Dare to Dream 2021
Bishop Declan invites each one of us to take time during this coming Lent to reflect on the life of our Diocese as we move forward out of the pandemic.
Inspired by the writings of Pope Francis, ‘Dare to Dream’ encourages us to think about God’s invitation to each one of us to shape the future of the Church, particularly in this corner of the world. Each reflection is accompanied by a video which we encourage you to watch before engaging with the scripture offered. This resource can be used by individuals, by families or by already established on-line parish groups.
As we move towards Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent, an introductory session will help to orientate us for the weeks ahead. Each session has a similar framework to follow. The reflections and videos will appear on the Diocesan Website under the banner – ‘Dare to Dream’. We are encouraged to read the accompanying resource before we set out on this journey through Lent and later onwards to Eastertide. Each new video and reflection will be available on the Friday before each Sunday of Lent.
Taking time during Lent will enable all of us to contribute more fully to the conversations that every deanery will be having to discern how we grow our parishes to be places of mission, serving the poor and responding out of our abundance to the needs of the local community and the wider world.
“If we do not dream,
how can we shape the future?”
Introduction to Lenten Reflections
For our introductory session we focus on Mary and the life-changing decision she was asked to make when the angel came to her with a message from God. Whilst in Scripture it seems that her decision was made instantaneously, the likelihood is that it took her sometime before she could respond. In the end it was possible because Mary lived a life rooted in prayer with a desire to do the will of God.
Lent Week 1:
The Time has Come
The season of Lent is one of metanoia, of transformation and of a movement towards new life. It is the journey we take which leads from where we are to somewhere new, from being trapped or enslaved to new life. When we talk about metanoia, the journey we are taking is one that may lead us to a change of heart, of mind, self or way of life.
Lent Week 2:
A Vision to Behold
Our Gospel for the Second Week of Lent is always the account of the transfiguration of Jesus. During this episode in the life of Jesus, he takes Peter, James and John to see something that they could never have dreamed of or imagined. The experience comes after Jesus has taken them up a mountain, a journey which most of us can appreciate may not have been easy.
Lent Week 3:
Embracing our Deepest Longing
A woman is going about her own business, getting on with her daily life, when Jesus interrupts her. Jesus probes her desires – he engages with the woman against all protocols. He acknowledges her thirst, even before she can see it for herself. She is focused on the practicalities of her life. Jesus offers her something greater.
Lent Week 4:
Seeking the Light
The Gospel offered for this week’s reflection comes from Year A, so is different from the one we will hear in our parishes unless we have parishioners on the threshold of becoming full members of the Church. This gospel offers both the image of being at the gate – and the question are we going in or out? It is part of the journey to making a choice.
Lent Week 5:
Dying and Rising
There are many, including Christians, who struggle to believe in the resurrection and yet it lies at the heart of our faith. Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead as a powerful sign of the new life offered to us in faith. Jesus, himself, rose from the dead and we too have the experience of rising to life in baptism. The eternal life continues to grow within us.