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Episode 1 -Crossing the Desert: Lent and Conversion – “The Desert of Consumerism”.  

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, PhD, the director of Theological Formation for the Institute for Priestly Formation, located at Creighton University, in Omaha, is making available to ”Discerning Hearts” and all who listen, his series of programs entitled “Crossing the Desert”.

For more information on the “Institute of Priestly Formation” and for other material available by Deacon Keating, just click here

 

Check out Deacon Keating’s “Discerning Heart” page

2 Responses

1. Lisa A. Cooney says:

   February 20, 2013 at 8:47 pm

   Hi Deacon Keating – Very good message. Thank you for your insights. They speak to me on a very deep level and have converted me deeply in many ways. I want to thank you for letting God use your voice to draw me back to the Catholic church over three years ago. When I’d drive around and listen to stations you seemed to come on magically (go figure). It was your talks about pain and sadness – not a ‘feel good’ message that drew me because it addressed my pain as no one else had. I just wanted to thank you. Lisa

2. Tanya says:

   February 20, 2015 at 12:14 am

   I so needed to hear that to confirm the truth that is Lent,It is just starting, that Oasis and now i will hold on to it even more so.
   Thank you for your calming voice that I was so relaxed in reflexion and mediatation I almost fell asleep. Thank for for the better understanding this is only my forth Lent in the church and I find myself shedding more each year, It is true I want to go deeper this year, leave ll that is not exceptable at His feet, Wash His feet with my tears, and let no one take the joy of His love from me again.