Lent Archives

CTD1 – The Desert of Consumerism – Crossing the Desert: Lent and Conversion with Deacon James Keating – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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The Desert of Consumerism – Crossing the Desert: Lent and Conversion with Deacon James Keating

In this episode, Deacon James Keating and Kris McGregor discuss Lent as a spiritual oasis in life’s desert, where distractions of consumerism often obscure our deeper needs. Deacon Keating reminds us of Lent’s call to surrender to God’s providence, confront loneliness, and find simplicity.

He highlights how modern culture fosters busyness to avoid facing inner realities. Lent offers a chance to deepen relationships, encounter God, and break free from the cycle of distraction and emptiness.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

Understanding Lent’s Purpose: How does Deacon Keating describe Lent’s intended purpose as an oasis in life’s desert of consumerism and routine?
Reflection on Cultural Distractions: What insight does Deacon Keating provide regarding the distractions of modern culture and their impact on spiritual awareness during Lent?
The Paradox of Surrender: Explain Deacon Keating’s perspective on the fear of surrendering to God’s providence and the discomfort it may bring.
Embracing Simplicity: How does Deacon Keating propose embracing simplicity during Lent can lead to a deeper encounter with God and transformation?
Confronting Loneliness and Pain: Discuss Deacon Keating’s view on the avoidance of loneliness and pain in modern society, and how Lent offers an opportunity to confront these realities.
The Invitation to Deepen Relationships: According to Deacon Keating, how does Lent invite individuals to deepen relationships within the Catholic community and experience God’s healing presence?
Breaking Free from Distraction: Summarize Deacon Keating’s message regarding Lent’s role in breaking free from the cycle of distraction and emptiness perpetuated by consumer culture.

An excerpt from “Crossing the Desert: Lent and Conversion”:

“Lent wants to remind us of our real identity. At first appearance a seeming “obligation,” Lent is actually a great gift. Are we brave enough to enter this desert, and then let it affect us so deeply as to turn us away from sin and false identities, turn us toward communion with the living God? The Church presents this season to us every year because it is hoped that this year will be our year to say “Yes” to Lent’s call to repentance. Lent should not be something we go through alone, but together. As the Hebrews wandered the desert for forty years, so we should enter Lent through the ecclesial community and share its challenges with brothers and sisters in Christ. Lent should not be what the elderly man in the barbershop characterized as “life as usual.” With our goal being moral conversion, let us now turn to see how God can facilitate that conversion when we take on a “lenten mind.”

Keating, James (2012-07-20). Crossing the Desert: Lent and Conversion (Kindle Locations 200-207). Liguori Publications. Kindle Edition.

Deacon James Keating, Ph.D., is a professor of Spiritual Theology and serves as a spiritual director at Kenrick Glennon Seminary in St. Louis, MO.

Check out Deacon Keating’s “Discerning Heart” page

PoC-1 Ash Wednesday: The Power of the Cross Lenten Meditation

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Ash Wednesday

ETERNAL LIFE OR DEATH?

Steps to Take as You Follow Christ sf_deathdefeated_03

Ask—Am I living my life in fear of death or in anticipation of eternal life in Christ?

Seek— Try to focus on Christ as the motivation for all of your actions throughout the day. Be conscious of whom you are trying to please in all that you do.

Knock— Meditate on Genesis 3:19.

“You are dust and to dust, you shall return”

How does Baptism wash away original sin? What is the purpose of recalling that without Christ we are all living to die? How does the cross of Christ defeat death?

Transform Your Life—Make the cross of Christ your banner of hope. See in the victory of Jesus’ cross a life-changing invitation to overcome all the evil forces that try to keep you from being who God has created you to be and to drive you away from your true purpose in life.

The author of The Power of the Cross: Applying the Passion of Christ in Your Life, Michael Dubriuel, died in 2009. His wife, author Amy Welborn, has graciously made his book available as a free e-book 61189_profile_pic1-213x300 . We HIGHLY encourage you to download this exceptional work.

“The Power of the Cross” is available as a free e-book,
for more information visit here

Check out more at the Discerning Hearts’ Michael Dubruiel page

Day 9 – Stepping into Lent – 9 Days of Spiritual Preparation for Lent – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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A Discerning Heart Prepared: 9 Days of Spiritual Preparation for Lent

Opening Prayer (Pray each day before the daily reflection)

Heavenly Father, as I prepare to enter the holy season of Lent, I open my heart to You. Let this be a time of renewal, where I grow in love, sacrifice, and prayer. Help me remove distractions and embrace this season with purpose. Through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and all the saints, may my soul be ready to walk with Christ.

Amen.

Day 9 – Stepping into Lent

Scripture: “Even now, return to Me with your whole heart.” (Joel 2:12)

Reflection:
Today, Lent begins. With the mark of ashes, we acknowledge our need for God’s mercy and commit to this season of renewal.

Pause. Let these words echo in your heart: Return to Me with your whole heart.

Practical Step:

Attend Ash Wednesday Mass. Choose a time that allows you to fully enter into the liturgy.
Receive the ashes with intention. As the priest marks your forehead, make a silent prayer of commitment to walk closely with God this Lent.
Begin Lent with a moment of stillness. Stay after Mass for a few minutes and offer this season to the Lord.

Closing Prayer:
Lord, today I step into Lent with purpose. I offer You my sacrifices, my prayers, and my heart. May this season bear fruit in my soul.

Amen.

Take a moment now to sit in stillness. Let today’s prayer and reflection settle in your heart.

When Lent begins this Ash Wednesday, we’ll invite you to continue your journey with our series A Lenten Spiritual Journey with Discerning Hearts: From Ashes to Glory, exclusively on Discerning Hearts.

May this season be one of deep grace and renewal and a deeper encounter with Christ.

Day 8 – Preparing a Space for Prayer – 9 Days of Spiritual Preparation for Lent – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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A Discerning Heart Prepared: 9 Days of Spiritual Preparation for Lent

Opening Prayer (Pray each day before the daily reflection)

Amen.

Day 8 – Preparing a Space for Prayer

Scripture: “Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)

Reflection:
Where do you encounter God in your daily life? A quiet space for prayer allows your heart to focus on Him, free from distractions.

Practical Step:

Create a prayer space. Find a quiet place at home where you can pray—whether it’s a chair, a small table, or a dedicated room.
Set up meaningful objects—your Bible, a crucifix, an icon, a candle, or a rosary—to remind you of God’s presence.
If your home is too busy, plan an alternative space. Arriving early for Mass, visiting a chapel, or taking a walk can be powerful moments of stillness with God.

Closing Prayer:
Lord, help me create a sacred space where I can meet You each day.

Amen.

Take a moment now to sit in stillness. Let today’s prayer and reflection settle in your heart.

May this season be one of deep grace and renewal and a deeper encounter with Christ.

Day 7 – Opening Your Heart to Grace – 9 Days of Spiritual Preparation for Lent – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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A Discerning Heart Prepared: 9 Days of Spiritual Preparation for Lent

Opening Prayer (Pray each day before the daily reflection)

Amen.

Day 7 – Opening Your Heart to Grace

Scripture: “Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.” (Hebrews 10:24)

Reflection:
Lent is not a journey we take alone. God places people in our lives—friends, family, priests, mentors—to walk with us, encourage us, and challenge us.

Who in your life inspires you to grow closer to God?

Practical Step:

Plan a spiritual conversation. Reach out to a trusted friend, priest, or mentor and schedule time to talk about your faith journey during Lent.
Encourage others in their Lenten commitments. Perhaps a simple text message or note of encouragement could help someone stay strong in their journey.
Ask yourself: Who can I pray for in a special way this Lent? Write their names in your journal and lift them up in prayer.

Closing Prayer:
Lord, thank You for the gift of others who walk with me in faith. Help me to be a source of encouragement and strength to those around me.

Amen.

Take a moment now to sit in stillness. Let today’s prayer and reflection settle in your heart.

May this season be one of deep grace and renewal and a deeper encounter with Christ.

Day 6 – Seeking Grace in the Sacraments – 9 Days of Spiritual Preparation for Lent – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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A Discerning Heart Prepared: 9 Days of Spiritual Preparation for Lent

Opening Prayer (Pray each day before the daily reflection)

Amen.

Day 6 – Seeking Grace in the Sacraments

Scripture: “Return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and merciful.” (Joel 2:13)

Reflection:
Lent is a season of returning to God, and the greatest way to encounter His mercy is through the Sacraments—especially Confession and the Eucharist.

How often do you allow the sacraments to transform you?

Practical Step:

Plan to go to Confession during Lent. Find the parish schedule and write down a day that works for you. If necessary, make an appointment with a priest.
Plan time for Adoration. Even if it’s just once a week or for a few quiet moments before Mass, let yourself be still in Christ’s presence.
Commit to attending at least one additional daily Mass during Lent. If that’s not possible, consider reflecting on the daily Mass readings.

Closing Prayer:
Jesus, help me embrace Your mercy this Lent. Let the sacraments transform my heart and bring me closer to You.

Amen.

Take a moment now to sit in stillness. Let today’s prayer and reflection settle in your heart.

May this season be one of deep grace and renewal and a deeper encounter with Christ.

Day 5 – Deepening My Prayer Life – 9 Days of Spiritual Preparation for Lent – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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A Discerning Heart Prepared: 9 Days of Spiritual Preparation for Lent

Opening Prayer (Pray each day before the daily reflection)

Amen.

Day 5 – Deepening My Prayer Life

Scripture: “Lord, teach us to pray.” (Luke 11:1)

Reflection:
Lent is a time to strengthen our relationship with God through prayer. But prayer is not just about words—it is about being present with the Lord.

Ask yourself: How can I deepen my prayer life this Lent?

Practical Step:

Choose a new prayer practice to adopt during Lent—perhaps morning prayer, an evening examen, Stations of the Cross, or praying the Rosary or the Divine Mercy Chaplet.
Find a Lenten devotional, spiritual reading, or podcast series to accompany your prayer journey. Consider listening to Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts for daily reflections or Lectio Divina
Write a list of prayer intentions for the season, interceding for family, friends, or those in need. You can record all those in your journal

Closing Prayer:
Lord, teach me to pray. Help me to listen, to rest in You, and to grow in trust.

Amen.

Take a moment now to sit in stillness. Let today’s prayer and reflection settle in your heart.

May this season be one of deep grace and renewal and a deeper encounter with Christ.

Day 4 – Readiness for Sacrifice – 9 Days of Spiritual Preparation for Lent – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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A Discerning Heart Prepared: 9 Days of Spiritual Preparation for Lent

Opening Prayer (Pray each day before the daily reflection)

Amen.

Day 4 – Readiness for Sacrifice

Scripture: “Whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.” (Matthew 16:25)

Reflection:
Fasting is not just about deprivation; it is a way of making space for God. It reminds us that He alone can satisfy our deepest hunger.

Practical Steps:

Take a moment today to plan your Lenten fasting.

Will you fast from certain foods?
Will you step away from distractions like social media or unnecessary spending?
What small but meaningful sacrifices can you make to strengthen your dependence on God?

As we enter this season, let’s also remember the Church’s call to fasting and abstinence.

Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of fasting. At a bare minimum, this means no more than one full meal and two smaller meals that together do not equal a full meal, with no snacking in between. These are also days of abstinence from meat.
Take a moment to ask yourself: Given my health and circumstances, what can I truly offer as a fasting prayer this Lent? Plan accordingly, making your sacrifice one that draws you closer to God.
All Fridays during Lent are days of abstinence from meat, uniting us with Christ’s sacrifice in a simple but meaningful way.

Lent isn’t just about what we give up—it’s about how we love.

Consider adding a spiritual work of mercy to your Lenten journey:

Is there an opportunity in your parish or a local ministry that serves the poor, the suffering, or those in need? Could you take part in it?
Can you reach out to someone in need with a kind act or a word of encouragement? A simple gesture could mean more than you realize.
Is there a relationship that needs healing? Consider taking the first step—perhaps by writing a letter, making a call, or offering a quiet prayer for reconciliation.
Offer a daily prayer for others, especially for those who are suffering, lonely, or in need of hope.

Fasting isn’t about deprivation—it’s about making space for God.

As you begin this Lenten practice, ask yourself: Lord, how are You inviting me to rely on You more deeply?

Closing Prayer:
Jesus, help me to fast with love, to sacrifice with joy, and to embrace this Lent as a time to grow closer to You.

Amen.

Take a moment now to sit in stillness. Let today’s prayer and reflection settle in your heart.

May this season be one of deep grace and renewal and a deeper encounter with Christ.

Day 3 – Removing Obstacles – 9 Days of Spiritual Preparation for Lent – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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A Discerning Heart Prepared: 9 Days of Spiritual Preparation for Lent

Opening Prayer (Pray each day before the daily reflection)

Amen.

Day 3 – Removing Obstacles

Scripture: “Make straight the way of the Lord.” (John 1:23)

Reflection:
Before we move forward in Lent, it would be good to remove what is holding us back. What distractions, sins, or habits keep you from drawing closer to Christ?

Practical Step:

Take time today to identify what needs to go. Reflect on habits, distractions, or attachments that keep you from deeper prayer. Write them down in your journal, and ask for the grace to surrender them.
If possible, simplify your environment. Clear clutter from your prayer space, put away distractions, and create an atmosphere that helps you focus on God.

Closing Prayer:
Jesus, help me remove what keeps me from You. Give me the strength to let go and walk freely in Your grace.

Amen.

Take a moment now to sit in stillness. Let today’s prayer and reflection settle in your heart.

May this season be one of deep grace and renewal and a deeper encounter with Christ.

Day 2 – Expectant Waiting – 9 Days of Spiritual Preparation for Lent – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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A Discerning Heart Prepared: 9 Days of Spiritual Preparation for Lent

Opening Prayer (Pray each day before the daily reflection)

Amen.

Day 2 – Expectant Waiting

Scripture: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness.” (Matthew 5:6)

Reflection:
Lent is not just about what we give up; it is about what we take on for love of God. True transformation begins with expectation—a heart that longs to be filled by Him.

Today, take a moment to reflect: How do I want to grow this Lent? Where do I thirst for God’s grace in my life?

Practical Step:

Start your first Lenten journal entry. Write down what you hope for this season—how you want to grow spiritually, where you need God’s grace, and the prayers you want to bring before Him. Think of this as a gentle warm-up, allowing journaling to become second nature by the time Lent begins.
Ponder a simple daily prayer commitment. It could be reading a short passage of Scripture, praying the Rosary daily—alone or with family—or sitting in quiet with the Lord for five minutes each day. You don’t have to decide today, but begin discerning what might be best for you as Lent approaches.

Closing Prayer:
Lord, deepen my hunger for You. Awaken in me a longing that only You can satisfy.

Amen.

Take a moment now to sit in stillness. Let today’s prayer and reflection settle in your heart.

May this season be one of deep grace and renewal and a deeper encounter with Christ.