- Tom of Disputations reflects on Isaiah 43:25-26 and offers some poignant lessons to take to heart regarding God's desire to wipe away our sins in a post called "For God's Sake."
- Ebeth at the book-loving, A Catholic Mom Climbing the Pillars Blog, offers a Lenten Reflection called, "Boldly Believe," where she asks one of life's most central questions: Where would I be without my faith in God?
#2 Hymn for God the Son
“Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence”
The text is ancient: the Cherubic Hymn from the 4th-century Liturgy of Saint James... Gerard Moultrie paraphrased the text. The music is a 17th-century French tune. It is modal and chant-like, easy to sing and very spiritual in nature." (Omit verse 4 in Lent due to the alleluias)[Lucy E. Carroll
- As Lent begins, Karinann at the Daughter of the King, contemplates Jesus' question to Bartimeus, "What Do You Want Me To Do For You?" and hears the Lord ask her this same question. This post is a reflection on her answer to our Lord's question.
- Sarah, of just another day of Catholic pondering, shares her way of Revving up for the Lenten Journey which includes suggested reading -the Popes Lenten message - and the three prongs of Lent: fasting, prayers, and alms giving.
- Ho Kai Paulos reflects on Pope Benedict XVI's Message for Lent and offers a brief study of the Pope's message for Lent 2009, including a link to the letter and five study questions to help you get the key points out of the Holy Father's message for us. The emphasis is on fasting - its purpose and benefits.
#3 Hymn for the Holy Spirit: "Filled with the Holy Spirit, Jesus left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit through the wilderness, being tempted there by the devil for forty days" (Luke 4:1) The Glory of These 40 Days Attributed to Pope Saint Gregory I, 6th Century. Translated from Latin to English by Maurice F. Bell in the early 1900s. This hymn has a simple melody and with a catechetical text to teach us the meaning of Lent.
- Kevin Miller, over at Heart, Mind, and Strength (the blog of Love), pondering the readings from the First Sunday of Lent, asks an interesting theological question: What does the water of Baptism have to do with the dry sand of the desert? To find out the answer, go over and read The Grace of Baptism
- David, of The Apostolate of the Laity, offers a reflection on imitating Jesus' forty days spent in the wilderness in a post called, "Driven by the Spirit."
- Pulled from the ARCHIVES: A post well worth reading: With Christ in the Desert, by Godzdogz
#4 Hymn of The Passion
“O Sacred Head Surrounded” (Music Clip)
The text began as a Latin hymn attributed to Saint Bernard of Clairveaux. Henry William Baker’s English translation is perhaps the best. This is the harmonization by Johann Sebastian Bach of a melody by Hans Leo Hassler."[Lucy E. Carroll]
- Bob, at the very resourceful blog Prepare for Mass offers a great selection of inspiring videos relating two stories of a Father and a Son. The first, the story of Abraham and Issac from Gen 22:2, and the second from the Gospel of the Transfiguration. These stories are taken from the Mass reading for the Second Sunday in Lent. Go check it out!
“Soul of My Savior” (youtube)
This Communion hymn is "an English adaptation of the Latin text Anima Christi, attributed to Pope John XXII (1249-1334). It tells us of the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus in the Eucharist."[Lucy E. Carroll]
- An art tribute to the blood of Christ is given to us by Fred of Deep Furrows, a talented man of great faith, in Hail True Body ... from whose pierced side blood and water flowed
- Another art tribute comes to us from Lane Core to honor the centenary of Father Tabb's death in 1909. In the post, Tabb Centenary Year XIII: Five lyrics by Rev. John B. Tabb Lane presents the twelfth installment of a selection of this fine poet's work to be blogged throughout the year. Read Father Tabb's poems carefully, they are full of vivid images and offer material for deeply spiritual reflection.
- And now, something a little different. A witty post, submitted by Nod (of Wynkin, Blynken and Nod) ruminates over the Theology of Bumper Stickers - or more precisely the mis-Theology of the Body of Bumper Stickers. He rants about societies oft-missed point that the "body and soul go together always and everywhere" and can not be separated until death. For a little fun over a serious point go pay Nod a visit!
#6 Hymn for the King
The King of Love, My Shepherd Is (Another Lovely Version)
...whose goodness fails me never." This is one of the sweetest hymns based on the 23rd Psalm calling us to rely fully on the Love and protection of God. The melody is attributed to the Irish St. Columba and the text to Henry W. Baker, written in the mid 1800s.
- Christopher, of Sanctus Christopher shares Three Hundred Catholic Words, a moving story of a martyr who, at the moment he faced death, shouts one of the most p
owerful statements a soul can say for love of Christ and in thanksgiving for his sacrifice on the cross: Viva Christo Rey!
- One of our carnival writers, James M. Hahn, presents A United Front posted at A Wild Catholic Heart. He writes, "I suppose this posting could be part 3 in a related series of posts. In part one I discussed the fact that You Have and Enemy. In part two I discussed his plan to Divide and Conquer... "In this post I would like to discuss the real and urgent need for a United Front in order for us to make any gains for the Kingdom of God."
“Stabat Mater Dolorosa” or “At the Cross, Her Station Keeping”
"The verses, by Jacopone da todi (1230-1306) put us at the foot of the Cross with Mary, feeling her anguish as she experiences the Passion and Death of her Son. Powerful text, very good for Lenten meditations. Chant-like melody is very easy to sing, and is from the Mainzlisch Gesängbuch of 1661."[Lucy E. Carroll]
- RAnn of This That and the Other Thing invites us to participate in a Lenten Meme: Lenten Reading--Please Join In and - A BONUS - a very resourceful list of Lenten Activities for Children
- Here is a touching story at island breezes called, ""Holding AJ." It is a story of an orphan who lives with the amazing Missionaries of the poor in Kingston, Jamaica. During Lent we are asked by Christ to give alms - this may be a good opportunity!
- One of Our Blessed Mother's greatest sorrows is due to her suffering children... and what greater suffering is there than the poverty of abortion? Evann of Homeschool Goodies encourages her readers, in Witness for life, to consider getting involved in 40 days for Life this Lent - a very powerful thing to do.
- On a similar note, Christine of A Catholic View points out the irony of a pro-abort being in charge of "health and human services," in a post entitled: Pro-abortion Kansas governor accepts position as heath and human services secretary.
- More on the topic of Governor Sebelius, the repercussions of this appointment, and what we as Catholics need to do about is submitted by Jean of Catholic Fire (a Kansas Catholic and a pro-life activist) HERE and HERE - many resource links to other posts and articles are included.
- Lee, from a View from the Choir, joins the crusade (see newspeople, we can use that word too!) for life in his report on a Pro-life march that draws a response - a great story of hope with lots of pictures. So many prayer and sacrifices are needed for so many who fall under the curse of the abortion-lie.
May The Holy Spirit guide us this Lent to do the will of God in imitating Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord. May the Blessed Mother, who prayed at the foot of her sons cross, pray with us now so that we may have the strength, courage, wisdom, and profound charity we need to bring an end to abortion.
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