community that you are passionate about
– such as refugees and migrants, environmental justice, or poverty –
and find a group that is working to address it. Choose one way that
you can help to make a positive difference.
• Choose an item from the “Treasures” column of the Lent Action Plan,
developed for schools and found at the back of this booklet, to do
together with your family or Lent reflection group. Check in with each
other throughout the week to share your progress.
CLOSING PRAYER
E te Ariki, Lord Jesus, when we stray from you, you call us home. When we
do not understand, you guide us to your truth. You know our hearts and
you see the obstacles that cause us to resist the change you invite us to
make. Help us through the discomfort of transformation so that we may
walk freely with you on the journey. Āmene.
20WEEK FOUR
Fourth Sunday of Lent
“The Lord saves us from the darkness that
we have inside, from the darkness of daily
life, of social life, of political life, of national,
international life... But he asks us to see them
first; have the courage to see our darkness so
that the light of the Lord might enter and save
us.”
Pope Francis, Holy Mass at Casa Santa Marta,
6 May 2020
OPENING PRAYER
E te Atua, God, each day you invite us to follow you. You rejoice with
us when we accept your invitation, and you are patient with us when
we falter. As we learn how to walk in your light, help us to grow in the
understanding of your love for us. Help us to continue to choose the path
that brings us closer to you. Āmene.
Responsorial: Psalm 137:1-2, 3, 4-5, 6
Response: Let my tongue be silenced, if I ever forget you!
By the rivers of Babylon— there we sat down and there we wept
when we remembered Zion. On the willows there we hung up our harps.
(Response)
For there our captors asked us for songs, and our tormentors asked for
mirth, saying, “Sing us one of the songs of Zion!” (Response)
How could we sing the Lord’s song in a foreign land? If I forget you, O
Jerusalem, let my right hand wither! (Response)
Let my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth, if I do not remember you,
if I do not set Jerusalem above my highest joy. (Response)
21GROUP SHARING Take a moment to reflect on the last week: in what ways did we open ourselves to new perspectives? What does it mean to repent? GOSPEL READING Invite a member of the group to read the following passage aloud, from the Bible or from this booklet. A reading from the holy Gospel according to John 3:14-21 Jesus said to Nicodemus: “Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. “Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Those who believe in him are not condemned; but those who do not believe are condemned already, because they have not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. For all who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed. But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God.” After the reading, pause for silent reflection. Then invite people to share a word or phrase that stood out for them. After a couple of minutes quiet reflection invite another group member to read the Gospel passage aloud again. 22
WEEK 4
GOSPEL REFLECTION
The analogy of Moses and the serpent at the beginning of this passage
connects back to the Old Testament; the story can be found in Numbers
21:1-9. In this scripture, God sent serpents among the Israelites when
they sinned by speaking against him. When the people cry out for help
and Moses prays for them, God tells Moses to make a bronze serpent and
place it on a pole, so that anyone who is bitten by a poisonous snake can
look at it and be healed.
In a similar way, God sent Jesus to sinners, but for our redemption rather
than punishment. When Jesus is lifted on the cross, all who see him and
see the light of God through him can be healed of the poison of sin. It is
not a condemnation of sinners, but rather an invitation to acknowledge
our need to be healed by Jesus, the antidote to darkness. Jesus is a gift
given to us with love, meant to provide an avenue for hope and restored
relationship. We are offered a choice to submit to the grace of God and let
ourselves be renewed, but we have to make that decision.
Confronting our own failures and shortcomings can be painful, but it is
necessary to start down a path of renewal. We must ask for the grace to
see the darkness inside ourselves and recognise our sinfulness in the light
of God’s love. Grace reminds us that Jesus can come into the things that
have caused us harm and create a gateway toward God. Grace carries us
from repentance, to contrition, to forgiveness and redemption. It is a gift
given freely. All we need to do is choose to walk down that path.
GROUP DISCUSSION
The name Jesus means “God saves.” What does it mean to believe “in the
name of the only Son of God,” as the Gospel reading says?
Why might people choose to act in darkness? Why might people choose
to come into the light of God?
How does it feel to be forgiven?
23CARITAS CASE STUDY
Since 2005, we have worked with our partners Development Partnership
in Action (DPA) in Cambodia. Together we support indigenous
communities in Mondulkiri and Ratanakiri districts to organise farming
cooperatives and to protect customary land rights in 36 provincial
villages. By working in cooperatives, the Cambodian farmers are able to
share equipment and resources which improves the quality and quantity
of their crops, as well as the prices they are able to receive on the open
market.
Photo: Community members at KamPhun village practice their hand
washing skills to prevent the spread of COVID-19. (Credit: DPA)
DPA has also helped to improve community relations in the villages
where we work. There has traditionally been distrust and tension between
these communities and local authorities due to past injustices. When the
COVID-19 pandemic hit, they had to work together to ensure the safety
24WEEK 4
and health of all. When a lockdown was initiated, DPA worked with local
police to distribute resources and messaging in areas that were closed
off to travel. The progress made in the healing of their relationship was
reflected in their cooperation, which delivered essential information and
supplies to thousands of people in the region.
FAITH IN ACTION
• Participate in the sacrament of reconciliation.
• Take the first step toward mending a broken relationship in your life.
Ask your Lent reflection group to join you in prayer for peace and
healing in our world.
• Choose an item from the “Choices” column of the Lent Action Plan,
developed for schools and found at the back of this booklet, to do
together with your family or Lent reflection group. Check in with each
other throughout the week to share your progress.
CLOSING PRAYER
E te Atua, God, in the light of your love, we recognise our need for you.
You reveal the paths to us, but we must choose to walk them. We ask you
to stay with us at every step, to be our strength and our courage so that
we can find the way to you. Āmene.
25WEEK FIVE
Fifth Sunday of Lent
“Following and accompanying Christ, staying
with him, demands ‘coming out of ourselves,’
…out of a dreary way of living faith that has
become a habit, out of the temptation to
withdraw into our own plans which end by
shutting out God’s creative action.”
Pope Francis, General Audience 27 March
2013
OPENING PRAYER
E te Hehu Karaiti, Christ Jesus, you came to draw all people to yourself.
You knew that there would be suffering on your journey, but you trusted
in God’s plan, even to the point of death. May we come to share your faith
as we follow you throughout our lives. Āmene.
Responsorial: Psalm 51:3-4, 12-13, 14-15
Response: Create a clean heart in me, O God.
For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against you,
you alone, have I sinned, and done what is evil in your sight, so that you
are justified in your sentence and blameless when you pass judgment.
(Response)
Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain in me a willing spirit.
Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will return to you.
(Response)
Deliver me from bloodshed, O God, O God of my salvation, and my
tongue will sing aloud of your deliverance. O Lord, open my lips,
and my mouth will declare your praise. (Response)
26WEEK 5 GROUP SHARING Take a moment to reflect on the last week: what steps did we take toward healing our relationships with God, with each other and with the earth? Reflect on Ecclesiastes 3:1: “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” What does this mean to you? GOSPEL READING Invite a member of the group to read the following passage aloud, from the Bible or from this booklet. A reading from the holy Gospel according to John 12:20-33 Now among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honour. “Now my soul is troubled. And what should I say - ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it is for this reason that I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” The crowd standing there heard it and said that it was thunder. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.” Jesus answered, “This voice has come for your sake, not for mine. Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” He said this to indicate the kind of death he was to die. After the reading, pause for silent reflection. Then invite people to share a word or phrase that stood out for them. After a couple of minutes quiet reflection invite another group member to read the Gospel passage aloud again. 27
GOSPEL REFLECTION The Gospel passage invites us to trust that the events in our lives happen in God’s time. The Greeks who come looking for Jesus would have been considered outsiders, not only because they are from a different region but because they would have been Gentiles, not Jews. Their arrival shows Jesus how far word of him has spread, across distance and through social barriers, and it signals the start of a new phase of his ministry leading to his Passion, death and resurrection. The Greek word “kairos” or in Māori “te wā,” meaning the right or proper time, embody the significance of this moment for Jesus. Jesus models how we should live: with confidence, acceptance and trust in God. Even though he knew that he was going to experience suffering and pain, Jesus had faith that it would serve a greater purpose according to God’s plan. He is not afraid to acknowledge that he feels troubled, but through his disquiet he commits himself again to the path that God has set out for him: “Father, glorify your name.” Jesus describes death not as an ending, but as a catalyst for change. The grain of wheat that falls to the ground doesn’t wither away, but instead leads to an abundance of fruit. This kind of death – a death to our self- interest, or to our own plans of what our lives should be – opens the door to growth and transformation into something better. If we hold on too tightly to what we have now, our hands cannot be open to receive the gifts that God is waiting to provide. If we are prepared to follow Jesus, even through his death, we can receive eternal life with him. GROUP DISCUSSION Jesus says, “Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also.” How do we serve and follow Jesus in our daily lives? In the Gospel reading, the crowd around Jesus hears God’s voice as thunder or an angel. What are some of the other ways that people in the Bible have heard God’s voice? How do we hear God’s voice today? What does our relationship with God look like when we are troubled? 28
WEEK 5
CARITAS CASE STUDY
Photo: Syrian refugee children in Damascus. (Credit: Caritas
Internationalis/Caritas Syria)
Almost 80 million people around the world have been forced to flee their
homes due to conflict, economic insecurity, malnutrition and persecution.
An estimated 1% of the earth’s population has been displaced, many
of them under the age of 18. Refugees and migrants follow the call to a
better life, often abandoning their homes and belongings in their pursuit
of a more hopeful future.
Caritas supports and advocates for refugees and migrants around the
world and in Aotearoa New Zealand, often working with the international
community to develop policies and guidelines for the protection of this
vulnerable population. We work with partners in Syria and Bangladesh
29to support those who have been forced to flee from violence and
persecution. At home, we are one of the pilot organisations participating
in the Community Organisation Refugee Sponsorship programme, which
empowers local communities to support refugee families settling in New
Zealand.
FAITH IN ACTION
• Do something to serve the poor and vulnerable in your community.
You could volunteer at a shelter, deliver groceries to an elderly
neighbour, or donate to a local charity that helps those in need.
• Make a list of ways in which you hear God’s voice and experience his
presence in your life. Over the next week, take special care to listen
closely. Share what you learn with your family, friends, or prayer
partner.
• Choose an item from the “Reflecting” column of the Lent Action Plan,
developed for schools and found at the back of this booklet, to do
together with your family or Lent reflection group. Check in with each
other throughout the week to share your progress.
CLOSING PRAYER
E te Hehu Karaiti, Christ Jesus, you teach us that death is not an ending,
but is a beginning to new life. You show us how to place our trust in God,
even when we are feeling afraid or uncertain. May we continue to learn
how to follow your example of faith. Āmene.
30WEEK SIX
Palm Sunday
The Passion of Christ
“To remember what God has done and
continues to do for me, for us, to remember the
road we have travelled; this is what opens our
hearts to hope for the future.”
Pope Francis, Homily for Easter Vigil 30
March 2013
OPENING PRAYER
E te Atua o te aroha, God of love, we thank you for your tender
compassion. You are our guiding light and our constant companion on
the journey of our lives. In the face of our troubles, help us not to be
discouraged, but to fix our sight on you and the hope of the resurrection.
Āmene.
Responsorial: Psalm 31: 9-10, 11-12, 13-14, 15-16
Response: In you, O Lord, I seek refuge.
Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am in distress; my eye wastes away from
grief, my soul and body also. For my life is spent with sorrow, and my years
with sighing; my strength fails because of my misery, and my bones waste
away. (Response)
I am the scorn of all my adversaries, a horror to my neighbours, an object
of dread to my acquaintances; those who see me in the street flee from
me. I have passed out of mind like one who is dead; I have become like a
broken vessel. (Response)
For I hear the whispering of many— terror all around! — as they scheme
together against me, as they plot to take my life. But I trust in you, O Lord;
I say, “You are my God.” (Response)
31My times are in your hand; deliver me from the hand of my enemies and persecutors. Let your face shine upon your servant; save me in your steadfast love. (Response) GROUP SHARING Take a moment to reflect on the last week: where did we hear God’s voice? What was God saying? What do we hope for? What gives us the strength to hope? GOSPEL READING The full account of the Passion of Christ (Mark 14:1 – 15:47) is read on Palm Sunday. A short excerpt has been chosen for this programme, but you can choose to use a different passage from the Passion or to read the entire Passion Gospel from the Bible. Invite a member of the group to read the following passage aloud, from the Bible or from this booklet. A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark 14:3-9 While he was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at the table, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very costly ointment of nard, and she broke open the jar and poured the ointment on his head. But some were there who said to one another in anger, “Why was the ointment wasted in this way? For this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii, and the money given to the poor.” And they scolded her. But Jesus said, “Let her alone; why do you trouble her? She has performed a good service for me. For you always have the poor with you, and you can show kindness to them whenever you wish; but you will not always have me. She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for its burial. Truly I tell you, wherever the good news is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in remembrance of her.” 32
WEEK 6
After the reading, pause for silent reflection. Then invite people to share
a word or phrase that stood out for them. After a couple of minutes quiet
reflection invite another group member to read the Gospel passage aloud
again.
GOSPEL REFLECTION
The act of anointing, or pouring oil on someone’s head, is a traditional act
of compassion and affection. The value of the ointment emphasizes the
love that the woman feels for Jesus. This was obviously an object of high
value, and she certainly wouldn’t have used it to anoint someone unless
they were very dear to her. The people with Jesus when this happened
didn’t know that his Passion was coming; Jesus tells them that she
anointed his body for burial, but this wouldn’t have made much sense to
them at that time.
The act of anointing ties back to the theme of preparation from the first
week of Lent, as the woman is unknowingly helping Jesus to prepare for
his death. Jesus knows that he is about to enter his Passion, and he shows
appreciation for the kindness that the woman showed to him, saying,
“She has done what she could.” Perhaps this woman’s act of love gave
Jesus hope and reminded him of the reason for the suffering that he was
about to face.
The Gospel reading itself fulfils what Jesus says: “Wherever the good
news is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in
remembrance of her.” This story can be found before the accounts of the
Passion of Christ in the Gospels of John, Mark and Matthew. The woman’s
act of love reminds us that there are many ways to love and honour God,
and that the path we take is our choice. We are also reminded of the
power of our actions. What we do can touch the lives of others and create
a legacy of love for years to come.
GROUP DISCUSSION
The others at the table judged the woman’s act of kindness toward Jesus.
When have we been critical of the kindness of others? What do you think
33Jesus would say to us in those situations?
Think of a time in your life when someone did a small act of kindness for
you. Why does it stand out in your memory? Do you think the person who
performed the act remembers it in the same way?
How do we use our talents and resources to show love to others?
A NEW WAY FORWARD
God has been with his people throughout history, united to us in love.
We remind ourselves of God’s constant presence each time we read the
scripture, pray, or participate in the sacraments. Even in the most difficult
times, we can be confident that God is with us, calling us toward him.
God’s love for us drives us to action; he knows the obstacles we face,
and his love for us is so great that he faces them with us and helps us
overcome them. He will never abandon us on our way.
Photo: Caritas staff member Sara conducts a house-level COVID-19
preventive training session with Dildar Begum, a Rohingya woman.
(Credit: Inmanuel for Catholic Relief Services)
34WEEK 6
While God is with us on the journey, he is also waiting for us at our
destination. This is the power of his grace: it meets us where we are and
draws us closer to God with every step we take. All we have to do is
choose to be present with God, choose to accept his grace and continue
on the paths toward him. The path to God and with God is always there,
but sometimes it’s unclear to us and often it’s not an easy road. We can
trust that God will provide the grace we need to continue seeking a new
way forward.
FAITH IN ACTION
• Write a letter of gratitude to someone whose love and compassion
has made a lasting difference in your life. Come up with three small
things that you can do for others to pay it forward.
• Reflect on a major change that has happened in your life during the
past year. In prayer, invite God to be with you and guide you on your
journey.
• Choose an item from the “Legacy” column of the Lent Action Plan,
developed for schools and found at the back of this booklet, to do
together with your family or Lent reflection group. Check in with each
other throughout the week to share your progress.
CLOSING PRAYER
E te Atua o te aroha, God of love, we see that now is te wā – the time – to
answer your call. You know our paths and the obstacles we face; you know
our hearts and you invite us to entrust them to you. Give us the grace to
follow a new way forward, to be transformed and to transform our world,
to help bring your kingdom into being on earth as it is in heaven. We ask
this through Jesus Christ, your Son, your gift of love for us. Āmene.
35Lent Action Plan
JOURNEY COMPANIONSHIP
HAERENGA WHAKAHOA
PRAY Every time you hear an Think of one family
ĪNOI emergency siren or find member or close
out bad news about a friend and pray for them
disaster, pause to pray for every week.
those affected.
GIVE Appreciate your family
HOATU and friends by finding
creative ways to thank
them for the way they
support you.
LIVE During Lent this year, try Give up using
NOHOIA I TE to apply Gandhi’s famous technology during your
AO words in your life: ‘live free time this week and
simply so that others may instead take time to help
simply live.’ out at home.
DO Get outside and go for a Join your friends or
ME PĒNEI walk and think about how family and attend
people journeyed during Mass on Sundays.
Jesus’ time.
FIND Find someone who
KIMIHIA seems lonely or isolated
and be their friend.
CREATE Design a creative Send a message or write
WAIHANGATIA entry for this year’s a card to someone to
KAITIAKI2SHARE celebrate a special
competition by coming event (like a birthday or
up with an original idea an achievement).
on how we can all care for
creation.
36Lent Action Plan
TREASURES CHOICES
TAONGA KŌWHIRI
PRAY Pray for those around Pray for leaders in New
ĪNOI the world, particularly Zealand and worldwide
refugees, who don’t have that they will make
access to all their basic decisions that promote
needs. justice, peace and love.
GIVE Donate an item of food Give 30 minutes of your
HOATU to a local food bank to time to help
help families in your someone out today.
community.
LIVE Respect everyone in your When making decisions
NOHOIA I TE class and celebrate the this week, try really hard
AO many unique strengths to think of others and
and differences. how your actions will
impact them.
DO Do something nice for
ME PĒNEI someone as a
random act of kindness.
FIND Find some clothes or toys Read a parable of Jesus
KIMIHIA in good condition that and consider the key
you don’t use any more message to help you
and donate them to your make the best choices in
local St Vincent de Paul. the future.
CREATE Make a list of the five
WAIHANGATIA things you want to be the
most important in your
life. Try hard to make this
happen.
37Lent Action Plan
REFLECTING LEGACY
WHAKAATA WHAKARERETANGA
PRAY Give thanks for all the
ĪNOI good things in your life.
GIVE Whenever you think of Give 20c for every year
HOATU people in need, donate you have been at school
a gold coin in the Caritas and remember children
koha box. around the world who
cannot go to school.
LIVE Make changes to your
NOHOIA I TE daily actions in order
AO to care for creation
(e.g. recycle more, have
shorter hot showers etc).
DO Reflect on what you say Write yourself a short
ME PĒNEI and do each day to bring message outlining what
joy and hope to others. you want to achieve this
year. Keep it safe before
opening early next year.
FIND Research online to find Choose a Caritas video
KIMIHIA out which countries are to watch and be inspired
still feeling the impact of to support vulnerable
the COVID-19 Pandemic. people around the
world.
CREATE Make a display board in Run a Caritas Challenge
WAIHANGATIA your home or classroom event in your school
to record your thoughts to experience a day of
or inspiring quotes from difference for a lifetime
others. of change.
38Feedback Form
Caritas Lenten Reflection Programme 2021
Caritas appreciates hearing from participants about how the Lenten
programme was used, what you liked about it and suggested changes.
Your feedback helps us to improve it for next year.
Name (optional):
Parish/ group/ community:
Time and day your group met:
On a scale of 1-5 (5 being excellent) how do you rate the quality of the
Lent booklet resource? (please circle your answer below)
1 2 3 4 5
What was positive about the programme?
What can be improved?
39How did participating in the programme affect you and the group you
were part of during Lent?
On a scale of 1-5 (5 being substantial change) to what extent did
participating in the Lent reflection bring about change in your life?
(please circle your answer below)
1 2 3 4 5
If you have any additional comments, please write them here:
Please return to Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand, P O Box 12-193,
Wellington 6144 or email to caritas@caritas.org.nz
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