First Sunday in Lent: February 22^nd

 

 Reflection:  Congregational Chapter 2022 Directional Statement

“Impelled by the spirit of Jesus Christ, who is Providence Incarnate,

and faithful to our charism and mission,

we, the sisters of Divine Providence, commit ourselves to:

actualizing intercultural living, based on a growing understanding of each other

through creative ways, particularly technology,

caring for creation and the vulnerable on the periphery,

sharing our resources transparently and collaboratively.”

 

Readings:

Genesis 2:7-9; 3:1-7  (The creation of our first parents, and sin)

Romans 5:12-19:  (Where sin increased, there grace increased all the more)

Matthew 4:1-11 (Jesus fasted for forty days and forty nights and was tempted)

 

Reflection Questions:

1. The man and woman chose to listen to the serpent, rather than to their Creator, who walked with them in the garden.

Do I have a sense of God’s Presence, “Providence Incarnate” and do I trust God’s love and grace in us, as we discern our future paths?  To whom do I most listen?

1. Jesus came to teach us how to be, how to live in righteous ways. Through his life and death he brought us to righteousness.

Can I listen deeply enough to trust that our living will lead to paths which bring life for us and for our world?  As women of Providence, are we ready to give our lives as Jesus did?

1. It is easy to be misled by the arguments from others.

Through prayer and fasting during this Lenten season, will I know how to respond to the temptations I experience?  Do I trust God to show me and us the way forward.

 

Closing Prayer: Congregational Chapter 2026 Prayer:

Provident God, give us a sense of your Presence on our Holy Adventure together.

Strengthen our trust in your providential love and care

as we explore new paths for the future before us.

Open us to see possibilities, give us the courage to embrace them,

and to enter into this Congregational Chapter

ready to embark on a Holy Adventure with You.  Amen

Sr. Barbara McMullen