Lent is a time of repentance, of turning to the Lord to receive his mercy and begin again. Jonah resisted the mission given to him to preach repentance to Israel’s enemy, the city of Nineveh. His resistance led him into the pit of darkness in the depth of the sea from which God raised him up to new life. This is the sign of Jonah, the great call to die with Christ, embracing our cross, in order to experience the new life he offers.
Risen up from death, Jonah could fulfill his mission, leading Nineveh to repent. And out of our suffering and weakness, the Lord will raise us up into his life, helping us to find true freedom as his sons. Jesus is the new Jonah, who descends into hell to save those trapped in sin and death, transforming human suffering and weakness into a means of transformation. Embracing the cross each day becomes our own path for following Christ out of darkness and into his undying light.
This Lent, Exodus offers daily reflections from the Prophets, such as Jonah and Isaiah, and the Gospels to focus us on the themes of repentance and the cross. In addition, we receive weekly reflections from Fr. Boniface Hicks, OSB, and Jake Khym, our spiritual guides, who will be available to answer your questions. We will also look to the ancient monks for inspiration through our weekly podcast with Bishop Erik Varden, Desert Fathers in a Year.
By taking on this challenge, you will embrace a number of disciplines to give shape to your Lenten practices. First and foremost, we will make a holy hour each day to focus our attention on God, the true source of our freedom and transformation. We will also embrace ascetical practices as a means of embracing the Cross, supported by weekly fraternity meetings so that we can rely on the support of our brothers in Christ.
Lenten Season Disciplines:
- Lent Disciplines:
1. Lent Reading and Reflection
2. 30 minutes of prayer
3. No unnecessary phone use
4. No unnecessary computer use
5. No unnecessary purchases
6. Give an additional contribution to the poor of your local community (weekly)
7. Daily Check-in with your anchor
8. Weekly fraternity meeting
9. Fast on Wednesday and Friday
10. No meat Wednesday and Friday
11. Regular, intense exercise
12. Celebrate the Lord’s Day
