A Virtual Retreat with Cardinal Seán: Christ, Our Light in the Darkness: Recent Episodes

Archdiocese of Boston

We will remember this Lent as one “in quarantine.” Social distancing the new norm as daily social interactions are suddenly unavailable to us. Schools are closed. We can’t go out to restaurants. Even public Mass has been suspended to curtail any further spread of this coronavirus. Many people feel alone. Many are scared. And people are thirsting for something good.

The Lord appoints shepherds to lead his flock, to be beacons of light in darkness, and to be instruments of hope to his people in times of despair. This Virtual Lenten Retreat with Cardinal Seán is a means for our shepherd to feed us, to comfort us, and to give us the hope we need right now.

Join Cardinal Seán on this six-part retreat, using this opportunity to enter more deeply into Lent and grow in your relationship with Christ.

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The words of a dying man are always remembered by his friends and family. Join Cardinal Seán to remember these last words Jesus spoke on the cross — to God the Father, to the criminal beside him, to his beloved disciple, to his mother, and to us. It is on the cross that Jesus preaches his greatest sermon of love.

Reflection Questions

  1. Do you hold Jesus' last words dearly like a loved one's final words?
  2. Do you feel like God has abandoned you during this difficult time? If so, how? Cry out to him like Jesus did.
  3. What do you feel you have left "undone"? How can you be ready to say, "It is finished"?

For more information on Cardinal Seán's Virtual Retreat, visit https://www.bostoncatholic.org/virtualretreat.

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The mercy of God is swift, Cardinal Seán says, even when repentance is slow. Join Day 2 of this virtual Lenten Retreat as Cardinal Seán helps us see the depths of God's mercy and our own need to forgive one another.

Reflection Questions

  1. God forgives us with a caress. Where are you called to forgive others with that same caress?
  2. Reflect on this essential truth: God’s mercy is stronger than your sins.
  3. Do you know that confession is solely about God’s love for you?

For more on Cardinal Seán's Virtual Lenten Retreat, visit https://www.bostoncatholic.org/virtualretreat

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Jesus promised to be with us always — and He is here, really present with us, in the Eucharist. But the modern world has forgotten that God is still present and many have forgotten the essence of the Mass. We need to make the Eucharist the center of our lives again and to discover, or rediscover, that the one who is God offers himself as food and drink for us, so that we can be more like him.

Reflection Questions

  1. We all suffer from spiritual amnesia at times. How can you remember God and His love in your daily life?
  2. With Masses suspended, how has your love and appreciation for the Eucharist changed? How have you found other ways to celebrate the True Presence of Christ?
  3. In the Eucharist we discover who we are, so we can make a gift of ourselves. How are you called to make a gift of yourself?

For more information on Cardinal Seán's Virtual Retreat, visit https://www.bostoncatholic.org/virtualretreat.

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There is a great need for prayer as we try to navigate through these uncertain times. So tonight, Cardinal Seán takes us on a virtual Lenten Retreat and speaks about the importance of making time and space for God to speak to us – that can only be done in prayer.

Reflection Questions

  1. In prayer, ask God to show you where you need to trust in Him more right now?
  2. How can you make more space and time in your life to hear God speak to you?
  3. We’re feeling an absence of God right now. How can this absence help us grow spiritually?

For more on Cardinal Seán's Virtual Lenten Retreat, visit https://www.bostoncatholic.org/virtualretreat.

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The most important commandment for the Jews was the observance of the Sabbath. But the most important commandment for Jesus was to love God and your neighbor. In tonight’s retreat, Cardinal Seán poses the question, Who is my neighbor? We find the answer in the parable of the Good Samaritan, who didn’t see a stranger, but another fallen human being, in need of help.

Reflection Questions

  1. The Good Samaritan really “saw” the other person. Who is the Lord asking you to really “see” and then reach out to?
  2. In this time of social isolation, who in your family or parish is more isolated? How can you comfort them?
  3. Think about ways you can see the good in others whom you disagree with. Then draw them into your life.

For more information on Cardinal Seán's Virtual Retreat, visit https://www.bostoncatholic.org/virtualretreat.

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Our faith is a light that helps us see into a deeper reality, a light to discover God. And when we discover God, we discover our purpose. We can find our purpose when we live out our faith in community.

Reflection Questions

  1. Our faith asks us to make a gift of ourselves. Who has the Lord asked you to give your life to?
  2. How does faith help you discover God and His plan for your life?
  3. As you grow in faith, where is God calling you to help “repair the world?”

To find out more about Cardinal Seán's Virtual Retreat, visit https://www.bostoncatholic.org/virtualretreat.