Lenten Saints: Free

Lent celebrates Jesus being led by the Spirit into the wilderness to strengthen his life witness. At the end of his sojourn he is tempted by the devil. Nicolai Berdyaev is led by the Spirit into the wilderness to strengthen his life witness. He is tempted by the devil that is the Russian Revolution. Activists … Continue reading “Lenten Saints: Free”

Lenten Saints: Seeing

Lent celebrates Jesus being led by the Spirit into the wilderness to strengthen his life witness. At the end of his sojourn he is tempted by the devil. Louse de Marillac is led by the Spirit into the wilderness to strengthen her life witness. She is tempted by the devil that is two competing monarchies, … Continue reading “Lenten Saints: Seeing”

Lenten Saints: Outcast

Lent celebrates Jesus being led by the Spirit into the wilderness to strengthen his life witness. At the end of his sojourn he is tempted by the devil. Fannie Lou Hamer is led by the Spirit into the wilderness to strengthen her life witness. She is tempted as a human rights activist by the devil … Continue reading “Lenten Saints: Outcast”

Lenten Saints: Transfigured

Lent celebrates Jesus being led by the Spirit into the wilderness to strengthen his life witness. At the end of his sojourn he is tempted by the devil. Fr. Engelmar Unzeitig is led by the Spirit into the wilderness to strengthen his life witness. He is tempted by the devil that is Nazi Germany during … Continue reading “Lenten Saints: Transfigured”

Lenten Saints: Courage

Lent celebrates Jesus being led by the Spirit into the wilderness to strengthen his life witness. At the end of his sojourn he is tempted by the devil. Hans and Sophie Scholl are led by the Spirit into the wilderness to strengthen their life witness. They are tempted by the devil that is Nazi Germany. … Continue reading “Lenten Saints: Courage”

Moral Exercise

Sunday’s Gospel spans Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem through to his crucifixion. Jesus has brought goodness to countless people, especially through his healings. When he enters Jerusalem, “many people spread their cloaks on the road,” in appreciation for that goodness. Jerusalem’s “chief priests and the entire Sanhedrin,” are not appreciative. They know Jesus’ goodness, his conscientious … Continue reading “Moral Exercise”

Emotional Exercise

The Gospel for this time in Lent draws from Jesus nearing the end of his life. He has lived a compassionate and generous life though he has been met with vehement opposition by rulers. He understands the deadly intent of the rulers and yet he is still feeling forgiving and generous, “I say to you, … Continue reading “Emotional Exercise”

Social Exercise

“Now there was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. He came to Jesus at night” with questions about God. Jesus’ response speaks of “being born from above.” Also of “being born of water and Spirit.” Nicodemus is a Pharisee and a member of the Sanhedrin. It is similar to being a member … Continue reading “Social Exercise”